This module is designed for funders who are exploring how AI may be integrated into their grantmaking strategies and looking for guidance on how to effectively evaluate AI- and/or data-focused grant proposals.
The principles outlined in our diligence guide have been developed based on conversations from across many philanthropic organizations and are designed to be applicable no matter the focus areas, geographies, or types of organizations that you support.
We estimate that this module will take ~1-1.5 hours to complete and can be completed independently or as a small group of individuals from your foundation. The module is composed of a short reading followed by an activity where you will get practice reviewing and evaluating two hypothetical grant proposals.
Step 1: Complete this pre-module survey (~5 min)
Your input helps us better understand the sticking points that foundations are running into and your goals for taking this module with us.
Step 2: Read the AI For Good Diligence Guide. (~15 min)
Step 3: Review + evaluate sample proposal(s) (~25-50 min)
Below we have provided two sample grant proposals for your review. These are intended to give you practice identifying how the core principles discussed above should show up in a proposal. You may opt to go through both, or just select the one proposal that feels most relevant to you. Note: Both proposals are hypothetical organizations and projects.
To review a proposal, first take a few minutes to read it in full. Then, use the Diligence Cheat Sheet provided to evaluate the proposal across the core diligence principles. On what aspects is the proposal doing well and where could it use improvement? If you are completing this module with others at your organization, complete this activity as a group. After you’ve completed your evaluation, check out our improved version of the grant proposal to see how your notes compare.
AI for Good Diligence Cheat Sheet
Proposal #1: Building a custom, external-facing AI tool
Proposal #2: Incorporating an off-the-shelf AI tool into internal operations
Step 4: Reflect (~15 min)