AI & the Future of Grant Writing: Empowerment or Automation Overload?

In this episode of Let’s Imagine, host Bruce MacDonald welcomes Deepa Chaudhary — founder of GrantOrb, an AI-powered grant writing platform designed to support nonprofits in one of their most time-consuming and mission-critical activities: securing funding. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, its role in the nonprofit sector is evolving rapidly — especially in fundraising and grant development.

Deepa shares how AI technology can reduce the burden on overstretched teams and increase access to high-quality funding proposals, particularly for small and medium-sized organizations. Together, Bruce and Deepa explore the promise and pitfalls of AI in grant writing, from questions of trust and authenticity to equity, bias, and environmental sustainability.

Join them as they unpack the tools, tensions, and opportunities at the intersection of technology and social impact — and consider what a thoughtful, human-centered approach to AI adoption might look like in the nonprofit sector.

If your organization is looking for ways to secure more funding, you may also be interested in exploring Grant Connect, Imagine Canada's fundraising research platform, to help you find grant opportunities and grow your impact.

Make sure to check out our full episode list. This episode is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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