AI can be a powerful drafting partner for LOIs, grant proposals, and reports—but it is not a subject matter expert, a compliance officer, or a fundraiser. Use this practical framework to confidently edit AI-assisted materials.
1. Fact-Check Everything (Yes, Everything)
AI tools can “hallucinate” data, citations, timelines, or even funder priorities.
What to verify:
- Statistics and research citations
- Dates
- Budget numbers and request amounts
- Names and titles of staff or partners
- Funder guidelines and stated priorities
- Compliance details (page limits, attachments)
Tip: You can also ask AI to help you find internal inconsistencies, like accidentally citing last year’s numbers in one section and this year’s numbers in another.
2. Make Sure it Sounds Human
AI drafts can skew overly formal, vague, emotionally flat, promotional (like a sales pitch), and repetitive. You should edit for:
- Authenticity
- Specificity
- Emotional connection
- Humility (especially in reports)
- Brevity
Tip: You can ask AI tools to avoid common ‘tells’, including em dashes and overused words and phrases like these – crucial, uncover, journey, unleash, “more than just”, unlock, “look no further”, realm, elevate, landscape, navigate, daunting, tapestry, “game changer”, and standout.
3. Center Your Values
Before finalizing, ask questions like:
- Does this sound like us?
- Is our equity lens clear and authentic?
- Are we avoiding deficit framing?
Tip: AI can mimic tone—but only you can ensure integrity.
4. Build Your Own Editing Checklist
Create an internal AI editing protocol that includes:
☐ Verify Citations
☐ Cross Check Budget Numbers
☐ Latest Data for Outcomes
☐ Verify Word Count/Character Limits
☐ Condense
☐ Review for Overall Tone
☐ Align Funder Language
☐ Ensure Accuracy and Anonymity (if needed) for Client/Participant Stories