I thought it would be useful if each month I share a few tips and suggestions on using AI. If you want any additional help and support with using AI in your organisation please get in touch

Prompts – 

A prompt is the input or instruction you give to an AI to get a response. It can be a question, a command, or a set of instructions — like asking it to write a funding bid, summarise a report, or generate an image. The AI uses your prompt to understand what you want and respond accordingly.

Tips for Writing Good Prompts:

1. Be clear and specific
   → Vague: “Write something about fundraising.”
   → Better: “Write a 200-word summary for a grant application to support youth mental health projects.”

2. Set the format
   Tell it what structure you want (e.g. bullet points, paragraph, table, etc.).

3. Define tone or style
   Say if you want it formal, persuasive, simple, etc.

4. Give context if needed
   Include background or intended audience, especially for complex tasks.

5. Use step-by-step instructions
   For multi-part tasks, break them down:
   “Step 1: Draft a mission statement. Step 2: Write three key project outcomes.”

6. Use examples
   If possible, include a model answer or previous wording to base it on.

 

Below are some examples:

1. Summaries

• Prompt:
  Summarise this project in 150 words for a grant application to the [Funder Name]. Focus on community benefit, inclusion, and long-term impact.

2. Case for Support

• Prompt:
  Write a compelling paragraph explaining why this project is urgently needed in [location], referencing local deprivation or unmet needs.

3. Outcomes and Impact

• Prompt:
  List 3 clear outcomes of this project, each in under 30 words, showing how they support [target group] and meet the funder’s priorities.

4. Project Description

• Prompt:
  Write a plain-English summary of this project’s activities, who will benefit, and how it will be delivered over 12 months. No jargon.

5. Tailoring to the Funder

• Prompt:
  Adapt this bid to align with the priorities of [Funder Name], focusing on [e.g., youth, heritage, environment, etc.].

6. Budget Explanation

• Prompt:
  Write a short explanation justifying this £20,000 budget – what it will pay for, and why each item is necessary.

7. Local Need Evidence

• Prompt:
  Draft a paragraph using statistics to show local need in [postcode/ward], especially around mental health/employment/youth access.

8. EDI Focus

• Prompt:
  Write how this project improves access and inclusion for marginalised groups (e.g., Somali migrants, care leavers, isolated older adults).