Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot are becoming increasingly commonplace in everyday life and the workplace. We understand that they can bring real benefits to the communities we work with - for example, by helping people to write applications more quickly. Although minor spelling and grammar mistakes will not disadvantage your application, this can be especially helpful if English is not your first language, or if you have a disability or other access needs.
At the same time, we have noticed that some of the applications submitted to us sound increasingly similar or generic. Relying too heavily on AI risks losing your unique voice and knowledge, which can make it harder for the panel to gain a true insight into your community, what you want to achieve, and why your project is needed.
We recognise that there are both benefits and drawbacks to using AI when writing funding applications, depending on the context and how it is used. We therefore neither encourage nor discourage its use. If you do choose to use AI, please bear the following tips in mind.
Tips for using AI to complete funding applications
Be specific. AI-generated applications risk losing the specificity and nuance that helps the panel understand your application and what you want to do. Include real insights and examples from your community and work to help your application stand out.
Your voice matters. A funding application is your opportunity to tell us about your community, what you want to do, and why it is important. Panel members want to hear your unique voice and personality, so write in a way that feels true to your organisation and work.
Use AI to refine, not replace. AI is often better at helping to structure, edit and improve content than at creating it from scratch. We recommend drafting responses yourself first, then using AI to help improve clarity, flow or grammar if you feel this will strengthen your application.
Protect people’s information. Please do not enter personal or sensitive information about the people you support, your staff or your volunteers into AI tools. Information entered into publicly available tools may be stored by the provider or used to train the tool, and you may not be able to retrieve or delete it.
Always check your content. If using AI for drafting or proofreading, make sure it has not changed the meaning of what you intended to say. If using AI for research, check that the information comes from verified sources and is relevant and specific to your work. You remain responsible for everything you submit to us, and inaccurate or invented information may affect how your application is assessed, however it was produced.
Consider the environment. AI tools can have a significant environmental impact, which may be higher than that of a traditional search engine. We suggest using AI only where it will clearly support or improve the quality of your application and following good practice, such as using shorter prompts to reduce energy consumption.
Speak to the Grants Team. We are a small and friendly team, and it is our role to support you in applying for a grant. Please get in touch if you are struggling, or if you would simply like to talk through your ideas. We are always happy to help. For more information, visit Support from the Grants Team.
Our own use of AI
Applications are read and assessed by our staff and panel members. We do not use AI to score or make decisions about applications.
For more tips on writing strong funding applications, see this blog from Anne Marie, Services Manager at Salford CVS: https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/top-tips-and-thoughts-funding-panel-member
Last Updated: August 2026