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This spreadsheet was created by Lime Green Consulting. We have indicated in Column C when this information was last checked and updated.
Please check the data independently before using it yourself.
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FunderCheckedSource of infoOverall stance on using AISummary of their overall position and adviceProsConsAre they using it to assess applications?How are they using it?
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Arts Council England8/10/2026Website statementGenerally negativeUse with cautionWe understand that AI technologies may be useful in streamlining reports, and/or the process of applying.Generative AI tools create potential risks around bias, transparency, data protection and the moral and legal rights of creators. We are also increasingly aware that the use of these tools can lead to the submission of applications with similar language and text, which can distract from an application’s unique proposition. NoAssessment of Arts Council England funding applications is carried out by Arts Council staff, who are experts in their field. We do not use AI technologies in carrying out the assessment, or decision-making on applications.
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Baring Foundation8/10/2026PDF guidance notesNeutralA decision for individual organisations to
take and we have no preference.		None cited[Need to] make sure it is an accurate
reflection of your work and plans.		Not currently but may reviewThe Baring Foundation does not currently use AI to aid its decision-making about grants or in our administrative processes. We recognise that this is a fast-moving area of technology and our approach may need to shift as the possibilities and implications of AI become clearer.
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Barts Charity8/10/2026PDF guidance notesGenerally negativeUse with cautionNone cited[Applicants need to] protect confidential information and personal data; consider the risks when using AI tools with unpublished research, original intellectual property, commercially sensitive findings; consider the risk of bias; remove any false, misleading or hallucinated information.For some purposes but not assessmentWhilst Barts Charity may use AI tools to support our processes, we do not use it when deciding whether to award funding. Staff may use generative AI tools to assist in the administration of grant applications, in creating content to promote funded grants, and when writing proposals for fundraising.
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Children In Need8/10/2026Included in their A to Z Policies and GuidanceGenerally negativeUse with caution and carefully review the output.We understand [AI] can support organisations writing applications.AI often produces generic content without capturing your organisation’s unique skills, experience and the voice of the children and young people you work with. If using AI generated content in your application, it is vital that you carefully review it to ensure it is an accurate representation of your organisation and the work that you do. Be careful what information you input into AI tools, to not compromise your legal obligations in relation to Confidentiality, personal data, Intellectual Property or similar. We also recognise the environmental impact of AI and encourage applicants to consider sustainable and responsible AI use.For some purposes but not assessmentWhilst we may use AI tools to support our funding processes we do not use  AI for decision making at BBC Children in Need.
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City Bridge Foundation8/10/2026Included in their How to Apply guidanceNeutralUse AI ethically and transparently. AI should support, not
replace, your thinking, expression, and lived experience.		We recognise that digital and AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others) are becoming an integral part of how people work and apply for funding. These tools can help with:
- Improving clarity, grammar or structure
- Translating or simplifying language
- Drafting early ideas – as long as the final version reflects your voice and values		It’s often clear when AI has been overused.
Applications that rely too heavily on AI can feel generic and may not reflect your organisation’s voice, values or lived experience. This can affect your chances of success.

