Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “research funders and grant opportunities”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today and, for AI fixes, a prompt to copy.

60 min
typically, once a week
60%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Use a grant database that matches funders to your programs

Grant research tools match your programs and location to foundations and government grants, show past giving and deadlines, and track your pipeline, instead of searching funder websites one by one.

Typically saves about 50% of the time1 h to set up
  1. 1Set up a profile of your programs, location and budget in a grant tool (Instrumentl, Candid Foundation Directory, GrantStation; Grants.gov for federal).
  2. 2Save searches and turn on alerts for new matches.
  3. 3Check each funder's past grants to similar organizations before applying.
  4. 4Track deadlines and status in the tool, not a spreadsheet.

Tools: Instrumentl · Candid Foundation Directory · GrantStation · Grants.gov

Fix 2 of 2

AI

Use AI research mode and check the sources

Deep Research modes in ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity read dozens of pages and give you a cited summary.

Typically saves about 55% of the time5 min to set up
  1. 1Write the exact question and what you will use the answer for.
  2. 2Run it in a research mode (ChatGPT Deep Research, Claude Research, Gemini Deep Research or Perplexity).
  3. 3Open the two or three key sources it cites and confirm them.
  4. 4Save the summary where your team can find it.
Prompt to copy
Research [QUESTION]. I need this to [DECISION OR USE]. Give me a one-paragraph answer first, then the key facts as bullets with a source link for each, then what is uncertain or disputed.

Tools: ChatGPT Deep Research · Claude Research · Gemini Deep Research · Perplexity

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Fundraiser / development officer

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

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Other common tasks for Fundraisers / development officers