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Applying for grants can be overwhelming—not because your organization lacks vision, but because the process can be bogged down with tedious tasks like eligibility checks, document formatting, and meeting specific guidelines. That’s where GrantGPT steps in, handling the time-consuming details so you can focus on what truly matters: showcasing why your organization deserves funding.
Table of Contents
What is GrantGPT?
GrantGPT is a grant writing assistant chatbot. It's based on a language model (an A.I. computer system that learns like a human—it takes in data and uses it to respond based on what it has learned) built by OpenAI. We’ve packed it with grant writing expertise, so it’s sole focus is helping you build winning proposals. GrantGPT is your assistant for managing all the administrative and technical aspects of the grant application process. It helps with everything from creating detailed workplans to performing pre-submission reviews, so you can concentrate on crafting a compelling narrative that highlights your organization’s strengths. It can even search read websites for you.
TL;DR: GrantGPT frees you up from tedious tasks so you can focus on showcasing what makes your organization exceptional.
What is a Prompt?
A prompt is a specific instruction you type into the chat box to guide GrantGPT in providing the support you need. By using clear and detailed prompts, you can get precise outputs that save you time and effort. You can copy any of the prompts below directly into the chat box in GrantGPT to start making progress on your application right away!
How to Use This Guide
This guide provides sample prompts for different stages of the grant application process. Simply copy and paste these prompts directly into GrantGPT’s chat box.
Feel free to adjust them to better fit your needs or the specific grant requirements. We’ll be updating this guide regularly, so check back often for new tips and prompts!
Creating an Application Production Workplan
Use this prompt to create a structured project workplan that breaks down tasks, timelines, and responsibilities based on the FOA.
Step 1. Upload the grant opportunity document (typically called a FOA, NOFO, or RFP), the link to the page, or copy the webpage text into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create a draft project workplan based on the attached FOA. Create headers for Task, anticipated hours, task details, due date, and responsible party. Adhere strictly to the uploaded FOA, providing only information directly from the document. Avoid making any assumptions or offering hypothetical scenarios.Assessing Eligibility
Use these prompts to quickly determine if your organization meets the eligibility requirements for the grant and identify any potential issues.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Detail the specific eligibility criteria for this grant, highlighting any potential red flags or areas of concern we should be aware of. Adhere strictly to the uploaded FOA, providing only information directly from the document. Avoid making any assumptions or offering hypothetical scenarios.Step 3: Copy this! ⬇️
Create a table that details the specific eligibility criteria for this grant. Include the following columns: 1) Eligibility Criteria, 2) Red Flags/Areas of Concern, 3) FOA Reference Section, and 4) Action Required. Strictly adhere to the FOA without making assumptions or providing hypothetical responses.Understanding Funder Goals
Use this prompt to understand the funder’s goals, mission, and priorities as outlined in the FOA, so you can align your proposal accordingly.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create a detailed explanation of the funder’s goals, priorities, mission, and objectives as outlined in the uploaded FOA. Strictly adhere to the language in the FOA, focusing on the specific areas the funder aims to support and prioritize. Avoid assumptions or hypothetical interpretations.Understanding and Responding to Evaluation Criteria
Use this prompt to understand how your application will be evaluated based on the criteria in the FOA, so you can tailor your content to meet these requirements.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create a detailed explanation of the evaluation criteria for this grant, strictly adhering to the language in the uploaded FOA. Provide guidance on how to meet each criterion, focusing on the specific areas the funder aims to support and prioritize. Do not include assumptions or hypothetical interpretations—only information directly from the FOA.Creating an Application Template with Prompts for Compliant and Funder-Resonant Content
Use this prompt to create a structured template for your grant application, including section headers and specific writing prompts based on the FOA.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create an application template for the uploaded FOA. Include section headers based on the FOA requirements, specific prompts under each section to guide writing a compliant and compelling response, and note any character or page limits for each section. Ensure that the template strictly adheres to the FOA's structure and instructions, without making assumptions or including hypothetical content.Creating a First Draft Using Existing Content
Use this prompt to create a first draft of your grant application by populating a template with existing content, identifying areas that need further development.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create an application template for the uploaded FOA using the uploaded content to populate the relevant sections. Include section headers based on the FOA requirements and specific prompts to guide writing a compliant and compelling response. Where the existing content is insufficient or missing, provide prompts to address the deficiencies and offer hypothetical responses in italics for distinction. Ensure character or page limits for each section are clearly noted and strictly adhere to the FOA's structure and instructions.Creating a Comprehensive Checklist of All Application Elements
