Good Grants, a global leader in grant management software, has launched a new suite of secure, privacy-first artificial intelligence tools designed specifically for the grantmaking sector. The announcement addresses growing concerns about data protection in AI implementation while offering practical solutions for organizations seeking to enhance their grantmaking processes.
The company's approach differs significantly from many technology providers by operating its AI tools entirely within its own secure virtual private cloud (VPC). This ensures that all grantmaking data remains private, fully compliant and never leaves the Good Grants environment. "Security, privacy and governance are built into every layer of our system," said Richard de Nys, Managing Director of Good Grants. "We wanted to give grantmakers confidence that they can use AI responsibly, knowing their data remains protected at all times."
The AI capabilities are completely optional and opt-in, allowing organizations to maintain total control over what data is accessible to AI, who can configure its use and who can view its outputs. Users can also choose from various large language models they trust, including Claude Sonnet, GPT OSS, and Qwen3, depending on their location and preferences.
The first feature in the new suite, called AI fields, enables grant managers and program administrators to ask natural-language questions and instantly generate insights directly within the Good Grants platform. This functionality could include summarizing applications, generating feedback for grantees, or performing complex queries such as calculating allocations or identifying outstanding reports. "AI fields are designed to make grantmaking easier and smarter," de Nys explained. "You can analyze, summarize or extract insights from application data in seconds, all within your existing workflows."
The company emphasizes that its AI tools represent more than just technological innovation. "AI is transforming the way organizations work, but for grantmakers, privacy and compliance are non-negotiable," de Nys noted. "Rather than asking how AI could be added quickly, we asked how it could be added meaningfully: to power good grantmaking and increase impact—safely and securely."
This development matters because it addresses a critical tension in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors: the need to adopt modern technologies while maintaining strict data protection standards. Grantmaking organizations handle sensitive information about applicants, funding priorities, and community needs, making privacy concerns paramount. The introduction of these tools could help smaller and medium-sized grantmakers compete with larger organizations that have more resources for technology implementation.
Good Grants positions its approach as "responsible innovation for the long term," focusing on building a sustainable AI framework that grows with the evolving needs of the grantmaking community. "We've always prioritized substance over novelty," de Nys said. "Our AI roadmap reflects that. Every future feature will be developed with the same focus on fairness, safety and real-world usefulness."
The introduction of AI fields marks the beginning of an expanding family of intelligent, compliant tools designed to enhance decision-making, streamline operations and promote equitable grantmaking. As organizations increasingly seek ways to work more efficiently at scale, solutions that balance technological advancement with ethical considerations will likely gain importance across the social impact sector. For more information about Good Grants' approach to grant management, visit https://www.goodgrants.com.
