Feature Spotlight: Blackbaud Grantmaking Branch Security Module

Kathleen Ward

Blackbaud Grantmaking Branch Security is a valuable tool for organizations managing complex grantmaking operations. It centralizes grant information across multiple entities while allowing discrete management and controlled access, to maintain both privacy and efficiency. This feature is especially useful for family foundations or institutions overseeing multiple programs.

Here's a summary of its benefits, how it works, and a few practical applications:

Key Benefits

· Centralized Data, Controlled Access: It keeps all grant-related information in a single database while enabling tailored access, so users only see and interact with data relevant to their branch.

· Enhanced Privacy and Efficiency: The module restricts cross-branch visibility and editing by default, reducing data exposure risk and keeping workflows clean and focused.

· Streamlined Reporting and Searching: Users only generate reports and searches based on data tied to their designated branches, improving relevance and clarity.

· Enhanced Security: Branch Security limits data exposure through branch-specific access control.

· Operational Efficiency: Staff focus only on what matters to their department or region.

· Robust Reporting: Combines local autonomy with the power to see the big picture across programs.

· User Flexibility: The module supports a range of organizational structures by tailoring access by role or responsibility.

How it works

Branch Security enables grantmakers with multiple sites or branches and separate giving programs to capture all their information in a centralized database, while preventing users from different branches from editing (or viewing, if desired) data from other branches. Each grant request and its related records—like activities and payments—get a branch code. That code controls what each user can see or do. Access is granted per branch, and users only view data from branches they’re permitted to.

There are two main data entry models:

• The Centralized Model: A central team enters all the data, but individual branches can still view the information related to their branch.

• The Decentralized Model: Each branch operates independently and enters its own data—but everything is still housed in one cohesive system.

You can't edit or view data from other branches unless you're granted permission to do so. In addition, your reports and searches only include data for the branches for which you have “view” rights.

By stamping each grant request and related record with a branch code, the system enforces permissions automatically—no risk of cross-branch mix-ups. It’s an elegant solution for structured, scalable philanthropy.

Practical Application Scenarios

• Family foundations with multiple funds: Branch Security is ideal for entities managing multiple giving programs or funds, where confidentiality and separation of responsibilities matter.
• Large organizations with distinct programs or departments: The module ensures each department can operate independently while maintaining overall organizational security. For example, the education department can manage its grants without accessing sensitive information from the healthcare department, and vice versa.
• Banks, law offices and other wealth management organizations: If your organization manages several family foundations, you can make sure your clients only have access to the information they need to see.
• Nonprofits with multiple locations: Branch Security allows each location to operate independently. For instance, a national nonprofit with regional offices can assign users to their respective regions, ensuring each office manages its grants while maintaining overall organizational coherence.
• Collaborative initiatives among multiple partners: Each organization can manage its grants independently while sharing relevant information with partners. This makes sure sensitive information is protected while facilitating collaboration. Blackbaud Grantmaking's Branch Security module offers a smart way for organizations, especially those with multiple programs, locations, or funds, to balance centralized oversight with local autonomy. It ensures privacy, control, and streamlined workflows—all while keeping everything in one unified system. If your organization oversees multiple programs, departments, or funds, this tool is designed with you in mind.

Patrick Points, Director of IT at Ignite Philanthropy effectively manages multiple grantmaking environments for its clients using Blackbaud Grantmaking’s branch functionality. Patrick explains:

“We chose Blackbaud Grantmaking because it allows us to keep our clients’ funds and grants accurately and clearly separated. When compared to the other systems we were using, Blackbaud was the obvious choice for handling multiple funds, ensuring data integrity and client satisfaction.” For more on Ignite Philanthropy’s experience with improving the client experience with Blackbaud technology, see this story link Ignite Philanthropy - Blackbaud

Whether you’re trying to keep departments focused, protect sensitive information, or streamline reporting, Branch Security gives you the structure and flexibility to do it all.

Interested in learning more? Watch this quick video and request a demo here. Already using Branch Security? We would love to hear from you! Please comment on this blog to share with our community members.