✍️ Grammarly for Nonprofits
Worried about typos in your grant proposal or awkward phrasing in donor appeals? Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that catches grammar mistakes, improves clarity, and detects tone issues in real-time—helping nonprofits produce professional, error-free communications across grant proposals, donor letters, social media, and more. With over 30 million users worldwide, it's become the go-to writing tool for organizations that can't afford embarrassing errors.
What It Does
You've spent hours crafting the perfect grant proposal. You hit submit—then immediately spot a typo in the first paragraph. Or your board member points out an awkward sentence in your annual report after it's been printed. Sound familiar?
Grammarly is an AI writing assistant that acts as your personal proofreader, working wherever you write. As you type in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Gmail, or your CRM, Grammarly underlines grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and unclear phrasing with real-time suggestions. It goes beyond basic spellcheck to catch complex grammar issues, suggest better word choices, improve sentence structure, and even analyze the tone of your writing (friendly, confident, formal, etc.).
Think of Grammarly as having an experienced editor constantly looking over your shoulder—catching embarrassing mistakes before they reach donors, funders, or stakeholders. It doesn't write for you, but it makes your writing clearer, more professional, and mistake-free. For nonprofits producing high-stakes communications like grant proposals or major donor appeals, that peace of mind is invaluable.
Best For
Organization Size
All nonprofit sizes—from solo founders to large organizations with dedicated communications teams. Especially valuable for small to mid-sized organizations (1-20 staff) where staff members wear multiple hats and don't have dedicated editors or communications professionals.
Best Use Cases
- Organizations writing grant proposals that can't afford grammar or clarity errors
- Teams producing donor communications, appeal letters, and newsletters without professional editors
- Nonprofits managing social media and blog content across multiple staff members
- Organizations with non-native English speakers on staff who need writing support
- Teams creating annual reports, impact statements, and board materials requiring polished writing
- Nonprofits where professionalism and credibility are critical to fundraising success
Ideal For
Grant Writers, Development Directors, Communications Managers, Executive Directors, Program Managers, and anyone producing written materials where errors could undermine credibility or cost funding opportunities.
Key Features for Nonprofits
Real-Time Grammar & Spelling
Catch errors as you type, anywhere you write
Instantly identifies grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and punctuation issues as you write in Word, Google Docs, Gmail, social media, and 1 million+ websites. No more embarrassing typos in donor emails or grant proposals.
- Catches 97%+ of grammar and spelling errors
- Works across all apps via browser extension
- One-click corrections save editing time
Tone Detection
Ensure your message sounds the way you intend
Analyzes your word choice, phrasing, and punctuation to identify the tone of your writing—helping you sound confident in grant proposals, friendly in donor emails, or professional in board communications.
- Detects friendly, confident, formal, and other tones
- Pro version can adjust tone with AI rewrites
- Requires 150+ characters to activate
GrammarlyGO (AI Writing)
Generate and rewrite text with AI
Beyond fixing errors, Grammarly's AI assistant can generate new text, rewrite sentences for clarity, adjust tone, and even learn your writing style. Free users get 100 AI prompts/month, Pro users get 1,000.
- Full-sentence rewrites for better clarity (Pro)
- Learns your voice from 3-4 writing samples
- Can make text more confident, empathetic, or formal
Plagiarism Detection
Protect credibility with originality checks (Pro)
Grammarly Pro checks your writing against billions of web pages to detect unintentional plagiarism—critical for grant proposals where originality and proper attribution matter.
- Scans billions of web pages and databases
- Identifies text that needs citation
- Available only in Pro and Business plans
Clarity & Readability
Make complex ideas accessible
Highlights wordy sentences, passive voice, and unclear phrasing—helping you communicate program impact and fundraising needs in language that donors and funders can easily understand.
- Suggests simpler alternatives to complex words
- Identifies hard-to-read sentences
- Improves overall readability scores
Works Everywhere
Seamless integration across all platforms
Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge work across Gmail, social media, web forms, and more. Desktop apps integrate with Microsoft Word and Outlook. Mobile keyboards for iOS and Android.
