Over recent months, we've partnered with various NGOs to explore a critical question often left unanswered until it's too late: How will funders respond to their proposals?

Many organizations invest substantial effort in crafting compelling narratives, articulating their theory of change, and aligning closely with grant criteria. Yet, the evaluation phase often remains uncertain. Funders represent diverse teams of individuals with varying priorities, expectations, and decision-making styles. Despite this, proposals typically read as if evaluated by a single individual.

At Decisions Lab, our expertise lies not in advising NGOs on proposal content but in simulating how proposals might be perceived by diverse funding committees. Leveraging our AI simulation platform, Spectrum, NGOs test proposals against digital twin profiles of funders, allowing them to identify common concerns and refine their proposals accordingly.

This article explores the insights from our simulation approach, observed patterns across proposals, and the broader value AI simulation adds to NGO funding strategies.

Reflecting Funders' Perspectives and Common Insights through AI Digital Twins

Our simulations aim to help NGOs understand how funders are likely to respond before proposals are submitted. Rather than rewriting proposals, we focus on modeling how different types of evaluators might perceive them.

To do this, we build digital twin profiles that represent real-world funder roles, drawing on public data, institutional context, and behavioral patterns. These profiles simulate how various reviewers ranging from senior executives to operational leads might engage with a proposal.

Each simulation produces structured feedback highlighting the level of support, common concerns, and key strengths. This feedback enables NGOs to address misunderstandings, clarify assumptions, and fine-tune their messaging.

Across 70+ proposals, we’ve observed several consistent patterns:

• Funders value clarity over ambition. Proposals with concrete implementation plans timelines, milestones, and budgets perform better than those that focus solely on vision.
• Responses often vary within the same organization. Executives look for strategic alignment, while operational reviewers emphasize feasibility and risk.
• Transparency builds trust. Addressing risks and showing mitigation plans tends to strengthen perceived credibility.
• Strong proposals reflect awareness of the funder’s current priorities and sector context not just in goals, but in how they’re communicated.

Ultimately, simulation equips NGOs to anticipate how their work might land and adapt accordingly.

The Strategic Value of AI Simulations

Simulation is not predictive it’s reflective. By utilizing AI digital twins, NGOs gain critical insights into funders' potential reactions, shaped by real-world priorities, constraints, and expectations.

Early identification of misalignment reduces the risk of surprises during evaluation phases. While simulation doesn't guarantee funding, it significantly enhances the ability to tailor proposals to evaluators' perceptions, fostering clearer communication and improving strategic alignment.

Moreover, simulations shift funding dynamics toward dialogue and mutual understanding, demystifying evaluative processes and making interactions more transparent and informed. By bridging gaps in understanding, simulations help NGOs build stronger, more sustainable relationships with their funders, ultimately enhancing their potential for long-term support and partnership.

In practical terms, simulation can save NGOs substantial time and resources by focusing their efforts on the most critical areas of improvement. This efficiency allows teams to allocate more attention to programmatic innovation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement activities that directly contribute to sustained organizational growth and mission fulfillment.

The Future: Expanding AI Digital Twin Applications

We continue enhancing our AI simulation capabilities not merely as a product feature but as an integral part of our belief in addressing human decision-making complexities with advanced tools.

AI simulations won't replace essential relationship-building, strategic clarity, or effective program design. However, digital twin technology ensures that these strengths are communicated more effectively, aligning proposals closely with evaluators' expectations and perspectives.

Looking ahead, we envision broader applications of digital twin technologies across the NGO sector and beyond. As these tools evolve, they will increasingly support strategic decision-making processes, including stakeholder engagement, risk management, and scenario planning, helping organizations adapt and thrive in complex environments.

As more NGOs, digital twin companies, and funders explore AI simulations, Decisions Lab remains committed to sharing insights and best practices for optimizing funding outcomes through technology. By embracing AI-driven simulation tools, NGOs can confidently navigate the intricacies of funding relationships, ensuring their proposals consistently achieve maximum impact.