3 Smart Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Grant Writing

Starting a grant proposal can feel overwhelming. Between brainstorming ideas, interpreting complex guidelines, and drafting your narrative, it’s easy to get stuck. The good news? With the right approach, ChatGPT can help you move faster, think clearer, and stay focused on what really matters—your voice and your vision.

Several years ago, before AI tools were widely available, we worked with a client who was just starting out in the world of grants. Before he came to TRUE, he shared how frustrated and overwhelmed he felt—searching the web for support, project examples, and guidance. Our team was glad he found us, as we helped him stay organized and focused, providing the support he needed to move forward. Looking back, I can see how a tool like ChatGPT could have made a big difference, helping him cut through the clutter and get his thinking flowing more clearly, whether he partnered with TRUE or not. These concepts are simple and effective, and we knew we had to share them!

At TRUE, we’ve helped mission-driven leaders land the funding they need with a 95% success rate. Here are three smart ways to use ChatGPT in your grant process to save time and strengthen your proposals.

A strong proposal starts with a clear, compelling idea. ChatGPT can help you generate project ideas that align with a funder’s goals.

How to do it:

• Paste the funder’s RFP into ChatGPT.
• Prompt it with something like:
  “Suggest five project ideas for a $50,000 grant focused on community health in rural areas.”
• Include details such as your audience, mission, or funding range to make the suggestions more relevant.

Want to go deeper? Ask ChatGPT to compare your ideas to programs the funder has already supported. This alignment can make your proposal more compelling.

ChatGPT shouldn’t write your narrative for you, but it can help you improve and refine your draft.

How to do it:

• Copy your draft and the funder’s scoring matrix into ChatGPT.
• Prompt it with:
  “Evaluate this narrative based on the funder’s criteria. Where is it missing key information? What could be stronger?”

Need to reduce word count? Try:
“Bring this section under 2,000 characters without losing key points.”

AI can tighten language while keeping your meaning intact, but remember: reviewers are human too. If it sounds like a robot wrote it, it may hurt your chances. Use ChatGPT as a tool for clarity, not a replacement for your voice.

RFPs are often long and dense. ChatGPT can help you digest complex documents more quickly.

How to do it:

• Paste the full RFP and ask:
  “Summarize the funder’s priorities and key requirements.”
• Use these summaries to orient yourself, double-check alignment, or answer specific questions while drafting.

You can also have ChatGPT scan public data on past awardees or pull insights from a foundation’s website. This extra research can strengthen your strategy before you even write a single word.

• Preserve your voice.
• Double-check facts and alignment.
• Use AI to sharpen your thinking, not replace it.

With these three strategies, you can streamline your grant process, save time, and submit proposals that are clear, focused, and compelling.