AI is rapidly changing funding. As a sector, we need to shape what comes next.

The AI Exchange is a unique partnership between CAST and IVAR, set up to help charities and foundations engage with AI in ways that are responsible, equitable and rooted in trust. We believe that as AI plays a bigger part in funding – from applications to decision-making – the voluntary sector needs stronger shared practice, better learning, and a louder collective voice.

We do this through:

1. Supporting charities to explore how AI can be used effectively as part of their missions and in their relationships with funders

2. Supporting funders to critically engage with how AI can be used in grant-making processes and how it can align with IVAR's Open and Trusting approaches

3. Understanding the implications of widespread AI adoption within the sector and across society for grant-making

Since 2025, we have reached more than 1,300 charities and funders across a mix of workshops, webinars, events and peer groups

"Fantastic to bring funders and grantees together – excellent to hear both perspectives and so many innovative ideas. - Funder participant

“Great that you are providing this platform for discussion and learning to help third sector staff explore and deepen their understanding of this rapidly developing and contentious group of tools. Thank you.” - Bridging workshop participant, April 2026

Blogs

AI and the future of funding applications: Risks, realities and responses for grant-makers: As AI becomes part of how charities write funding applications, and how funders assess them, new questions around authenticity, equity and volume are emerging for the whole sector. We explore the risks, the opportunities, and what funders can do now.

From automation to empathy: AI in Open and Trusting grant-making: Open and Trusting grant-making is built on empathy and human connection. This piece explores how AI, used thoughtfully, can reduce admin and free up space for exactly that — with reflective questions to guide funders along the way.

The partnership

The AI Exchange is a collaboration between IVAR and CAST. IVAR works with charities, foundations and public agencies to strengthen communities across the UK through action research.

Image showing the CAST and IVAR team

Resources

Open and Trusting

IVAR is calling for funders to adopt practices that make life easier for those they fund.

Find out more about Open and Trusting

Digital Leads Network

A growing community of more than 500 digital leads, with a dedicated AI peer group.

Find out more about the Digital Leads Network

AI for Grantmakers

A chance for funders of all sizes to come together and explore the opportunities and challenges of AI.

Find out more about the AI for Grantmakers peer group

We invite charities and funders to join the conversation, even if you’re unsure about where you stand with AI. In fact, if you’re hesitant about AI we’d love to hear your reflections as we’re keen to capture the full spectrum of experiences of AI.

You can get in touch via [email protected] and / or [email protected], or join one (or more) of our peer networks: IVAR’s ‘Open and Trusting’ funder community; CAST’s AI in Grantmaking peer group or the Digital Leads Network.

You can find out more about CAST's AI work, and read IVAR’s AI Principles.