January 13, 2026
The Impact Issue #95: What Successful AI Grant Writing Looks Like
Learn how to leverage AI while preserving your voice.
Hi there!
If you’re not leveraging AI in your grant writing, you should be!
….but only if you’re using it strategically and intentionally.
In this week’s edition, we’ll share tips and tricks on AI grant writing, including actionable pointers, expert perspectives, and educational resources. We’ll also highlight technology tools, networking opportunities, and so much more.
This is going to be a good one, so settle in.
Welcome to The Impact.
Pitfalls and Pointers
⚠️ Pitfall: Being Lazy With Your AI Prompts
It can be tempting to just copy and paste the full grant instructions into your AI tool with a link to your website. However, you likely won’t get a good outcome.
Most AI, especially ChatGPT, Gemini, and other more general tools, need detailed, specific instructions to deliver worthwhile results. Otherwise, you’ll be left spending a lot of time and energy on revisions and filling in the gaps.
💡 Pointer: Use Prompt Chaining to Strengthen Your AI Output
Prompt chaining is when you break down a complex task into more manageable tasks that build upon each other.
Here’s how you can apply it to AI grant writing:
- Split up the questions and grant requirements. Identify how many questions you have and separate them out. Get granular and specific for the best output. Work through the application, separating each question and section.
- Craft your prompts. Now that you know what you’re trying to answer, it’s time to craft your prompts. Address the specific issue or goal and make sure it’s building upon the previous answer where applicable.
- Test the prompts. Run the prompts through the AI tool to ensure you’re getting the desired outcome. If you’re not, identify where it is going off track and make adjustments. The best thing you can do is test and iterate so you can make small adjustments before they become big issues.
Chain prompting is just the beginning.
🦄 Get even more tips from Meredith Noble on using AI to write winning grants!
Tech You Should Know
What:
Grammarly is an online tool that can help you edit your grant proposals.
How Grant Writers Can Use It:
- Improve writing quality. Grammarly can take your draft and review it to prevent typos and grammar mistakes and make suggestions for clarity.
- Check for AI text. Grammarly will parse your document and identify if elements feel too AI-y. That will help you lean in and see which areas you can improve with a human touch.
- Flag for plagiarism. It’s okay if your application is pulling from your own nonprofit, but if it’s flagging similar orgs, you may want to adjust so you stand out better.
Keep in Mind:
There is a free tier, but not all the features are available. To take advantage of Grammarly’s most powerful tools, you’ll need to invest in a subscription.
✍️ Enhance your applications through strong grammar with Grammarly!
Expert Perspectives
🏆 Stefanie Marrone on How To Avoid Sounding Like AI
Consultant Stefanie Marrone knows that most AI tools only get you about 80 percent there. To cross the finish line, it’s important to review the output strategically to add a human touch.
Here’s her expert advice:
- Review the adjectives and transition phrases. Not everything can be dynamic, transformative, ever-evolving, or unprecedented. Identify where AI is going over the top or using overly jargony language and scale it back.
- Be specific. Don’t just describe your organization as offering innovative programming. Instead, be specific about what you’re doing, who you serve, and the impact you make. You want to entice them to be a part of the journey with you. Generic language won’t accomplish that.
- Let your personality shine. AI isn’t going to sound like you (unless you train it over time or use tools like Instrumentl Apply that pull from your past proposals!), so it’s important to go through and look for opportunities to insert your unique voice.
🧨 Get more expert tips from Stefanie about humanizing your AI content!
🎁 A Gift for You 🎁
Your AI writing is only as good as your prompts, so we’ve put together a guide to help you get started!
We’ve created 20 ChatGPT prompts you can use to kickstart your grant writing, as well as tips to help you utilize ChatGPT more efficiently—all for free. Whether you’re looking to brainstorm ideas or craft compelling narratives, this guide has you covered.
Opportunities Spotlight
⭐ Richard Donchian Foundation Grants
Who It’s For: Nonprofits focused on empowering well-being and community development
Next Deadline: Rolling
Grant Amount: Up to $25,000
The Details:
The Richard Donchian Foundation offers grants to nonprofits focused on strengthening the human spirit and enhancing personal integrity. It funds programs in three areas: literacy and education; humanitarian efforts; and personal development. Preference is given to the Northeastern United States, but nonprofits serving other regions are welcome to apply.
💪 Tomberg & Brecher Charitable Funds Grant
Who It’s For: Nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty, health, and education
Next Deadline: Estimated July 2026 (unsolicited applications)
Grant Amount: $5,000-$20,000
The Details:
Tomberg Family Philanthropies is committed to empowering communities, specifically alleviating poverty, improving the environment, and investing in health and education. Their grants are primarily for nonprofits that are looking to pilot new programs or build capacity in their organization. They do not support existing programming.
🔍 Need something else? Not to worry! Check out thousands of other grant opportunities now!
Networking Nook
💻 Webinar: Technology Demo Day
January 21, 2026 | 12:45-2:30 p.m. ET
Join the National Grants Management Association to learn more about the latest grant management software. Instrumentl will take part in this demo, so you can see our features firsthand.
Don’t Miss Out!
📅 Conference: Collaborative Conference
May 6-7, 2026 | Chicago, IL
Spark your curiosity at the Collaborative Conference. Presented by GoFundMe Pro, this conference brings together nonprofit experts to uncover new ideas, challenge your thinking, and explore the future of fundraising. By the end, you’ll be ready to raise more funds for your organization and increase your impact.
To check out more recent and upcoming live events, go here.
In Case You Missed It
📑 Article: How Nonprofits Are - or Aren’t - Using AI
We surveyed more than 300 nonprofits to see how they are using AI. Check out how you stack up against your peers and get new ideas on how you can integrate AI into your workflow to save time and increase efficiency.
📼 Video: Using AI to create a grant proposal draft in 5 minutes
Instrumentl Apply makes it easy to create new grant proposals, leveraging past applications to cut out some of the tedious revisions. See it in action for yourself during this quick tutorial.
🎙️ Podcast: Using AI to Write Grants - What to Know 2025
The Grant Writing Unicorn Podcast shares an overview of how to get started using AI to write grants, including how to build custom GPTs that can master your voice and tone over time.
AI, But Make it Human
Whether you’re new to using AI or a seasoned pro, Instrumentl is here to help.
Our AI tools are built specifically for grant management professionals:
- Instrumentl Apply resurfaces relevant content from your past proposals to use in new applications, learns from your organization’s writing style to maintain consistency across applications, and provides in-app access to application forms for streamlined completion.
- Instrumentl Apply Advisor serves as your ever-present thought partner, reviewing drafts and suggesting improvements based on Instrumentl’s comprehensive 990 and grant data.
🎉 Sign up today for a free 14-day trial and see it for yourself!
100% Free Grant Writing Resources Straight to Your Inbox
