Revolutionize Grant Writing with ChatGPT and Specialized Grant GPTs
10 Ai Tools to Help with Grant Writing
Grant writing is a critical skill for librarians and educators seeking funding to support their programs, but it can also be time-consuming and overwhelming. Tools like ChatGPT and grant-specific GPTs are game-changers, offering personalized support to streamline the process. I’ve personally experienced the power of these tools while writing grants for my library, including the Mathical Book Prize grant I successfully secured.
While this newsletter focuses on how to use ChatGPT for grant writing, it’s important to note that other chatbots like Gemini and Perplexity offer similar capabilities. These platforms can assist in brainstorming ideas, drafting proposals, and polishing your applications with ease. In addition to ChatGPT, I’ll also highlight other grant-focused GPTs that can help you craft compelling and professional proposals.
*Please note that certain grants may require you to disclose if you are using AI. Please check the sponsor to see if they have rules before you begin using it or else the proposal will not pass review.
Here are the NSF guidelines related to using AI - note that the website may not be available in the future due to the things being in flux with the U.S. Government.
NotebookLM Deep Dive:
How to Use ChatGPT for Grant Writing
ChatGPT is a versatile AI tool that can assist you at every stage of the grant-writing process. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Brainstorming Ideas
Use ChatGPT to generate ideas for potential grant projects. For example, you can ask:“What innovative library programs could address literacy gaps among teens?”
“Suggest ways to integrate technology into public school libraries.”
Research Assistance
ChatGPT can help you draft initial summaries or outlines for your research. Provide prompts like:“Summarize the importance of digital literacy in K-12 education for a grant proposal.”
“What are the key statistics on the impact of reading programs for underserved youth?”
Drafting Key Sections
ChatGPT can write specific sections of your proposal, such as:Problem Statements: “Write a problem statement about the lack of digital resources in school libraries.”
Objectives: “Draft measurable objectives for a project that promotes STEM education in middle schools.”
Budget Justifications: “Explain why funding for a technology lending program is essential.”
Editing and Refining
Paste your draft into ChatGPT and ask for revisions or edits. For example:“Rewrite this section to make it more persuasive.”
“Simplify this paragraph to make it clearer for a general audience.”
Proposal Polishing
Use ChatGPT to format and finalize your proposal. Ask it to:“Create a professional closing paragraph for a grant application.”
“Proofread this draft for grammar and coherence.”
Grant-Specific Tools to Streamline the Process
GrantGPT
Description: GrantGPT is designed for organizations looking to simplify the grant writing process. This AI-powered tool offers robust features like drafting detailed work plans, evaluating grant eligibility, and crafting funder-aligned narratives. Its ability to assess funder requirements and tailor your content accordingly makes it an invaluable tool for both experienced and novice grant writers.
Access: Requires a subscription or paid plan for full features. Pricing varies based on usage.
Website: GrantGPT
How It Helps: Automates administrative tasks like formatting and compliance checks, so users can focus on compelling storytelling and strategic alignment with funders.Easy-Peasy.AI's Grant Proposal Generator
Description: This tool simplifies grant writing by generating complete drafts based on user inputs. Whether you need a problem statement, objectives, or budget justification, Easy-Peasy.AI provides ready-to-use templates and content tailored to your needs. Its user-friendly interface makes it ideal for educators and librarians new to grant writing.
Access: Free tier available; premium plans start at $15/month for advanced customization.
Website: Easy-Peasy.AI
How It Helps: Saves time by generating structured, clear, and professional grant proposal drafts in minutes.Grantboost
Description: Grantboost focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of grant applications by tailoring content to specific funder priorities. It offers tools for creating well-defined project summaries, needs statements, and funding justifications. Additionally, Grantboost provides insights into common pitfalls and actionable recommendations for strengthening proposals.
Access: Subscription-based; pricing depends on features and organizational needs.
Website: Grantboost
How It Helps: Aligns your application with funder priorities and increases clarity in your messaging, making proposals more competitive.Instrumentl
Description: Instrumentl is a comprehensive platform that helps organizations discover, manage, and apply for grants. It uses AI to match your projects with relevant funding opportunities and provides tools for deadline tracking and collaboration. With data on past grant awards, Instrumentl also helps you refine your application strategy.
Access: Free basic version; premium plans start at $50/month.
Website: Instrumentl
How It Helps: Reduces research time by providing personalized funding matches and simplifies the management of deadlines and submissions.OpenGrants
Description: OpenGrants offers a free, open-access database of grant opportunities, combined with AI tools for refining searches and drafting proposals. Designed for educators and nonprofits, this platform also connects users with expert grant writers for additional guidance.
Access: Free for database access; pay-as-you-go for consulting services.
Website: OpenGrants
How It Helps: Provides easy access to a wide range of funding opportunities and supports efficient proposal development through AI-generated content.Grantable
Description: Grantable offers smart content suggestions and structured templates to streamline the grant writing process. It simplifies the task of aligning proposals with funder requirements while maintaining a professional tone. The platform’s intelligent features are especially useful for new grant writers or teams working on multiple proposals.
Access: Free version available; premium plans offer advanced features.
Website: Grantable
How It Helps: Simplifies the grant writing process with intuitive tools and suggestions that make creating polished proposals easier.Grant Assistant
Description: Grant Assistant provides a comprehensive suite of AI tools designed to streamline every aspect of the grant writing process. From drafting and compliance checks to summarizing solicitation requirements, this platform ensures your application is well-prepared and aligned with funder expectations.
Access: Subscription-based with pricing available upon request.
Website: Grant Assistant
How It Helps: Offers end-to-end support for grant applications, ensuring compliance and providing high-quality content generation tools.HyperWrite's Grant Proposal Generator
Description: Powered by GPT-4, this tool transforms your project ideas into detailed, persuasive grant proposals. HyperWrite allows you to draft content aligned with funder requirements while maintaining a professional tone. It’s ideal for organizations working on tight deadlines.
Access: Free tier available; premium plans start at $19.99/month.
Website: HyperWrite
How It Helps: Streamlines the proposal writing process by creating polished, funder-aligned narratives quickly and efficiently.Granted
Description: Granted specializes in federal grants and large-scale fundraising proposals. With over 50 writing models tailored for different funding needs, it ensures compliance with specific grant requirements while providing detailed, funder-ready narratives.
Access: Pricing details available on their website.
Website: Granted
How It Helps: Customizes grant applications to align with specific requirements, significantly improving approval chances.GrantWrite
Description: GrantWrite automates repetitive tasks like data collection, analysis, and formatting. It ensures that your proposal meets all required standards while saving time on administrative details.
Access: Pricing available on their website.
Website: GrantWrite
How It Helps: Enhances efficiency by automating routine aspects of grant writing, letting you focus on crafting compelling narratives.
These tools are designed to make grant writing faster, more effective, and more accessible for educators and librarians. However, while AI can simplify and enhance the process, it’s essential to carefully review what it generates. Ensure that the content aligns with your goals, reflects your organization’s voice, and meets the specific requirements of the grant. By combining the efficiency of AI with your unique insights, you can create proposals that stand out and secure the funding you need to make a difference in your community.
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A reader wrote the following which is a good tip. I know with the NSF, there are a lot of rules around using AI in grant writing. You have to check the sponsor to see if they have rules before you begin using it or else the proposal will not pass review.