AI for Nonprofits Workshop

Challenge #1

The LOI Challenge

THE SCENARIO

A letter of inquiry (LOI) for a $30,000 foundation grant is due tomorrow. Your small organization (10 employees total) has limited staff time, and the information you need is scattered across multiple sources, including impact reports, surveys, intake forms, and focus group transcripts.

The foundation not only wants to see not only a good project, it wants to see evidence from your work that you are able to deliver.

YOUR TASK TODAY

Do NOT write the LOI. Instead, your group will explore the different ways AI might help your organization prepare a stronger proposal with limited time and resources.

Discuss these questions:

  1. Where could AI help? Brainstorm as many different ways as possible that AI could support the process, from gathering and analyzing information to developing and reviewing the proposal. Think beyond simply generating text or editing.

  2. Which uses would be most valuable? Of the ideas you've identified, which would save the most time or money? Which would most improve the quality of the proposal? Are there applications that would do both?

  3. When might AI not be helpful? What are the limitations or risks? Where are human expertise, judgment, and oversight essential?

Be prepared to share: Your group's top 2–3 recommended uses of AI, why you chose them, and one important caution or limitation.