What should a consultant advise a nonprofit organization to do in Salesforce to easily access previous grant information?

Filling in the "Previous Grant/Gift Opportunity" lookup field on the Opportunity for the new grant and checking the "Is Grant Renewal" field is the most effective approach to ensure easy access to previous grant information in Salesforce. This method allows for a direct connection between the new grant Opportunity and its previous grant, establishing a clear lineage of funding relationships.

By utilizing the lookup field, users can quickly reference the original grant whenever they are viewing or managing the renewal grant. This enhances the visibility of historical data related to funding, making it easier for the nonprofit organization to track and manage its grant opportunities over time.

Moreover, checking the "Is Grant Renewal" field adds an additional layer of specificity that aligns with the best practices in grant management within Salesforce. It categorizes the new Opportunity as a renewal, making it straightforward to filter and report on renewal grants in various contexts, thereby aiding in strategic decision-making.

Through the proper use of these fields, the organization can maintain a structured database of grant opportunities, ensuring that previous grants are easily accessible and manageable as part of their grant lifecycle. This approach not only streamlines data access but also aids in compliance and reporting needed for funding entities or internal stakeholders.