AI writing tools are everywhere nowadays, and they have obvious uses for hard-pressed fundraisers who need a hand with producing well-written grant applications. However, you need to be very careful  –  AI text is always easy to spot and grant-funders are starting to make it clear that they want to hear your voice in an application, not Chat GPT’s.

“…..it is often noticeable when AI has been over-relied on and, in many cases, this is not giving applicants the best chance of success. These applications are often generic, and do not bring out your own voice or uniqueness.”  (Lloyds Bank Foundation website)

AI can make a difference when;

• You are building your confidence in written English and/or bid-writing
• You’d like help organising your first draft into paragraphs or bullet-points
• You have written more than the word or character count will allow

You may also use AI to increase ease of use for otherwise hard-to-access grant application processes.

But however you use AI, please remember;

• AI doesn’t know how to write a good fundraising application, although some people might tell you it can!
• Your organisation’s experience, impact and passion are what counts, not perfect grammar.
• You need to be in charge of the content of the application.

Both the National Lottery Community Fund and Lloyds Bank Foundation have issued useful guides on their approach to receiving AI-written applications, and how to use it effectively.