- Microsoft Office integration (2007+ Windows, 2016+ Mac)
- Google Docs via browser extension
- Works in 1 million+ apps and websites
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
Consider a small environmental nonprofit with a two-person development team preparing a $50,000 foundation grant proposal. The program director writes the narrative sections describing their reforestation program's impact, but she's a scientist, not a professional writer. She's brilliant at explaining carbon sequestration rates but tends toward academic jargon and passive voice.
As she types in Google Docs, Grammarly immediately flags unclear phrasing like "Trees are utilized by the organization for carbon offset purposes" and suggests the clearer "Our organization plants trees to offset carbon emissions." It catches a typo in the foundation's name (catastrophic!), highlights sentences running 40+ words, and points out that her tone reads as "formal" when the foundation's guidelines suggest a more conversational approach.
Before submitting, she runs the plagiarism checker (Grammarly Pro) to ensure none of the language accidentally matches their previous proposals or online resources. The tool identifies a sentence that's too close to their website copy and flags it for citation or rewording. She also uses GrammarlyGO to generate three different versions of her opening paragraph, choosing elements from each to create a compelling hook.
The result? A polished, professional proposal submitted with confidence—no embarrassing errors, better readability, and appropriate tone. The development director estimates Grammarly saved 3-4 hours of manual editing and caught issues they would have missed. More importantly, it increased their confidence that the proposal reflected their program's quality and professionalism.
Pricing
Grammarly Free
$0/month - Good for basic writing needs
- Grammar and spelling checks
- Tone detection (basic)
- 100 AI prompts per month (GrammarlyGO)
- Basic clarity suggestions
- Automatic citations when browsing sources
Best for: Nonprofits with basic writing needs who primarily need error-catching.
Grammarly Pro
From $12/month (annual) - Recommended for grant writers
Pricing options:
- • Annual: $12/month (billed $144/year) - Best value
- • Quarterly: $20/month (billed $60/quarter)
- • Monthly: $30/month
Everything in Free, plus:
- Full-sentence rewrites and tone adjustments
- Advanced writing suggestions (clarity, engagement, delivery)
- Plagiarism detection (billions of web pages)
- 1,000 AI prompts per month (10x more than Free)
- Vocabulary enhancement and word choice suggestions
- Style guide customization
Best for: Grant writers, development directors, and anyone creating high-stakes content where plagiarism checking and advanced suggestions add value.
Grammarly Business
Contact sales - For teams
Everything in Pro, plus:
- Centralized billing and team analytics
- Brand style guides for consistent voice
- Custom brand tones and snippets
- Priority support
Best for: Larger nonprofits with multiple writers who need brand consistency across communications.
Nonprofit Discount Discontinued (2024)
Important: Grammarly's nonprofit discount program ended on May 1, 2024. The program, which offered free access to Grammarly Business features for qualifying nonprofits, was originally launched as a temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ran for approximately five years.
Nonprofit organizations that were previously enrolled have had their accounts converted to Grammarly Free. To access Pro features, nonprofits must now purchase Grammarly Pro or Business at standard pricing.
Alternative: If you're looking for a writing tool with nonprofit discounts, consider Hemingway Editor (affordable paid version) or Sapling (offers permanent 50% discount for verified nonprofits).
Learning Curve
Beginner-friendly with instant value. If you can use a web browser and type, you can use Grammarly. The browser extension installs in 2-3 minutes, and the tool immediately starts underlining errors as you write—no tutorial needed. Most users grasp the basics in 5-10 minutes of use.
Beginner Level (5-10 minutes)
Install browser extension or desktop app, accept or dismiss suggestions with one click, understand underline colors (red = critical, blue = advanced). The interface is intuitive—click on underlined text to see the suggestion and explanation.
Intermediate Level (1-2 hours)
Learn to use tone detector effectively, customize writing goals (audience, formality, domain), use GrammarlyGO for AI rewrites, understand when to accept vs. ignore suggestions based on your specific nonprofit voice and terminology.
