Used at
The Bentway
The organization
Grants & funder reporting
for FundraisingStaff use AI to develop grant ideas, edit applications and reports, and adapt wording for different funders. One response described substantial time savings, alongside reluctance to tell external partners or funders about using AI.
The tools
ChatGPT · Claude
The tools staff named
The system
The system drafts, and a person decides what to do next.
A person decidesData flow
draft applications, plus the funder’s name and priorities
Sensitive personal information
organizational strategy shared with a vendor
↓
refine, reframe, tailor to the funder
Language Models
↓
polished, funder-specific text
Generated content
whether to tell funders about AI use is unresolved
Risks staff flagged
How funders might react
One response described being unlikely to tell external partners or funders about using AI. Reactions from these groups were also a concern in the wider survey.
!No safeguard in place yet
An error in an application
Incorrect figures or program details in an application could affect funding decisions.
How it's managedOne response described writing a draft first, then using AI to improve the wording. Figures and claims still need to be checked.
Losing the writer’s voice
Adapting a draft to a funder’s priorities can also change its tone. Losing the human voice was the most common concern across the survey.
How it's managedStart with a staff-written draft and review changes to keep the intended voice.
Who is affected
Funders reading applications & reports
Wider community
the grants that keep programs running
You can
Disclosure is an open question: staff want guidance on whether to tell funders about AI use
Have someone check the claims: ask staff to verify figures and program details
Bring questions or concerns to the Sept 2 workshop
What staff told us
3 staffHow oftenIn a typical month, how often do you use AI tools for work?
12
NeverRarelyA few times a monthA few times a weekDaily
Trust in own useWhen you use AI at work, how confident are you that you’re using it appropriately?
12
Not confidentRarely sureSometimes sureMostly sureAlways sure
Time saved / weekRoughly how much time do you estimate AI saves you in a typical week?2 answered
11
NoneUnder 1 h1–3 h4–7 h7 h +
Comfort disclosingWould you feel comfortable telling a colleague or your manager that you used AI on a piece of work?
12
Would hide itProbably notIt dependsProbablyOpenly yes
Each cell shows an answer choice. Darker cells mean more people chose that answer. The pointer below the bar marks the median.
From the responses One staff member reported saving time on grant ideas, writing and adapting drafts for different funders.