An introduction to what the AI Scoring Tool does, how it works, and why funders choose to use it as part of their grant-making process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AI Scoring Tool is designed to help funders assess grant applications quickly, consistently, and fairly. When applications are submitted to your fund, the tool reads each one and scores it against a set of defined criteria – producing a structured assessment that you can use to inform your shortlisting decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each application receives an overall score of 1 to 5 and a score for every criteria, along with a written rationale explaining why that score was awarded. This gives you both a numerical overview and the context you need to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scores are generated against two types of criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, these give you a rounded view of each application – both in terms of how well it was written and how closely it matches what your fund is looking to support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in using the AI Scoring Tool then talk to your Customer Success Manager who will help set it up. Here’s what happens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applications are read and assessed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tool reads the full text of each submitted application and evaluates the content of each response against your defined criteria. Where applicants have submitted a video pitch, the tool uses the transcript of that pitch in place of a written response. It does not take into account factors outside of the application itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each criteria is scored from 1 to 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Each application is scored on a scale of 1 to 5 for every criteria – both Actionfunder’s core criteria and any funder-set criteria you have defined. A score of 1 indicates the weakest response against that criteria, while a score of 5 indicates the strongest. Every score is accompanied by a written explanation so you can see exactly what the AI found and why it scored as it did. Each application also receives an overall score, giving you a quick snapshot of how it performed across all criteria combined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Results are presented via CSV file<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Results are presented in a CSV file, which your Customer Success Manager will share with you once scoring is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shortlisting grant applications can be time-consuming, especially when managing a high volume of submissions. The AI Scoring Tool helps funders work more efficiently without compromising on the quality or fairness of their assessment process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Save time on first-pass reviews<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than reading every application from scratch before you’ve had a chance to identify the strongest candidates, the tool provides an initial structured assessment. You can use the scores to quickly identify which applications warrant closer attention and which may fall outside your fund’s criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring consistency to your process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When multiple reviewers assess applications independently, scoring can vary based on individual interpretation. The AI applies the same criteria, in the same way, to every application – reducing variability and helping to ensure a fairer process for all applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reduce unconscious bias<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tool evaluates applications on the content of their responses rather than factors such as organisation size, location, or name recognition. This supports a more equitable approach to shortlisting, particularly for smaller or newer organisations that may be less well known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Create a clear audit trail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Because every score comes with a written rationale, you have a documented record of why each application was assessed in the way it was. This supports transparency and can be useful if applicants ask for feedback or if you need to evidence your decision-making process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every application is scored on a scale of 1 to 5 for each criteria. Scores reflect the strength of the evidence found within the application itself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each score is accompanied by a written rationale that references specific content from the application, allowing you to understand and verify the AI’s assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Actionfunder’s core criteria, which cover the quality of the application and the attainability of the project, are applied to every fund automatically. You can also set your own criteria to reflect your fund’s particular priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\nImportant: <\/em><\/strong>The AI Scoring Tool is a decision-support tool, not a decision-making tool. All final shortlisting and funding decisions remain with you and your team. The AI provides a consistent first-pass assessment to help you focus your review time where it matters most.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n AF\u2019s core criteria<\/strong>
Applied automatically to every application across all funds. These cover the quality of the application and the attainability of the proposed project.<\/td>Funder-set criteria<\/strong>
Criteria you define yourself to reflect your fund’s specific priorities, themes, and requirements – such as geographic focus or thematic alignment.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. How it works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best practice:<\/strong> Use the AI scores as a starting point for your review, not as the sole basis for decisions. Pair the tool’s assessment with your own knowledge of your fund’s context and community priorities to get the most out of it.<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 3. Why funders use it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. How scoring works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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