Our team at DH Leonard Consulting is always trying to think of new ways to “Don’t Let Grants Stress You Out,” whether you are a grant-writing client, a grant-training participant, or a broader member of our community. As you can imagine, AI and its impact on grant writing, our tools, and our general approach to our work have been a hot topic over the past few years. So I decided to have a bit of fun with ChatGPT (the free version) as I was preparing for an upcoming CharityHowTo webinar on AI (Balancing Innovation & Integrity: AI in Nonprofit Grant Writing) to see what AI had to say about itself and its impact on our work as grant professionals.

I’ve included the entirety of the string (unedited, after discussion and agreement with our primary copy editor!), because it gives you three slightly different perspectives on the ethical dos and don’ts that AI called out on its own behalf, and also some of the innovation items for consideration. Pretty interesting points. Is it my tone? I don’t think so. Does it include everything I have thought of related to how AI can help make our process as grant professionals stronger? Absolutely not. Did it accurately meet the requested word count? Nope. And I’m not surprised…because after all, Grant Professionals are Superheroes. How could AI compete with that?

I asked: “Can you write a 300-word blog post about the ethical uses of AI in grant writing?”

ChatGPT said:

Sure! Here’s a 300-word blog post for you:

The Ethical Use of AI in Grant Writing

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming many industries, and grant writing is no exception. When used ethically, AI tools can help nonprofits, researchers, and institutions craft stronger proposals, ultimately increasing access to crucial funding. However, it’s essential to navigate the fine line between assistance and misrepresentation.

AI can ethically support grant writers by streamlining the drafting process. Tools like language models can help generate outlines, suggest wording improvements, and even analyze funding announcements to identify alignment with organizational goals. This saves valuable time, allowing grant writers to focus more on strategy, storytelling, and ensuring proposals reflect their organization’s true mission and impact.

Transparency is a key ethical consideration. Organizations should disclose when AI tools have assisted in writing, particularly if funders request information about proposal development. Full honesty maintains trust between applicants and funders and ensures that technology use doesn’t mislead reviewers about an organization’s capacity or expertise.

Another critical point is maintaining human oversight. While AI can help with drafting, idea generation, and editing, it should not replace human judgment. Effective proposals must convey authentic passion, real-world experience, and a nuanced understanding of community needs—elements that AI, at its current stage, cannot fully replicate.

Lastly, ethical use also involves data privacy. Grant writers must be cautious about inputting sensitive information into AI tools, ensuring compliance with confidentiality agreements and data protection standards.

By embracing AI responsibly, the grant writing community can enhance the quality and accessibility of proposals without compromising integrity. AI should be seen as a tool for empowerment—not a shortcut to replace genuine human expertise and effort.

As the technology evolves, so must our commitment to ethics, ensuring that AI’s role in grant writing remains supportive, transparent, and true to the values of the communities we serve.

You said:

I would like one that is geared specifically to nonprofits

ChatGPT said:

Of course! Here’s a 300-word blog post tailored specifically to nonprofits:

The Ethical Use of AI in Nonprofit Grant Writing

For nonprofits, securing grant funding is often essential to delivering programs, supporting communities, and driving meaningful change. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), many organizations are exploring how these tools can support grant writing efforts. Used ethically, AI can help nonprofits save time, improve proposal quality, and increase their impact—without compromising their values.

AI can assist nonprofits by drafting preliminary content, offering feedback on language clarity, or helping align proposals with funder priorities. By streamlining routine tasks, staff and volunteers can spend more time on what matters most: articulating the real-world difference their organization makes.

However, ethical use requires clear boundaries. AI should never fabricate accomplishments, overstate capacity, or create “boilerplate” applications without authentic customization. Funders expect—and deserve—proposals that genuinely reflect the nonprofit’s mission, expertise, and community voice.

Transparency is also critical. Nonprofits should be open about using AI for support, especially if asked about their proposal development process. Being upfront builds trust with funders and avoids any perception of misrepresentation.

Importantly, AI is a tool—not a replacement for human insight. Grant proposals must still tell compelling stories rooted in lived experience, community knowledge, and program evidence. AI can suggest wording, but the heart and strategy of a proposal must come from the organization itself.

Finally, nonprofits must protect sensitive data when using AI platforms, especially when sharing client stories or financial information. Choosing secure tools and following privacy best practices safeguards the trust built with communities served.

AI can be a powerful ally for nonprofits in the grant writing process. By using it ethically—centered on authenticity, transparency, and responsibility—organizations can harness technology to amplify their missions and better serve their communities.

You said:

Would you change the blog post if the theme should be focused on “Balancing Innovation & Integrity: AI in Nonprofit Grant Writing” instead of “ethical uses of AI in grant writing”?

ChatGPT said:

Yes, I would definitely adjust the tone and focus slightly if the theme shifts to “Balancing Innovation & Integrity: AI in Nonprofit Grant Writing.”

Instead of centering primarily on ethical do’s and don’ts, the post would highlight how nonprofits can embrace AI’s innovative potential while preserving their core values—integrity, authenticity, and trust.

It would sound a bit more forward-looking and positive, emphasizing balance rather than just caution.

Here’s a revised version aligned to your new theme:

Balancing Innovation & Integrity: AI in Nonprofit Grant Writing

As nonprofits navigate an increasingly competitive funding landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers exciting opportunities to innovate. When applied thoughtfully, AI can strengthen grant writing efforts—saving time, sharpening messaging, and identifying strategic fits with funders. Yet with innovation comes responsibility: nonprofits must balance the use of new tools with their deep commitment to integrity, authenticity, and community trust.

AI can support nonprofits by generating first drafts, streamlining repetitive tasks, and offering data-driven insights into funding trends. This frees up valuable staff time to focus on storytelling, partnership-building, and aligning proposals with genuine mission outcomes.

However, innovation must not outpace integrity. Grant applications should reflect the real voice of the organization—not a generic, machine-generated narrative. Proposals need to embody the nonprofit’s lived experience, understanding of community needs, and proven track record. AI can assist with clarity and structure, but it cannot replace the human spirit and purpose that funders seek.

Transparency is also key. Organizations should be upfront about how AI tools assist their processes, reinforcing trust with funders and partners. Likewise, protecting sensitive organizational and client data when using AI tools ensures that nonprofits uphold their ethical obligations.

Balancing innovation and integrity means using AI as an enabler, not a shortcut. By combining technological advancement with the authenticity and heart that define the nonprofit sector, organizations can write grant proposals that are not only more efficient—but more powerful, persuasive, and true to their mission.

As nonprofits embrace new possibilities, keeping values at the center ensures that innovation strengthens, rather than compromises, their impact.