AI-Powered Grantwriting: How Grantable Is Leveling the Playing Field for Nonprofits

In the changing landscape of nonprofit fundraising, grantwriting has consistently been a time-consuming and complex task. But as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, tools like Grantable are transforming how organizations approach grant applications. Founded by experienced nonprofit leader and former grant consultant Philip Deng, Grantable leverages AI to help nonprofits streamline the grant application process, enabling them to pursue funding opportunities more effectively.

Grantable is AI-powered grantwriting software designed to make the process of applying for grants faster and more efficient. Unlike a chatbot that simply generates responses, Grantable works as a writing tool that helps users refine their existing grant proposals and create new ones. The software uses AI to analyze and enhance source materials, guiding users in drafting high-quality, tailored grant applications with less time and effort.

As the CEO and co-founder of Grantable, Philip brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Having worked as a grant consultant, he saw firsthand the difficulties that small organizations face when trying to secure funding. He developed Grantable in 2020 after discovering GPT-3, the AI language model that powers tools like ChatGPT. The potential of this technology inspired him to build a solution that would bridge the gap between nonprofits and grantmakers, especially for smaller organizations that lack the resources to hire professional grantwriters.

Before founding Grantable, Philip had a diverse career. His first job as a teacher took him to the Marshall Islands, where he taught on a remote island without electricity or running water. He later taught in China before working in nonprofit organizations focused on eco-tourism and conservation, and worked as an organizer for the Obama 2012 campaign in Seattle. Eventually, Philip pivoted toward grantwriting, where he learned the intricacies of the sector—both as a grantwriter and a consultant for nonprofits. 

Philip’s experiences, particularly working with small organizations, led him to recognize the systemic barriers these groups face when trying to access funding. While larger organizations often have dedicated staff to pursue grants, smaller nonprofits often lack the time and expertise to navigate the process. This is precisely where Grantable shines. By providing a tool that automates the more tedious aspects of grantwriting, Grantable levels the playing field, allowing smaller organizations to compete for grants they might have otherwise missed.

While AI is becoming an increasingly popular tool in various industries, what sets Grantable apart is its deep understanding of the grantseeking process. Rather than simply automating tasks, Grantable tailors its AI to meet the specific needs of grant applicants. The software supports users throughout the entire grant application lifecycle—from identifying opportunities to submitting applications and even tracking funding reports.

One of the primary concerns about AI in any industry is the potential for job displacement. In the case of Grantable, however, the tool does not seek to replace grantwriters but to assist them. According to Philip, AI is not yet at a point where it can completely replace human judgment, especially when it comes to the nuances of writing a compelling grant proposal. Grantwriters are still essential for understanding the unique context of an organization, aligning projects with funders' priorities, and ensuring that proposals are strategically sound.

Rather than replacing jobs, AI in grantwriting helps professionals work smarter by automating repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on the aspects of the job that require creativity and critical thinking. 

"AI tools should be co-pilots, not replacements,” Philip says. “They should help grantwriters spend less time on rote tasks and more time on strategic decision-making and relationship-building with funders."

This perspective aligns with a broader shift in the nonprofit sector. More and more professionals are reframing their roles, not as grantwriters but as "grant consultants" or "grant professionals." These consultants are using AI tools like Grantable to lower costs and help a larger pool of organizations that have previously been unable to afford professional services.

Despite its benefits, integrating AI into the grantwriting process is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles, according to Philip, is the challenge of communication. As the AI field grows, so does the noise around it. There are many competing tools, each claiming to improve the grantwriting process, but the true value of a tool like Grantable often gets lost in the shuffle. For nonprofits unfamiliar with AI, the learning curve can be steep, and not all organizations are ready to embrace this kind of technology.

Yet, the most rewarding part of Grantable’s work is seeing smaller nonprofits finally able to compete for grants. Many of their users are first-time grant winners who have used the tool to submit their applications. The funding they secure often serves as a catalyst for growth, enabling these organizations to expand their programs and hire additional staff. 

"It's like we've created a bridge over difficult terrain, making it easier for nonprofits to walk across and access the funding they need," Philips says.

As AI continues to develop, Grantable plans to expand its offerings, adapting to the evolving needs of grant professionals. The goal is to create a seamless experience that empowers nonprofits, big and small, to access the funding they need to thrive. And while AI’s role in grantwriting will continue to grow, Philip remains committed to ensuring that human judgment and strategic thinking remain at the core of the process.