Tailor your application to match a grant brief

The problem

You've found a grant that looks relevant, but the application needs to speak to their specific priorities. You've got your standard descriptions, but they don't quite hit the language the funder uses. Rewriting for each grant is time-consuming, and you worry you're not making the strongest possible case.

The solution

Use Claude or ChatGPT to help you align your existing content to the funder's language and priorities. Paste in the grant criteria and your draft text, and ask it to identify gaps, suggest stronger framing, and help you mirror the funder's terminology. You still write the application, but the AI helps you tailor it more effectively.

What you get

A stronger draft application that directly addresses the funder's stated priorities in their language. You'll have suggestions for what to emphasise, what to add, and how to frame your work to match what they're looking for. The final writing is still yours.

Before you start

• The grant criteria or guidance document
• Your existing content: case for support, programme descriptions, outcomes data
• A draft of your application (even a rough one helps)
• A Claude or ChatGPT account

When to use this

• You've found a grant worth applying for and want to strengthen your application
• The funder uses specific language or frameworks you want to align with
• You're adapting existing content rather than starting from scratch
• You want a second opinion on whether your application addresses their priorities

When not to use this

• You're writing completely new content. Start with your own thinking first
• The application is very short and simple. Just write it directly
• You're not comfortable with AI suggestions. Trust your own voice
• The funder explicitly says not to use AI (rare, but check)

Steps

1. 1

   Gather the funder materials

   Get everything the funder has published about this grant: the criteria, guidance notes, their strategy document, any example funded projects. The more context you give the AI, the better it can help you align. If they have an annual report, that often reveals what they really care about.

2. 2

   Ask for an analysis of what they want

   Paste the grant criteria into Claude or ChatGPT and ask: "What are the key things this funder is looking for? What language and themes come up repeatedly? What would make a strong application versus a weak one based on this criteria?" This gives you a checklist to work against.

3. 3

   Share your draft and ask for gap analysis

   Paste your draft application (or your existing programme description) and the criteria. Ask: "Here's my draft and the grant criteria. What gaps are there? What am I not addressing that they're asking for? Where could I be more specific or use their language?"

4. 4

   Work on specific sections

   For sections that need work, ask for specific help. "How could I reframe this outcomes section to better match their focus on measuring impact?" or "They emphasise partnership working. How could I strengthen that aspect of my application?" Take suggestions as starting points, not final text.

5. 5

   Check you still sound like you

   After incorporating suggestions, read it back. Does it still sound authentic? Funders can spot generic AI-written text. The goal is to better align your genuine work to their priorities, not to generate bland fundingese. Keep your voice.

6. 6

   Get a human to review

   Before submitting, have a colleague read it. Do they think it makes a strong case? Does anything feel off? AI is helpful but it doesn't know your organisation like you do. A fresh pair of human eyes catches things AI won't.

Tools

Resources

Part of this pathway