Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot are now readily available and being used in many walks of life. We understand that some of the organisations who apply to us for funding will be keen to find ways to use these tools in their own work.
Our position on the use of AI tools is: You can use AI tools to help write your funding application and Forever Manchester will not reject an application just because AI was used. We will ask you to tell us if you’ve used AI, so that we can better understand how applicants are using AI and how we can support all applicants, whether they choose to use AI or not. We know that AI tools can be a huge time-saver for grassroots community groups and charities when it comes to writing applications, and we recognise how useful they can be. They have the potential to level the playing field for smaller groups and charities who don’t have paid staff or fundraisers to help. However, we also recognise that AI generated applications might not always give you the best shot at success and it’s important that you consider this before using AI when writing your application to us.
If you are using AI, please use it with caution Using AI to write a funding application can give you a useful starting point but often what it produces for you is not as strong as it might first appear. AI-generated applications can sometimes be generic in the answers they give and can sometimes make things up entirely. It may not capture the personality, knowledge and strengths of your organisation. We recommend only using AI for drafting and formatting – what’s really important is that you read what AI has produced and then add the information unique to you and your community. Your story, approach and knowledge of your community and the people you work with are what make you stand out!
Key tips for using AI AI tools often produce generic content or include buzzwords that don’t capture your personality as an organisation – don’t risk submitting the same answer as everyone else who may have used AI in their application. Start with your community – we want to know about what you do and who you’re working with in your local community, make sure what you tell us is specific to your organisation. We want to understand your project, so when telling us stories or giving examples, make sure these are real ones from your work and community to help your application stand out. Don’t rely on AI-suggested budgets without reviewing them. Ensure they fit your plans and what you want to do. AI can sometimes generate incorrect, actively made-up or misleading information, make sure you double check everything is right.
Safety and Security It’s important to protect your data and the privacy of those you work with. Using AI shouldn’t compromise the security of sensitive information related to your organisation, your beneficiaries, or Forever Manchester. Be aware that your data might not be private when using AI tools, especially free ones, which may store the data you input. If you input your organisation’s data into AI tools, ensure that you do so in compliance with relevant legislation. Where personal information is used, please refer to the Information Commissioner’s Office for guidance on AI and data protection Guidance on AI and data protection | ICO
AI has an environmental impact AI tools require large amounts of energy and fresh water to power their data centres. This creates significant environmental impact. Estimates suggest that ChatGPT consumes between 50 and 90 times more energy per query than a conventional search. Use AI mindfully, only use AI where it will clearly help you apply or significantly improve the quality of your application. Finally, like many organisations, we at Forever Manchester are exploring the use of AI to support our work, but please be assured, our team read and assess every single application we receive, and our decision-making is always in human hands. This statement explains our current approach to helping communities navigate this new technology. As technology evolves, we may update our position and will keep this page up to date.
