The best AI grant writers for charities

Much has been heralded around the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to make short work out of writing large swathes of text. It can provide lengthy answers to questions in mere moments, generating copy with little effort and time required to do so. For the time-poor charity sector, it is perhaps not surprising then that such technology has been touted as game-changing, not least in the area of grant writing. 

Generally speaking, there are a few key reasons why grant writing is a prime target for AI usage. AI models typically start out by writing a decent first draft, including basic research, structure, and analysis. The research provided is a time saver. AI models help with literature reviews, citations, and some even identify potential grant opportunities.  

To unlock these myriad benefits, we’ll explore some of the AI grant writers available, and how charities can make the most out of them to boost their funds and support vital services.

AI tools for grant writing

Charity Excellence Framework’s Chat GPT Grant Writer 

Charity Excellence’s grant writer takes aim at levelling the playing field. Targeted at smaller charities this grant writer uses AI to coach charities through their applications. Users log into the dashboard and start running through the questionnaire. Next, the AI Bunny processes the request and out pops out generated text based on responses. Applicants then have the choice to download or email themselves the draft.  

Pro tip: Run through all of Charity Excellence’s AI Bid Writing Best Practices.  

Kindsight’s Grant Writer 

Recently launched, nonprofit technology expert Kindsight’s Grant Writer is a comprehensive solution to proposal drafting. The AI draws from a proprietary database from fully awarded grants, meaning that charities are learning from a bank of known winning proposals. The data has been tested and vetted by professional grant writers.  

Other features of this platform are also time-savers. Authors can click and drop an executive summary, needs, research, budget and capacity statements, but leave out other fillers or sections. Each proposal can be tailored exactly to the request.  

Pro tip: Check out the free trial.  

Plinth 

Plinth takes a slightly different perspective. The AI-driven platform is helping small and large organisations manage their applications. The AI-powered features help with grant management, service delivery, case management, and fundraising. Plinth says it saves time by using tech to vet applications against Charity Commission data. It then comes up with feedback that is customised to the applicant.  

Plinth’s main benefits are two-fold. The platform uses previous applications to pre-populate questionnaires and can build evidence from your existing work. Then the AI can do some professional editing. The technology adjusts for tone and language to suit the application.  

Pro tip: Consider using the entire platform to maximise benefits.  

GrantWrite AI  

GrantWrite AI is a dedicated platform which scans the internet for possible funding opportunities and makes recommendations. Then the application process is made easier. The editing tool enables better writing, so that the proposal is tailored to the grant criteria. The platform also acknowledges that grant writing isn’t done by a single person. The Collaborative Workflow function includes other inputters and reviewers in the process. Next, the grant process itself is tracked. GrantWrite AI monitors progress and shares updates.  

Pro tip: The best feature here is the Snippet Library – lift your best work and phrases into new applications.  

Autogen AI 

Another specialised platform, Autogen AI works in two ways. First, the platform can smartly identify funding opportunities. Second, it helps with the request-for-proposal (RFP) process.  

The process Autogen AI uses is intuitive. First, AI can ‘read’ the RFP and extract the relevant requirements for your organisation. Then the platform can separate each section and users assign responsibilities and due dates. In addition to streamlining the process, AI can help adjust form and language to meet RFP expectations.  

Pro tip: This platform works best for complicated, professional RFP processes – ideally government bids and other major projects.  

UK Grant Finder Pro 

For many charities, testing out new tech is the way to go ahead of a larger investment. Grant Finder Pro helps by dedicating most of their services to smaller organisations. Once registered, the platform sends alerts to charities on which grants might be suitable. When a grant is identified, Grant Finder Pro then uses AI to help draft the proposal using registration information, website, grant, and project details. For an added cost, applicants can add a human editor to the process.  

Pro tip: UK Grant Finder Pro works well on a shoestring budget without any other features.  

Grant Boost 

Another pared back service, Grant Boost requires users to share information about the charity and grant. AI is used across three processes. First, the tech checks out the charity information and parses it out to product a draft. AI also can edit the responses, providing better writing and compelling answers.  

Pro tip: Use for basic applications.