Advanced Level (Ongoing)
Create custom style guides (Business plan), train the AI on your writing style, use plagiarism detection strategically, integrate Grammarly with team workflows, develop critical judgment about which suggestions improve vs. dilute your authentic voice.
Bottom line: You'll get value immediately with zero training. Most nonprofit staff become comfortable users within a week of regular use.
Integration & Compatibility
Grammarly works wherever you write—whether you're drafting in Microsoft Word, composing emails in Gmail, posting on social media, or filling out grant application forms on foundation websites. The tool follows you across platforms without requiring you to change your workflow.
Microsoft Office Integration
- Microsoft Word (Windows 2007+, macOS 2016+)
- Outlook email integration
- Desktop app provides real-time suggestions
- Works with both Office 365 and standalone versions
Google Workspace
- Google Docs via browser extension
- Gmail email composition
- Works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- Automatic activation when docs open
Web-Based Platforms
- Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter)
- Online grant application portals
- CRM systems and donor databases (web forms)
- Works across 1 million+ websites and apps
Mobile Devices
- iOS keyboard integration (iPhone, iPad)
- Android keyboard integration
- Works in email, messaging, social media apps
- Dedicated Grammarly mobile app available
Data Portability
Grammarly doesn't lock you into a specific platform. Since it works as a layer on top of your existing tools (Word, Docs, email, etc.), your content stays in its original location. If you cancel Grammarly, your documents remain exactly where they were—you simply lose the real-time editing assistance.
Honest Assessment: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Catches 97%+ of grammar/spelling errors that would undermine credibility
- Works everywhere: Follows you across Word, Docs, email, web forms—no platform switching
- Immediate value: Zero learning curve; start getting value in 5 minutes
- Tone detection: Helps ensure grant proposals sound confident, donor emails sound warm
- Plagiarism checking: Critical for grant proposals and research-heavy content (Pro)
- Strong free tier: Core features available at no cost for budget-conscious nonprofits
- Saves time: Eliminates 3-4 hours of manual editing per major document
Cons
- No nonprofit discount: Program discontinued May 2024; pay standard pricing
- Recurring cost: Pro features require $12-30/month ongoing subscription
- Not always right: Can suggest changes that flatten your authentic voice or misunderstand context
- Privacy considerations: Free version uses your writing to improve models (can opt out)
- Limited AI prompts: 100/month free, 1,000/month Pro—can run out on large projects
- English-focused: Primarily optimized for English; other languages less comprehensive
- Can become a crutch: Risk of over-relying on AI vs. developing writing skills
Alternatives to Consider
Microsoft Editor
Built into Microsoft 365 at no extra cost
If your nonprofit already uses Microsoft 365, Microsoft Editor provides grammar checking, clarity suggestions, and tone detection built directly into Word, Outlook, and Edge browser—no additional cost. Less powerful than Grammarly but included with your existing subscription.
Hemingway Editor
Focus on readability and clarity
Specializes in making writing clear and concise by highlighting complex sentences, passive voice, and difficult-to-read phrases. Free online version available; paid desktop app ($10-20) works offline. Less comprehensive than Grammarly but excellent for simplifying grant proposals and donor communications.
Sapling
50% permanent nonprofit discount available
AI writing assistant similar to Grammarly with grammar checking, autocomplete, and snippets. Offers a permanent 50% discount for verified nonprofits—making it more affordable than Grammarly for teams. Works across web platforms via browser extension.
Getting Started with Grammarly
1Sign Up and Choose Your Plan
Visit grammarly.com and create a free account using your work email. Start with Grammarly Free to test the tool with your writing workflow. If you need plagiarism detection, advanced suggestions, or more AI prompts, upgrade to Pro ($12/month annual). Teams of 3+ writers should consider Business for centralized billing and brand style guides.
2Install Where You Write
Install the browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge (covers Gmail, Google Docs, web forms). Download the desktop app if you primarily write in Microsoft Word. Install the mobile keyboard on iOS or Android if you draft emails or social posts on your phone. The setup takes 2-3 minutes per platform.
