Library › Research AI › Nonprofit staff

Shortlist funders that match your literacy program

Practice: Setting limits and rules. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

You're the development coordinator for a youth literacy nonprofit in Harmon County. Your rules: the funder supports youth literacy or education, funds Harmon County, gives grants of $10,000 or more, and has a deadline after today (Nov 6, 2026). You want exactly 2 numbered picks, each with deadline and a reason under 12 words, using only the funder list, plain text, nothing else.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not giving every rule. The AI picks funders that sound close, like the arts fund or the bank with a personal connection. Try: Say: "Must meet all four: literacy or education, Harmon County, $10,000+, deadline after Nov 6."
  • Missing a passed deadline. Morrow looks perfect until you compare its deadline to today's date. Try: Add: "Today is Nov 6, 2026."
  • Getting a full rundown. The AI explains every funder, burying the 2 that fit. Try: Say: "Output only the 2 picks."
  • Not saying how many. The AI decides the length itself and usually returns more picks than you can use. Try: Be exact: "exactly 2 numbered picks."
  • Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in your grants calendar. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Lists the rules
  • Gives today's date
  • Says exactly how many
  • Limits each reason
  • Asks for plain text

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises