Grant Assistant introduces a new AI-enhanced toolkit to simplify and enhance the grant proposal preparation process, offering features such as AI-driven drafting support, compliance checks, and collaboration tools. With endorsements from industry leaders and successful case studies, the toolkit aims to democratize access to funding opportunities and streamline application procedures.
Grant Assistant Launches AI-enhanced Toolkit for Proposal Preparation
Washington, April 23, 2024 — Grant Assistant has launched a new AI-enhanced toolkit designed to streamline the complex process of responding to grant solicitations. This tool aims to simplify the various stages of proposal preparation, including evaluation, design, drafting, budget planning, and compliance review.
The introduction of the toolkit comes from a company leadership team with firsthand experience in grant processes. Notably, Sean Carroll, former USAID Chief of Staff under the Obama administration, serves as Chairman of Grant Assistant. Dr. William Steiger, who held the same position during the Trump administration, is an advisor and board member.
“For decades, the grantmaking process has been too difficult, time-consuming, and costly,” Carroll commented. He expressed optimism that the new toolkit could attract a greater number and diversity of applicants, many of whom may have been previously deterred by the complexity of the grant-writing process.
Key Features of the Toolkit
The toolkit includes various features aimed at improving efficiency and accuracy:
- Solicitation Summaries: A custom AI analyses grant solicitations and produces clear one-page summaries, helping organisations make informed decisions quickly.
- Guided Program Design: This feature assists users in developing a proposal structure aligned with their objectives, using integrated templates and tailored questions.
- AI-Enhanced Drafting Support: Utilising past proposals and other relevant documents, the AI generates a draft tailored to the requirements of the specific solicitation.
- Suggestion Engine: The tool provides relevant information, such as charts and data, to enrich proposals.
- Collaboration Tools: Features are included to manage various stages, deadlines, and team collaboration.
- Compliance Check: An AI-driven compliance review ensures proposals meet funder requirements and addresses potential issues.
Practical Applications and Case Studies
The toolkit has undergone eight months of rigorous testing by various organizations, including top USAID implementers. Beta testers included entities like Creative, Catholic Relief Services, TechChange, URC, and others.
TechChange CEO Nick Martin cited a specific instance where the toolkit enabled his team to submit a proposal during a challenging time. “A huge, game-changing bid dropped just before the holidays, due in mid-January. We thought we were going to have to pass, but Grant Assistant enabled us to submit a great proposal,” Martin said.
Earl Gast, President of URC, emphasized the toolkit’s democratizing effect: “This AI tool empowers local organizations with great ideas to meet USAID’s requirements effectively.”
Leadership and Development
The founding team behind Grant Assistant brings diverse expertise:
- Hans Miller, President, formerly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Co-Founder/CEO of Airside Mobile.
- Rob Russell, Chief Revenue Officer, has extensive experience in government sector business development and sales.
- Syed Murtaza, Chief Operating Officer, with a background in content creation, banking, and technology.
- Dr. Gilberto Lopez, Director of Research, an academic with a deep understanding of the grantmaking process.
Dr. Steiger highlighted the potential impact on localization efforts. “The tool can transform local organizations’ ideas and knowledge into competitive, world-class applications.”
As this toolkit becomes available, it is expected to ease the burdens associated with grant proposals, potentially transforming how organizations approach funding opportunities. Grant Assistant aims to make the grant application process more accessible to a wider array of applicants, thereby fostering greater innovation and diversity in funded projects.
