SmartyGrants Automation & Intelligence

SmartyGrants users already have access to various kinds of automation and intelligence, with more to come in the following months. This help sheet provides clear definitions to help you understand what’s happening when you use SmartyGrants features.

Automation ranges from traditional rules-based systems through to more specialised systems that use machine learning and large language models (LLMs). The diagram below shows the different mechanisms powering SmartyGrants. The table outlines what’s controlled by the user and what’s considered artificial intelligence (AI). It also shows what kind of features are already available and what’s coming.

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Common questions

Is SmartyGrants developing AI?

Yes. We are releasing auto-classification in the “Predefined Logic” category in 2025. We have more features in development, including some that use LLMs.

All AI features follow our software development standards and will be subject to rigorous testing and ethical review prior to release.

We will clearly mark all AI features and provide documentation for best-practice use.

AI features can be enabled or disabled to provide control to users based on their preferences and organisational policies.

Should we be worried about the integrity and privacy of our data?

No. The SmartyGrants Innovation Lab that develops our AI features follows strict protocols to mitigate biases, protect the privacy of the data, and serve our communities responsibly and equitably.

Our process includes:

  • Exploring new features in collaboration with grantmakers to understand requirements.

  • Reviewing our solution against an ethical framework in each stage of the development (with a human dignity lens).

  • Masking or removing Personal Identifiable Information (PII) where appropriate.

  • Being transparent about the use of any third-party service providers, including the purpose of that processing and its location.

  • Ensuring any third-party processing does not retain customer data.

  • Developing each feature in a cross-functional team that includes business analysts, data scientists, data analysts, grant experts, and privacy specialists.

Is SmartyGrants developing checks to stop grant applicants from using AI in grant applications?

No. We believe that this is already not technically feasible, and AI is only poised to further improve and evade detection. We recommend instead that grantmakers work with their applicants to promote best practices.

What do I do if I notice a problem with one of these features?

Any problems can be reported to service@smartygrants.com.au and will be passed on to the SmartyGrants software development or Innovation Lab team(s).

Depending on the nature of the problem, we may provide advice on workarounds, take steps to remedy the problem, or consider your feedback when developing new features or improvements.

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