Workshop: "Using AI for Grant Writing - Session 1 (of 2)"

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What's cooking!

Workshop:

"Using AI for Grant Writing - Session 1 (of 2)"
(Session 2: Jan. 24, same time)

Under budget stress? Watching grant opportunities slip by due to lack of staff and time to apply?
Maybe AI can help!

Join Dianne Connery of Pottsboro, TX Library, who will lead us through the ins and outs of using these ever more functional and accessible tools to expand staffing needs and enhance skill sets.

Workshop Agenda:

Session One (Jan. 22)

"Using AI for Grant Writing"

Goal is to empower staff with practical AI tools, skills, and strategies to improve grant applications.

** Preparation & Materials **

• Grant Application Materials: Bring a grant proposal you're currently working on or one you plan to apply for.
• AI Tools:
• • ChatGPT (or similar AI writing tools)
  • Grammarly (for editing assistance)
  • Grant search databases (e.g., Foundation Directory Online, GrantStation)

** Workshop Outline **

Introduction to AI in Grant Writing

• Overview: Explain what AI is and its current applications in writing and research.
• Benefits for Grant Writing:
• • Streamlining research for potential grants.
  • Generating proposal drafts quickly.
  • Improving clarity, tone, and grammar.
  • Enhancing creativity by brainstorming ideas.
  • Saving time on repetitive tasks (e.g., creating standard sections like needs assessments).

Part 1: Researching Grants with AI

• Live Demo: Show how AI can summarize funding guidelines, eligibility criteria, and proposal requirements.
• Practical Exercise: Attendees use AI to summarize a potential grant opportunity or find specific eligibility criteria.

Part 2: Drafting Grant Proposals Using AI

• AI-Generated Content: Show how to use AI tools to:
• • Draft sections like mission alignment, needs assessment, and project summaries.
  • Refine specific language to match funder priorities.
• Exercise: Participants input a grant prompt or a section you are working on, using AI to generate a draft.
• Tips for Prompting AI: How to create effective prompts for AI tools:
• • Specific tone, structure, and content needs.
  • Provide context about the library's mission and the grant's goals.

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Session Two (Jan. 24)
"Using AI for Grant Writing"

Part 3: Editing and Refining AI Outputs

• Refinement Techniques: How to fine-tune AI-generated content to:
• • Ensure accuracy and alignment with funder guidelines.
  • Improve readability and conciseness.
  • Avoid overly generic language.
• Exercise: Use AI tools to revise and polish a draft section, ensuring clarity and persuasiveness.

Part 4: Ethical Considerations & Best Practices

• Ethics of AI: Discuss the importance of:
• • Human oversight in AI-generated content.
  • Avoiding plagiarism or misrepresentation.
  • Ensuring transparency and ethical use of AI tools.
• Best Practices: Emphasize AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for human expertise.

Wrap-Up and Q&A

• Discussion: Open the floor for questions, reflections, and challenges.
• Next Steps: Provide a list of AI tools and resources for continued learning.

Bring an Actual Grant!

Bringing a real grant application ensures:

• Immediate relevance and hands-on experience.
• Apply AI tools directly to your projects.
• A productive session with actionable outcomes.

This structure empowers you to integrate AI confidently into grant writing process while ensuring ethical and effective practices.

Workshop: "Using AI for Grant Writing - Session 1 (of 2)"

Workshop made possible via a grant from Project SLAAIT: State Libraries and AI Technology
https://circl.community/index.php/slaait-home/