To give yourself the best chance, avoid:
- Submitting fully AI-generated or unedited responses
- Using AI to create false data, quotes or stories
- Relying entirely on AI to write your application
- Sharing personal or sensitive data with insecure platforms
- Using tools that breach copyright or misuse training data		Unknown
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Coop Foundation (specifically for their Future Communities Fund Round Two)8/10/2026PDF guidance notesGenerally negativeWhilst we will consider applications that have been partially generated using AI, we recommend that you consider the following [see column F]. We reserve the right to reject any AI-generated applications if we have concerns around their factual accuracy.AI is a powerful tool that can help organisations to work in more efficient ways. We recognise that AI tools can support individuals who have little to no experience of writing funding applications and can remove barriers for people with disabilities and individuals with English as an Additional Language (EAL).Applications generated using AI are often generic and fail to capture an organisation’s unique knowledge, value, distinctiveness, skills or impact. This can make it difficult for us to understand what is different or special about your organisation and the work that you deliver. Being too generic may disadvantage your application. AI can generate inaccurate content which can undermine the strength of your
application. [Other concerns mentioned are storage of data, ethical challenges (lack of regulation; use of data and imagery without consent and in-built biases which can reinforce discrimination); water and energy requirements.		Not currently but may reviewCo-op Foundation will not use generative AI tools in any part of the assessment or
decision-making process for this funding programme. As a funder, we are still exploring and learning more about the potential implications of AI tools. As such, in the future, we may update our position on the use of these tools.
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Esmee Fairbairn Foundation8/10/2026Website statementNeutralNo preference - a decision for individual organisations. If you use AI to help draft applications, make sure it’s an honest reflection of your work and plans.None citedNone citedFor some purposes but not assessmentUsing AI tools to support funding processes, not for decision-making. Using it to streamline processes, facilitate better communication and collaboration, improve accessibility. Examples include notetaking and live transcription.
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Forever Manchester8/10/2026Website statementNeutralUse with caution - as a starting point for drafting and formatting, but check carefullyWe 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.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. [They also flag concerns with safety/security and environmental impact]Unknown
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Henry Smith Foundation8/10/2026Included in their FAQsNeutralWe’re interested in understanding your work, your approach and the difference you’re making, so your application should reflect your voice and experience. If you choose to use AI we recommend using it to support your thinking or structure, not to write the application for you. AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be powerful aids, offering new ways of working that save time, improve accessibility, and support creativity.We have noticed that AI-generated applications can include errors, generic information, and don’t always make sense. Always check the accuracy of any information AI provides and ensure it’s used as a support but not to replace your organisation’s unique voice or story. Remember: don’t put personal or identifiable details into AI tools.Unknown
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John Lyon's Charity8/10/2026Website statementNeutralWill consider applications written with the support of AI, however, you must ensure that the final version that you submit is accurate, tailored, and reflects the work and tone of voice of your organisation. AI can bring benefits, improve efficiency, and support those who are not familiar with, or face additional barriers in, writing grant applications.However, AI-generated text can be generic, inaccurate, and may not fit [our] grant guidelines, which could affect your chances of receiving a grant. As a relational funder, John Lyon’s Charity often visits grantees, and we expect your written submissions to reflect the experience we would have when visiting you in person. NoDoes not currently use generative AI too ls in any part of the assessment or decision-making process.
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation10/12/2025Website statement about the use of AI in policymaking (NOT funding applications)Strongly negativeAdopting AI for public policymaking would be to submit policy to wider corporate and ideological agendas.None citedDespite its claim to assist or even automate the production of policy solutions, AI is incapable of addressing the tricky structural issues that impede actual change. What it offers instead is a performative ‘fix’ that both obscures and amplifies the underlying problems. [The main issues explored are] Correlations and hallucinations, Scaling injustice, Unsustainable solutionismUnknown
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Kent Community Foundation8/10/2026Website statementNeutralUse these tools responsibly and ethicallyDigital and AI tools and technologies are becoming increasingly accessible and have the potential to save time for charities in many ways. Technology should be used to support you, giving you prompts and ideas, speeding up the process of editing.Generic applications created by AI alone will not provide the information we need to assess a funding application. [...] we are not looking for perfect spelling and grammar; what matters most is that we clearly understand what you are trying to achieve with the funding you are applying for.YesWe’re currently running a pilot project to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) might help us work more efficiently and improve the experience for our team, applicants and partners. This pilot is focused on testing AI tools in areas such as due diligence checks, impact reporting, and preparing panel papers, all behind the scenes. [This seems to open up the possibility that their use of AI will influence funding decisions, although this is not explicitly stated]
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Leeds Community Foundation8/10/2026PDF guidance notesGenerally negativeUse with cautionAI can help people to communicate their own thoughts and ideas, particularly for those for whom English is an additional language or those who face barriers to making written applications.In most cases of AI generated answers we have seen to date, they’ve made the application or report worse. Answers tend to lack depth, local context and include inappropriate use of jargon. In applications, this has made the proposals seem less feasible and poorly aligned with the aims of the fund, making them unlikely to meet the required quality threshold to be fundable.Not currently but may reviewCurrently, our staff don’t use AI software anywhere in the grant making process, and we will inform our stakeholders if this changes.
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Lloyds Bank Foundation8/10/2026Website statementGenerally negativeWe understand if you want to use AI to support you, but be mindful of some key considerations.There are some benefits to using AI, from increased productivity to removing barriers for Disabled people and those whose dominant language is not English.However, as a funder and an employer, we are seeing a trend of over-reliance on AI in applications. It is often noticeable when AI has been over-relied on and, in many cases, this is not giving applicants the best chance of success. These applications are often generic, and do not bring out your own voice or uniqueness.  [Applicants need to] Avoid generic responses; Look out for AI inaccuracies; Protect your data; Consider the impact on our environment.NoWe read every single funding and job application we receive and do not use AI in any part of our decision making.
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London Community Foundation8/10/2026Website statementNeutralBe cautious when using AI to generate answers to questions in grant applications and reports. As with any software, the use of generative AI is your own responsibility. [Your content] must be owned by you as the applicant doing the work.AI can help people to communicate their own thoughts and ideas, particularly for those for whom English is an additional language or those who face barriers to making written applications.If using AI generated answers, make sure the final submission includes sufficient depth, relevant local context, and avoids inappropriate use of jargon.For some purposes but not assessmentWe have recently established an AI working group, and [...] are beginning to trial AI tools to streamline internal processes, such as AI-powered notetaking. However, AI tools are not currently influencing any grant decision-making, and we will inform our stakeholders should this position change.
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National Lottery Community Fund (also used as the basis for the National Lottery Heritage Fund policy)8/10/2026Website statementNeutralUse AI with caution.

