Is AI The Answer to Getting More Grants
AI is being pushed as the next big thing — and its footprint is visible everywhere online. As a grant writer, I have many concerns about using AI as part of the fundraising process. My most pressing questions are:
- For those who are using AI in their grant applications, have you seen noticeably better outcomes?
- Does using AI make grant proposals more effective?
- Does it lead to better reactions from potential funders?
These questions were recently posed in an online forum for people connected to nonprofits in various ways — grant writers, executive directors, development officers, and foundation representatives. The group included around 100 participants, and everyone had an opinion about using AI in letters of inquiry, applications, and proposals.
At first glance, it appeared that writers were far more enthusiastic about the dawn of AI than funders were — so I took a closer look.
The Appeal of AI for Grant Writers
Those applying for grants cited AI’s efficiency — the ability to complete more work faster. However, no clear conclusions were reached about whether that increased productivity led to a higher rate of grant approvals.
AI tools can certainly help streamline the writing process, but do they actually make applications more successful? That’s where opinions begin to diverge.
Concerns from Funders About AI Grant Proposals
Many of the most vocal criticisms came from funders themselves. Here’s what they reported:
- Proposal overload: Funders are now inundated with more proposals than ever because AI allows applicants to generate and send submissions at record speed.
- Lack of authenticity: Proposals often sound too polished and impersonal, missing the genuine, human voice that funders look for.
- Fabricated content: Some AI-generated proposals include made-up studies, false citations, or invented data — and applicants sometimes fail to catch these errors before submitting.
One granting officer shared:
“I just read through a series of proposals for a funder. We were instructed to flag anything we felt or knew to be AI, and here’s what was pulled:
- Studies or citations that didn’t exist
- Improbable data or analysis
- Prompts accidentally left in
While flagged proposals weren’t automatically disqualified, many foundations — especially those focused on the environment or sustainability — now see AI use as a negative, given its energy consumption and environmental impact.”
In short, using AI without proper editing or verification is not a good way to earn goodwill — or funding.
Ethical Questions Around AI Use
A number of participants objected to AI use in environmental grant applications, citing the irony of using a resource-intensive tool to request funding for environmental causes. One respondent noted:
“It seems like a conflict of interest for nonprofits focused on environmental issues to use a tool that isn’t environmentally friendly. I’d expect organizations like that to have clear policies regarding responsible AI use.”
This perspective highlights a growing expectation that organizations — especially those advocating for sustainability — remain consistent in their values when adopting new technologies.
Balanced Views: Responsible and Disclosed Use
Not all foundation staff are opposed to AI. In fact, many accept its considered and responsible use.
One grants manager from a small family foundation explained:
“We accept responsible AI use and simply request disclosure via a drop-down on our application. It helps level the playing field between large organizations with paid writers and smaller ones with volunteer staff who aren’t native English speakers.”
The key takeaway: Transparency matters. Many funders appreciate AI-assisted writing as long as it’s disclosed and reviewed by humans.
Human Connection Still Matters
One development officer commented, “Two of my major funders have discouraged AI use because they want human stories.”
Another participant summarized it best:
“The problem isn’t AI — it’s lazy copy-paste jobs. Funders aren’t rejecting AI; they’re rejecting bland, soulless proposals that read like ChatGPT had diarrhea.”
AI’s weaknesses are clear: while it can generate structure and polish, it struggles to capture genuine emotion, passion, and storytelling — the heart of effective fundraising.
AI as a Grant Writing Assistant — Not a Replacement
Many writers agreed that the best use of AI is as an assistant, not the driver of your narrative.
“I use AI to revise clunky sections, check clarity, or rephrase content for a specific funder,” one writer shared.
Another added, “I write the initial draft myself and use AI to edit. It’s great for improving flow, but putting words to passion or meaning still requires a human touch.”
The consensus: AI is valuable for enhancing writing, not replacing it.
AI in Grant Review: The Next Phase
Interestingly, some funders predict that AI-assisted grant reviewing will soon become the next big shift — helping manage the flood of AI-generated proposals.
That’s why tools like Grant Advance’s Document Generator are so effective. It allows users to write, then refine proposals with AI editing — improving clarity and tone while ensuring the final submission still sounds authentically human.
As we like to say: AI makes a fine servant, but an unreliable master.
Conclusion: Use AI Wisely in Grant Writing
For now, it’s too early to tell if AI-driven grant applications perform better. What’s clear is that the surge in AI-generated proposals has increased competition and processing times for funders.
The lesson? AI in grant writing works best when used responsibly — as a supportive editing tool that enhances human insight and emotion, not one that replaces it.
If you’re a nonprofit or grant writer experimenting with AI tools, remember:
- Always cross-check your facts and citations.
- Preserve your organization’s authentic voice.
- Use AI for editing and refinement, not storytelling.
The future of grant writing will likely combine both human creativity and AI efficiency — but heart, integrity, and authenticity will always win the grant. to request a demo of our grant search engine online.
