Robot hand ai artificial intelligence touching the finger of a human hand.

Using AI in Grant Applications. Write Faster, Stay Human

28 July 2026 9:30am - 12:30pm
Online
Training Courses
- AI
- Trusts Fundraising
EVT-10072
Current

AI tools are increasingly being used in fundraising and grant applications. While they can save time and reduce workload, many people are unsure where the line is between helpful support and risky or inappropriate use. This course provides a practical, honest introduction to using AI in grant applications in a way that is ethical, credible, and aligned with what funders actually value. It focuses on real use cases, not hype or technical theory. Learners will learn how to use AI as a supporting tool, not a replacement for their judgement, lived experience, or organisational voice. It is delivered by a Grants manager who is increasingly seeing the use of AI in written applications

Course Fees

Non-Individual Member Fee

£145.00

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Individual Member Fee

£125.00

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Key Information

Who should attend?

Fundraisers, bid writers and leaders

Small and medium-sized organisations with limited capacity
People who are curious about AI but unsure how to use it safely or well
Anyone who wants to save time on applications without losing their organisation’s voice or credibility

No technical knowledge is required. Participants do not need to be “good with AI” to take part

Benefits for you and your organisation

Learners on this course will gain clarity on how AI fits into grant writing, without fear or guilt. The course will provide practical prompts that can be used, instilling confidence into learners. Those attending the course will also gain a stronger sense of their organisation’s voice and will spend less time rewriting and staring at blank pages.

Topics covered in this course

What AI is (and isn’t) along with common fears, myths and misunderstandings
How funders experience AI-written applications
What should be considered when using AI
Practical, funder-safe uses for AI
When to (and when not to!) use AI in the funding process

Core learning outcome

By the end of the session, learners will be able to:

Produce clear and efficient grant application content using AI tools while maintaining authenticity, accuracy, and alignment with funder expectations.

This single outcome is explored in depth across the full three hours. Learners will leave with tools they can use apply immediately, not just ideas.

Optional - pre-course preparation

Learners are invited (but not required) to bring:

A real grant application question
A rough draft or notes they have written themselves
One short paragraph that clearly sounds like their organisation

This will ensure that the session is practical and relevant to current work. Please only spend a maximum of 30mins on this pre-course exercise

About your trainer

Ugo Ikokwu

More?

Ugo Ikokwu

Biography:

Ugo has extensive experience in corporate partnerships and funding, with a strong track record of leveraging corporate relationships to drive impactful initiatives. Since 2020, Ugo has been working as Grants Manager at Trust for London. Before this, he served as Programme Director at The Fore Trust, where he was responsible for managing grants to support UK-based small charities and social enterprises in achieving sustainability, efficiency, scale, and impact through the provision of unrestricted funding.

Ugo also spent six years at The Social Investment Business (SIB), where he worked across multiple teams, gaining valuable experience in structuring financial and operational strategies to maximise social outcomes. His corporate-focused approach has been instrumental in developing programmes and funds that align social justice objectives with corporate priorities, ensuring long-term impact.

Beyond his professional roles, Ugo is a Trustee of Barratt Foundation, Treasurer and Trustee for London Funders, and Chair of The Alpha Grove Community Centre. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member of Intaconnected, helping to bridge corporate and charitable sectors. Passionate about social justice and empowering small communities, Ugo brings a corporate lens to social impact, combining business acumen with a commitment to addressing systemic inequities.

The live virtual training experience

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising's live virtual training is delivered by trainers who are leading experts in their chosen discipline. Each virtual course has been especially designed to deliver a rich virtual learning experience. Your course will feature:

Zoom platform learning environment
Interactive engagement with the trainer and peers
Group discussions and exercises
Real-life case studies and examples
Ample Q&A opportunities throughout the sessions

Technology requirements

The course is being delivered via the online platform zoom. To enable you to interact with your tutor and your class you will need to have access to a microphone (or access to a landline phone) and ideally have a working video link via a camera. To test compatibility with your system, you can join a test meeting via this link.