3Test with Real Nonprofit Content
Start by editing existing documents—paste a recent donor email, appeal letter, or grant narrative into the Grammarly Editor to see how many issues it catches. Pay attention to clarity suggestions and tone detection. Experiment with GrammarlyGO's AI rewrites on a few sentences to understand its capabilities. Build confidence before using it on high-stakes content.
4Develop Critical Judgment
Not every suggestion improves your writing. Grammarly may flag specialized nonprofit terms, program names, or intentional stylistic choices. Learn to accept suggestions that genuinely improve clarity and reject those that dilute your authentic voice. Review the explanations Grammarly provides—they help you understand why something might be unclear, building your writing skills over time. For grant proposals, always run plagiarism detection (Pro) before submission.
Pro Tip: Create a "Grammarly Ignored Words" list for nonprofit-specific terminology (program names, acronyms, culturally specific terms) to prevent repeated flagging. In Grammarly settings, add these to your personal dictionary so the tool learns your organization's unique language.
Need Help Implementing Grammarly?
Struggling to decide between Free vs. Pro? Unsure how to train your team on effective use? Want guidance on integrating Grammarly into your grant writing workflow?
We help nonprofits choose the right writing tools, set up efficient workflows, and train staff to use AI writing assistants effectively without losing authentic voice. Whether you're deciding between Grammarly, Hemingway, or other alternatives, we'll help you make the right choice for your organization's needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grammarly free for nonprofits?
No. Grammarly discontinued its nonprofit discount program on May 1, 2024. Previously, nonprofits could access Grammarly Business features for free, but this program no longer exists. Nonprofits now have two options: use Grammarly Free (which includes basic grammar checking, tone detection, and 100 AI prompts per month) or purchase Grammarly Pro at standard pricing starting at $12/month (annual billing).
What's the difference between Grammarly Free and Grammarly Pro?
Grammarly Free provides grammar and spelling checks, tone detection, basic clarity suggestions, 100 monthly AI prompts, and automatic citations. Grammarly Pro ($12/month annual) adds full-sentence rewrites, tone adjustments, advanced writing suggestions, plagiarism detection, 1,000 monthly AI prompts, vocabulary enhancement, and style guide customization. For nonprofits writing grants or donor communications, Pro's plagiarism checker and advanced suggestions can be valuable.
Can Grammarly help with grant writing?
Yes. Grammarly is valuable for grant writing by catching grammar errors, improving clarity, detecting tone issues, and checking for plagiarism (Pro version). However, it won't write the grant for you or verify factual accuracy. Use Grammarly to polish your narrative sections, ensure professional writing quality, and catch embarrassing errors before submission. Many grant writers report it increases their confidence in submitted proposals.
Does Grammarly work with Microsoft Word and Google Docs?
Yes. Grammarly integrates with Microsoft Word (2007+ on Windows, 2016+ on macOS) via a desktop add-in and with Google Docs through a browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge). It also works across 1 million+ apps and websites via browser extensions, including Gmail, Outlook, social media platforms, and other web-based writing tools.
How accurate is Grammarly?
Grammarly is highly accurate for grammar, spelling, and punctuation, catching 97%+ of common errors. However, it's not perfect—it can sometimes miss context-specific errors or suggest changes that aren't appropriate for your specific tone or audience. Always review suggestions critically, especially for specialized nonprofit terminology, program names, or culturally specific language. Think of it as a helpful editor, not an infallible authority.
Are there free alternatives to Grammarly for nonprofits?
Yes. Free alternatives include Microsoft Editor (built into Microsoft 365), Hemingway Editor (free online version for readability), LanguageTool (open-source with nonprofit discounts), and ProWritingAid (limited free version). For nonprofits specifically, Sapling offers a permanent 50% discount for verified nonprofits. However, Grammarly's free tier is competitive and may be sufficient for many nonprofit writing needs.