Depends on the program. The funder sets the rule in each program's guidelines, so check the program a PI is applying to.
What applicants may do
- For the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, applicants may use AI as a thought partner for brainstorming and outlining. It may not act as a ghostwriter or replace original human authorship. Copying and pasting directly from generative AI tools is strongly discouraged. Applicants must clearly disclose and properly cite any AI use. [1]
What the funder asks of applicants
- For the U.S. Senate Youth Program scholarship, applicants must affirm that no AI content is in their essays. They must also affirm that they did not use AI to write them, or receive unauthorized assistance beyond an approved reasonable accommodation for a disability. [2]
Rules for reviewers
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has published no rules for reviewers.
Where this comes from
The funder's own words, from its own pages.
Massachusetts 21st Century Community Learning Centers ... (opens in a new tab)
Applicants may use Artificial Intelligence AI as a supportive thought partner for brainstorming and outlining their application, provided it does not serve as a ghostwriter or a replacement for original human authorship. Direct copying and pasting from generative Artificial Intelligence AI tools is strongly discouraged.
To maintain academic integrity, use of Artificial Intelligence AI must be clearly disclosed and properly cited, reflecting a commitment to transparency and active human oversight.
2026-2027 Statement Confirming Truth and Accuracy (opens in a new tab)
I affirm that all work not cited to its original author/creator is entirely my own original effort, free from plagiarism, and no AI content is in the essays. I have not used AI in the writing of my essays or received unauthorized assistance not otherwise permitted as an approved reasonable accommodation for a disability.
This is a reading of what the funder has published, and it is not legal advice. A solicitation can set its own rule, so read the funding announcement before a PI applies.