You can use AI tools to help write your funding application. We will not reject an application just because AI was used.		[AI tools] are changing the way people work by saving them time and improving accessibility. We understand that the communities we serve will be keen to find ways to use these tools in their own work. AI tools can support you if English is not your first language or if you’re new to writing funding applications. Many of our customers find that using AI helps them write their applications faster and with less effort.AI supported applications do not tell the unique story of your community and how you want to support them. Being too generic in content may disadvantage your application. AI tools often produce generic content or include buzzwords that don’t capture your unique perspective or your community’s voice.
[Other advice:] Look out for inaccuracies, Your data might not be private, AI has an environmental impact		UnknownNo info, but they have published a short document summarising their 10 principles when using AI
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Paul Hamlyn Foundation8/10/2026Website statementGenerally negativeUsing AI tools alone will not disadvantage your application. But be careful of how it is used.

Use AI tools responsibly, following relevant legal and ethical standards		AI tools are increasingly becoming a part of our day-to-day lives. In the workplace, they can support a range of tasks, and we recognise there are potential benefits to applicants, grant holders and consultants using these tools.

Generative AI can save time, and it can make processes more accessible such as by helping with translation or transcription.		There are, however, ways AI can be used in applications which are cause for concern [they go on to outline their concerns in detail, broken down by Ethics (e.g. in-built bias, lack of regulation, human/environmental cost) , Uniqueness and Accuracy]For some purposes but not assessmentWe do not use AI to assess grant applications or job applications. Some of our administration processes are supported by AI – for example, using transcription services and meeting summaries. We may also use tools that identify the use of AI in your grant and job applications. These are used to provide additional information to staff rather than acting as a replacement for any previous ways of gathering information, assessing applications, and making decisions.
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Suffolk Community Foundation8/10/2026PDF guidance notesNeutralApplicants may use AI to assist in writing […] Applications and reports will not be rejected solely because AI was used, however, accuracy
remains the responsibility of the applicant.		AI tools are increasingly shaping the way we work, offering efficiency and accessibilityThey outline three main risk areas: Inaccuracies, data privacy, environmental impactUnknown
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UFI VocTech Trust8/10/2026Website statementGenerally positiveUfi is committed to leveraging AI in ways that support innovation, empower individuals, and uphold our core values of responsibility and integrity.

Applicants are responsible for the content of applications and the information provided to us.		AI is a powerful tool that when used effectively and ethically, has the power to enhance human capabilities and unlock human potential.They emphasise the need to protect confidential information and personal data; remove any false, misleading or hallucinated information; be aware of third party intellectual property rights.Not currently but may reviewAI tools are changing rapidly. However, at this time, concerns remain relating to transparency, protection of confidential information, potential for hallucinations and protection of third party intellectual property rights.

Until these concerns have been resolved satisfactorily, expert reviewers and advisory panel members must not input any content from our confidential grant applications or reviews into, or otherwise use, generative AI tools to develop their expert review feedback.
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Wellcome Trust
(as part of the Research Funders Policy Group)		8/10/2026Website statementNeutralUse responsibly and in accordance with relevant legal and ethical standards where these exist or as they developAI tools present opportunities and bring benefits in the context of research such as supporting content generation for computer code or assisting neurodivergent researchers or reducing potential language barriers [as part of funding application process]However, the use of Generative AI tools present potential risks for research in areas such as rigour, transparency, originality, reliability, data protection, confidentiality, intellectual property, copyright, and bias. We want to protect against potential ethical, legal and integrity issues in the use of generative AI tools to maintain the high standards of the research and innovation we fund.For some purposes but not assessmentAs research funders, our final funding decisions are underpinned by human oversight; we do not use generative AI tools to make funding decisions.

We may use enterprise data protected (EDP) generative AI tools to process funding applications. These tools have been assessed for security and safety. However, we will not input confidential funding applications into publicly available versions of generative AI tools.
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