How to Use AI to Assist with Grant Applications

Applying for grants can feel like an overwhelming treasure hunt, especially when you're pressed for time and resources.

But here's the good news: generative AI can streamline the entire process, leaving you free to focus on the truly impactful work. Whether you're an entrepreneur, charity, or a community organisation, AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.ai can be your digital sidekicks.

Let's dive into exactly how you can harness AI to level up your grant applications, step by step.

Step 1: Finding the Right Grants (Without Losing Your Mind!)

Before you even think about drafting your application, you need to find relevant grants. Here's where AI shines.

Tool of Choice: Perplexity.ai

Why Perplexity.ai? It's free, easy to use, and particularly effective for research.
Prompt to Use:

"My organisation, [Your Organisation's Website], is actively seeking opportunities to secure funding that will support our ongoing projects and future initiatives. Could you please provide me with a comprehensive list of recently posted or relevant grants that we are eligible to apply for? This information will greatly assist us in identifying potential funding sources to further our mission and achieve our goals."

Tick the "Deep Research" option. It’s like sending a super-diligent intern off to compile a detailed report.

Pro Tip: While Perplexity.ai does its magic (usually 5–10 minutes), make a cup of tea.

Step 2: Priming ChatGPT (Setting Up for Success!)

Once you've identified a grant, it's time to hop on over to ChatGPT or whatever generative AI application you prefer and train it on your organisation. Think of it as briefing a new staff member on their first day (without the awkward introductions).

Tool of Choice: ChatGPT

Why ChatGPT? It's intuitive, conversational, and perfect for crafting compelling text.
Prompt to Use:

"Please create a detailed profile of my organisation, [Your Organisation's Website]. Where possible this should include mission, vision, core values, structure and governance, leadership, track record, financial health, programs, community engagement, and compliance and reporting practices."

If ChatGPT struggles to access your website directly, copy your site’s text manually using a web-to-text tool and paste it into the chat.

Step 3: Profiling the Grant Provider (Speaking Their Language!)

Mirroring the priorities and language of the grant provider is key.

Prompt to Use:

"I am going to submit an application for a grant that is being offered by this esteemed organisation, [Grant Funders Website]. I would greatly appreciate it if you could thoroughly review their official website, along with their outlined priorities and core values, to develop a comprehensive and detailed profile. This profile should encompass all relevant criteria, insightful analyses, and specific interests that align with the organisation's objectives, thereby enhancing the strength and relevance of my application."

This ensures your application feels like a perfect match—almost like grant-writing dating!

Step 4: Answering Application Questions (ChatGPT as Your Co-writer!)

Now, armed with both your profile and the grant provider’s, you're ready to write.

Prompt to Use:

"I request that you utilise the detailed information you have regarding my organisation and the specific project we are undertaking to thoroughly address each of the questions presented in the grant application. It is essential that your responses are meticulously aligned with the mission and the specific criteria established by the grant provider. This alignment should clearly demonstrate how our project not only meets but also supports and advances the objectives and priorities of the grant provider, ensuring that our application is both compelling and well-suited to their funding goals."

You can specify character or word limits:

"Answer this in less than X words."

If the AI’s output seems off-target, or answering as if it is the grant organisation, gently guide it:

"Please rewrite this answer from our organisation’s perspective."

Step 5: Budget Breakdown (Demystifying Numbers with Ease!)

Funders want clear insights into how their money will be used. AI makes budget breakdowns straightforward:

Prompt to Use:

"I would like you to create a detailed table that outlines the allocation of a £5,000 application budget across the following key areas: [Example: marketing, advertising, administration, and resource development]. Please distribute the funds in a strategic manner that best supports and enhances the ongoing success and growth of my venture, taking into account your expertise and understanding of effective resource management."

Now you have a clear, professional table ready to enhance your application.

Wrapping Up: Critical Thinking and AI

Remember, generative AI tools produce statistically probable outcomes—not absolute truths. Always apply your critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity. Double-check the AI's outputs for accuracy and authenticity. Think of AI as your assistant rather than a replacement for your expertise.

Join the Conversation!

Have you tried using AI for grant applications before? What was your experience? Or perhaps you have tips to share with our community? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or visit Netropolitan.xyz to connect, learn, and grow together.

Happy grant hunting!