Foundations of AI-Assisted Grant Writing

This unit introduces foundational AI concepts and practical techniques for using AI as a virtual assistant in grant writing for human services. Learners will explore AI terminology and tools, design effective prompts, draft and evaluate core proposal components (titles, openings, narratives, cover letters), and align content with funder priorities and reviewer keywords to prepare for more advanced, data-driven proposal work.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze common AI tools, terminology, and capabilities to select appropriate resources for grant-writing tasks in the human services context
• Apply prompt-design strategies to generate draft proposal elements—titles, executive summaries, cover letters, and story-driven program narratives—using AI assistance
• Demonstrate the ability to identify funder priorities and reviewer keywords and incorporate them into AI-produced content to improve alignment and discoverability
• Evaluate AI-generated drafts for reader perspective, tone, clarity, and ethical considerations, and edit outputs to meet grant guidelines and audience needs