AI for Grant Writing 201: Building on the Basics

Deeper Prompting, Real Projects & Building Your Organization's AI Practice - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 9:00 AM - Noon | Live on Zoom

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way nonprofits approach grant development, from prospect research and writing support to project management and editing. But AI is not a replacement for the human voice, strategy, and expertise behind successful grants, it’s a powerful tool and “personal assistant” that still needs your guidance.

Designed for nonprofit professionals who have completed AI for Grant Writing 101 and/or have a basic understanding of AI applications for grant writing, this 3-hour intermediate training picks up where the introduction left off, shifting from awareness to integration. Participants will come prepared with a real project or scenario from their own organization to work on during the session. Together, we’ll dig deeper into the art and science of prompting, explore AI across a wider range of grant cycle tasks (such as budget drafting, reporting frameworks, and tracking systems), and further examine how funders are engaging with AI in the review process. The session also introduces the concept of building an organizational AI workflow, moving from ad hoc use to intentional, repeatable practice, and addresses key ethical and policy considerations specific to your organization. 

Course Objective:
To deepen nonprofit professionals’ practical skills in using AI for grant development, with a focus on advanced prompting, expanded applications across the grant cycle, and building repeatable AI workflows that reflect each organization’s values and capacity.
By the end of this training, participants will gain:
● Advanced prompting strategies, including how to structure prompts, iterate with AI, and customize outputs for grant-specific tasks.
● Hands-on experience applying AI to a wider range of grant cycle tasks including drafting, research, editing, budget development, and reporting, using real scenarios brought by participants.
● Practical frameworks for using AI in budget development, project tracking, and grant management workflows.
● Insight into how Colorado funders are engaging with and responding to AI-generated grant content.
● Tools and resources to begin building an organizational AI workflow and policy that is consistent, ethical, and mission-aligned.
● A personalized action plan for integrating AI more intentionally into their grant practice.
● A take-home resource packet including prompts, tools, and AI policy considerations to support continued practice.

Note: Completion of AI for Grant Writing: 101 (Order Here) or equivalent foundational knowledge is a prerequisite for this session.

Trainers: Katy Pepinsky (she/her), Hannah Max (she/her), Consultants & Grant Writers with ThinkSharp! Nonprofit Consulting.