Use this prompt to create a detailed checklist of all the required attachments, forms, and certifications for the grant application.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create a comprehensive checklist in tabular format for the uploaded FOA, covering all required attachments, forms, and certifications. The table should have the following headers: 1) Item/Document, 2) Description, 3) Required/Optional, 4) Page or Character Limit, 5) Deadline, 6) Naming Convention, and 7) Submitted (Yes/No). Ensure the checklist is comprehensive and strictly adheres to all FOA requirements.Creating a Resume Template
Use this prompt to format a resume template that strictly follows the FOA guidelines and incorporates content from existing resumes.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Create a resume template that strictly follows the requirements outlined in the attached FOA. Ensure the template complies with all formatting guidelines. Note formatting requirements and page or character limits. Incorporate relevant content from the attached resume document, ensuring that it aligns with the specific role and the funder's expectations. Where content from the resume is insufficient or missing, highlight those areas and provide prompts for additional information. Where applicable, suggest hypothetical responses to illustrate how to address deficiencies. The resume should focus on aligning with the FOA’s structure and priorities for this grant application.Performing a Pre-Submission Review Against Eligibility Criteria
Use this prompt to review your completed application against the FOA’s evaluation criteria, ensuring full compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
Step 1. Upload or paste information about the grant (document, link, or text) into the chat (if you've already done this once, you don't have to do it again in the same conversation).
Step 2: Copy this! ⬇️
Review the uploaded final grant application draft as if you are a member of the funder's evaluation team, strictly following the evaluation criteria outlined in the attached FOA. Ensure that the application aligns with the funder’s stated goals and priorities and complies fully with all requirements, including formatting, page limits, and character or page restrictions. Evaluate each section of the application based solely on the criteria provided in the FOA without making assumptions about additional or unstated criteria. Where content is insufficient, unclear, or missing, highlight those areas and provide prompts to address the deficiencies. Offer hypothetical responses in italics to guide revisions. Ensure the review is actionable, offering specific suggestions to improve the content's quality, alignment with the FOA’s goals, and compliance with all funder requirements.Tips for Getting the Most Out of GrantGPT
GrantGPT is based on a computer system that learns like a human—it takes in data and uses it to respond based on what it has learned. We’ve packed it with grant writing expertise, so it’s primed to focus on one thing: helping you build winning proposals.
Start Simple, Then Get Specific: Begin with general prompts to get the basic structure or information. Refine and add details to your prompts as you get more comfortable.
Copy and Paste Prompts Directly: You can use any of the prompts above by copying them directly into the chat box in GrantGPT. Feel free to modify them to suit your specific needs.
Experiment and Refine: Don’t be afraid to give feedback and test different prompts to see what works best. Small adjustments can often lead to better results.
Use Context: Provide all relevant materials (FOAs, guidelines, previous proposals) when using prompts to give GrantGPT the context it needs.
Engage with Hypotheticals Carefully: While GrantGPT can suggest hypothetical responses, be careful about using these as-is. Always tailor them to reflect your organization’s actual capabilities and strengths.
Look Out For New Models: GrantGPT currently runs on OpenAI's flagship model, GPT-4o. As new models are developed and released, GrantGPT will test them for potential upgrades, making GrantGPT even smarter.
Update Log
9/19/2024: This guide is a living document. If you find new ways to use prompts or have suggestions for improvement, let us know! Together, we can make GrantGPT an even more powerful tool for everyone.
Try for yourself: GrantExec subscribers can access GrantGPT by visiting platform.grantexec.com and selecting a grant opportunity.
About GrantExec
GrantExec is a startup focused on transforming access to grant funding by bridging the gap between capital and meaningful change. We believe that driven individuals and organizations, when provided with the right resources, have the power to create lasting impact. Despite billions of dollars in available grant funding, many organizations—particularly smaller ones—struggle to access these resources due to fragmented information, complex applications, and tight deadlines. GrantExec addresses this challenge by offering the most comprehensive, continuously updated database of global grant opportunities. Our platform combines advanced artificial intelligence with the expertise of seasoned grant writers, ensuring organizations are matched with relevant funding opportunities and equipped with expertly crafted applications designed to maximize their chances of success.