Bonterra Penelope

Overview

Bonterra Penelope is case management software for nonprofits and public agencies coordinating essential services and measuring outcomes. It is best suited to organizations that need outcome measures, client communication, or medication workflows alongside case management. Its specialized modules are compelling, but custom pricing and the need to confirm current availability make it a less straightforward choice.

Key features

Custom intake forms and outcome tracking support consistent information gathering and follow-up. Organizations that need to assess results as part of service delivery get a stronger fit than those looking only to maintain basic case records.

ClientConnect is a mobile portal for secure communication between clients and staff. It gives teams a dedicated client-facing channel, though the portal alone does not establish which devices or workflows it supports.

The medication management module integrates DrFirst Rcopia through a two-way interface that shares patient demographics, allergies, and diagnoses, with single sign-on from Penelope. Rcopia supports creating and managing prescriptions, checking drug and allergy interactions, reviewing patient eligibility, formulary information, and medication history, and electronically prescribing controlled substances through EPCS Gold. That breadth suits organizations with medication responsibilities; it is less relevant to teams whose casework does not involve prescriptions.

Penelope Online Dashboard reporting services provide Tableau access and a package of standard reports for one Penelope database. The database limit matters for organizations managing multiple databases: this package is scoped to one, rather than a broader reporting arrangement.

The ORS Measures module includes ORS, SRS, CORS, CSRS, YCORS, and GSRS content, plus OpenFit, an API for statistical information used to monitor and measure outcomes. This is a focused outcome-measurement offering for agencies that need those instruments and statistical monitoring, rather than a general-purpose reporting feature alone.

Pricing

Penelope uses paid, custom pricing; request a quote. No published plan tiers or prices are provided, so organizations should establish the cost and scope directly before comparing it with other case management options.

Platforms

Penelope is available on Android, iOS, and the web, and offers an API. ClientConnect is described as a mobile portal, while the platform list also includes Android and iOS support.

Who it's for

Bonterra positions its case management software for nonprofits and public sector agencies. Penelope is most compelling for service organizations that need case coordination alongside client communication, medication workflows, or formal outcome measures. Teams seeking only straightforward case tracking may not need its specialized modules.

Athena Software Corporation’s information security management system is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2013; the certificate dated June 20, 2023 calls for annual audits. A legacy support agreement describes basic Penelope system support, 24/7 client portal access, and chat and email support Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time. Phone consultations are available through fee-based support packages.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Specialized medication workflow: Rcopia combines prescription management, interaction checks, medication history, and controlled-substance e-prescribing for services where medication is part of casework.
• Multiple outcome tools: ORS Measures includes several named measures and OpenFit for statistical outcome monitoring.
• Client communication option: ClientConnect adds a mobile portal for secure contact between staff and clients.

Cons

• Custom pricing: Without a published price or plan breakdown, budgeting and direct cost comparison require a quote.
• Reporting scope: The standard Tableau reporting package covers one Penelope database, which may not suit organizations that need it across multiple databases.
• Current availability needs confirmation: Bonterra’s current case management navigation lists Apricot products, while legacy terms still include Penelope modules. Organizations should confirm that Penelope and the modules they need can be obtained.
• Phone support costs extra: The legacy agreement puts phone consultations in fee-based packages.

Alternatives

For a broader search, browse Nonprofit Case Management Software or Grant Management Software.

Consider CommunityForce if you want a web-based awards management platform; pricing requires a demo or expert discussion. Choose Euna Budget instead when budgeting for a jurisdiction is the priority: its Enterprise plan targets large, complex jurisdictions with added configurability, dedicated guidance, and strategic support, while Professional is for smaller jurisdictions.

OpenWater Grant Management is a web and Android option for grant management with custom subscription pricing based on usage. SmartyGrants is a web-based paid option with a free trial. For a custom-scoped employee-giving program, Benevity Employee Groups quotes pricing to each organization and has no free plan.

Foundant CommunitySuite is a paid web and API option with pricing provided after Foundant learns about an organization’s needs. GrantSolutions is limited to federal agency partnerships, with service fees set out in partner agreements. OmniStar Grants is a web and API option whose subscription quote is tailored to the number of internal users.

Verdict

Penelope is a strong candidate for nonprofits and public agencies whose casework genuinely depends on outcome measures, client communication, or integrated medication workflows. Those specialized tools are its main reason to choose it; custom pricing and uncertainty around current availability are the reasons to confirm scope first or look elsewhere.