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Can AI Write your Grant Proposal?

The participants in my grant writing and designing workshops frequently ask me if AI is now able or will eventually be able to write their grant proposals. In one instance, a participant told me that AI wrote their grant, which was funded. It is difficult for me to believe that AI can possibly write a grant without the input of the grant writer. The following are some thoughts on what AI can and cannot do at this juncture in its development.

AI technologies, including natural language processing models like GPT-3, are capable of generating text content and assisting with various writing tasks. However, writing a grant proposal involves more than just generating text; it requires a deep understanding of the specific goals, objectives, and requirements of the proposal, as well as knowledge of the subject matter and the context in which the proposal will be submitted.

While AI can help with certain aspects of the writing process, such as generating introductory or background sections, it may not be able to fully replace human expertise in crafting a persuasive and well-structured grant proposal. Human input is crucial for understanding the unique aspects of a project, tailoring the proposal to the needs of the funding organization, and incorporating a compelling narrative. This involves a level of domain-specific knowledge and creativity that AI does not fully possess.

If you’re considering using AI to help with your grant request, it’s advisable to stay updated on the latest developments, particularly in the field of natural language processing. Additionally, always review and refine any AI-generated content to ensure it meets the specific requirements of your proposal and effectively communicates your project’s goals and significance.

That said, the field of AI is dynamic and advancements are made regularly. It’s possible that, in the future, more sophisticated AI models or dedicated tools could offer substantial assistance in writing grant requests.

Mathilda Harris

Over the past 18 years, she has written grants, conducted capital campaigns, developed strategic plans for grant procurement, and assisted individuals and institutions to write winning proposals for various donors.

2 comments on “Can AI Write your Grant Proposal?

  1. Thanks for those insights. One thing missing in that analysis is the fact that AI works with what is already there, while science works across the border, into the unknown, expanding our knowledge of reality. AI can’t do that.

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