How Freelance Grant Writers Are Using AI to Win Grants, Manage Clients, and Save Time in 2026

Freelance Grant Writer Summit | Free, 2-Day Summit October 13th–14thLearn how to find better-fit clients, confidently price your services, and build consistent freelance income through live trainings, panels, and coaching.Save your free seat: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/grant-summitAI is changing grant writing, but experienced grant writers aren’t simply handing over an RFP and asking AI to write the grant.In this episode, Holly Rustick sits down with a panel of three seasoned grant professionals - Sara Cohen, Gwen Valentino, and Nic Daniel - to talk candidly about how they’re actually using AI inside their grant writing businesses in 2026.From developing sophisticated prompts and creating client policies to automating communications, analyzing grant applications, building budgets, and dramatically reducing turnaround time, these grant writers share what’s working behind the scenes; and where human expertise is still absolutely essential.You’ll hear how Gwen has developed AI processes that have helped her work faster and serve smaller nonprofits while continuing to support municipal clients with tight deadlines; how Nic is using AI and connected client files to streamline research, drafting, budgets, and team workflows; and how Sara uses AI more selectively for editing, strategy, policies, sponsorship packages, and other client value-adds.They also get into the risks. AI can still hallucinate, confuse client information, produce polished language that doesn’t actually make sense, and create serious problems when users don’t know enough about grant writing to recognize what’s wrong.The conversation also tackles one of the biggest questions facing the profession: Will AI replace grant writers?The panel’s answer points to a different future: one where grant writers who understand strategy, know their clients deeply, can critically evaluate AI-generated work, and learn how to use AI as a tool may become even more valuable.If you’re wondering where AI belongs in your grant writing workflow, how other professional grant writers are using it, or whether you should be using it at all, this episode gives you an inside look at what that can actually look like.ABOUT OUR GUESTS Sara Cohen, GPC, CFRESara Cohen began her consulting business in September 2014 after 15 years in various fundraising positions at several nonprofits. Over her 25-year nonprofit career, she has raised over $70,000,000 for the organizations she represented. She has successfully written foundation, corporate, county, state, and federal grants in the areas of secondary education, early childhood education and early intervention, youth behavioral health, disabilities, the arts (primarily music, dance, and theater), workforce development, museums, and human services. Sara is committed to constant self-improvement and has acquired the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and the Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) certifications.She is very open and collaborative with her clients and their staff. Additionally, her past experience in the corporate sector strengthened her analytical and problem-solving skills, which she has been able to draw on when working with clients.When Sara is not working with her inspiring clients, she can be found with her nose in a book, out running or walking, enjoying Chicago's cultural and culinary splendor, or spending time with friends, family, and her adorable mutt.Gwen ValentinoSince 2018, I’ve been turning community dreams into funded realities. As the founder of NM Grant Writers, I specialize in helping small nonprofits, cities, and community organizations bridge the gap between vision and funding. My journey began at the South Central Council of Governments, where I learned the art (and strategy) of navigating federal, state, and foundation grants, from USDA and NMFA to private foundations across the Southwest.What drives me is simple: helping good people do great work. Whether it’s revitalizing rural communities, strengthening local nonprofits, or building sustainable programs, I believe grant writing isn’t just paperwork, it’s storytelling with purpose.When you work with me, expect strategy, structure, and a genuine partner who cares about your mission as much as you do.Nic DanielNic Daniel, GPC is a senior-level grant strategist and founder of Key Development Group, bringing over 30 years of experience guiding nonprofit organizations throughout California and across the United States. Nic is known for expertise in major grants, organizational capacity building, capital campaigns and collaborative proposals, as well as ongoing prog