5 reasons why AI can't replace grant writers

If you work in the non-profit sector and think artificial intelligence can help you write and secure your next grant, think again.

Of course, AI has begun transforming how we work and live. It’s pretty much impacted every sector. Globally, it’s redefining work as we’ve known it our entire lives. Traditional jobs are being replaced by AI at an alarming pace.

However, when it comes to the realm of grant writing, the intricate art of persuasive story telling combined with deep human empathy remains unparalleled.

As a 20+ year veteran grant writer, I really believe this is true now more than ever before.

Even with all its amazing capabilities, AI (think Chat GPT and the like) simply can’t replace the unique skills and abilities of really talented human grant writers.

So, let me outline 5 reasons why AI is a poor choice to use for writing your next grant, and why you need a great human grant writer now more than ever before.

Human Connection and Empathy

Without a doubt, grant writing goes well beyond the mere compilation of facts and figures. It involves establishing a genuine connection with the funder, understanding their goals and objectives and then tailoring your grant proposal to align with their vision. This is actually my favorite part of grant writing: building that trusted long-term relationship with the funder!

An experienced grant writer will have the skills and ability to empathize with funders, and understand their values and nuances related to the broader funding climate. AI simply can’t do this for you. That is, the human touch and emotional intelligence are two things that are absolutely critical in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the funder. Only an experienced, insightful grant writer can set your organization’s funding application apart from others.

Contextual Understanding Matters

Simply put, grant writing requires an in-depth understanding of the organization’s mission, vision and programs. Chat GPT or any comparable AI system doesn’t have this knowledge. Moreover, human grant writers have the ability to comprehend the nuances of your organization. A great grant writer will help identify your organization’s strengths and will effectively communicate them in relatable terms in your proposal. And, she can translate complex concepts and abstract ideas into simple terms, ensuring the proposal is comprehensive, logically constructed, succinct and persuasive.

I firmly believe AI will struggle with capturing the essence of what any non-profit organization does, which is vital to the storytelling part of any grant application. Technology simply can’t do this, because there’s pretty much a dynamic heart-centered mission behind every organization making an impact at the community level.

Flexibility and Adaptability

A seasoned grant writer knows that winning grant applications involve multiple iterations and adjustments based on feedback from funders, and sometimes stakeholders.?Human grant writers have the flexibility and ability to adapt to tweak proposals, refine concerns and incorporate new ideas. Grant writers can perceive subtle changes in the evaluation criteria and can adjust their approach accordingly. AI, while capable at processing large volumes of data, could very well struggle to respond to subtle, intricate requirements of a funder and will fall short here.

Creativity and Storytelling

As I mentioned at the onset of this article, I believe the foundation of every winning grant is build on a great, compelling story that engages the funder, captures their attention and evokes genuine emotions. My years of grant writing have taught me that writing a great grant is an art. A winning narrative needs to be crafted thoughtfully and carefully to build a compelling case for funding. AI, while proficient in data analysis, really lacks the imaginative and intuitive capabilities needed to tell a compelling narrative. Technology simply can’t go beyond the numbers, and is incapable of telling a full, robust, persuasive story.

Relationship Building

Although I’ve already mentioned this point, it deserves a little elaboration. Unquestionably, grant writers play a significant role in cultivating relationships with funders. When I’m hired to write a grant for a non-profit organization, I attend meetings with the funder and any related networking events. I make a genuine effort to establish a personal connection and build rapport.?I believe these relationships are crucial to establish to help secure funding and long-term partnerships. AI, by its very nature, lacks the ability to establish personal relationships. It can’t engage in meaningful conversations, limiting its effectiveness in pulling together a robust, winning grant proposal.

To summarize, it’s clear to see why humans win over AI when it comes to grant writing.

Sure, AI can and will continue to revolutionize society at a rapid pace. But, the unique blend of empathy, creativity, contextual understanding, adaptability and relationship-building skills that human grant writers have can never be replicated by AI.

Moreover, the grant writing process demands a deep understanding of the organization, the ability to tell persuasive stories well, and the flexibility to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

Of course, AI can be used to enhance certain aspects of the grant writing process. That is, it can be used to brainstorm ideas and generate simple content very well with the right prompts. But, it can never replace human grant writers who bring experience, insight, passion and human connection to every winning proposal.

Like it or not, AI is here to stay. If you hire me to work on your next grant, you’ll get the human touch. The real deal. Plus, you’ll get my insights on how to use AI effectively, that is, only where it makes sense in your grant proposal. And I believe that’s the winning combination that could help you secure the funding your organization needs today.

Contact me to get your next grant application done, The Write Way Forward.?