Understanding Fit Scores
How AI scoring works and what it means for your applications
Two Types of Scores
Grant Assistant uses two different scoring systems:
Match Score (Quick)
Calculated instantly using keyword matching and rules. Based on your organization's focus areas, budget, and the grant's eligibility.
Shown when browsing grants. Good for initial filtering.
Fit Score (AI Analysis)
Generated by Claude analyzing your specific project against the grant. Considers nuanced factors like alignment, positioning, and competition.
More accurate but takes time to generate. Shown on project pages.
Fit Score Breakdown
When Claude analyzes a project-grant fit, it evaluates:
Score Interpretation
Strong alignment. Prioritize this grant. Your project closely matches the funder's priorities.
Solid match with some areas to strengthen. Worth pursuing with targeted positioning.
Partial alignment. Consider if no better options exist or if you can reframe your project.
Significant misalignment. Usually not worth the application effort.
Beyond the Score
The fit analysis includes more than just a number. Claude also provides:
- Strengths: Where your project aligns well with the grant
- Weaknesses: Potential concerns or gaps to address
- Key Talking Points: Messages to emphasize in your application
- Recommendations: Specific advice for strengthening your application
Remember: Scores are guidance, not guarantees. A lower-scoring grant might still be worth pursuing if you have a unique angle, relationship with the funder, or strategic reason. Use scores to prioritize, not to automatically eliminate.
Running Fit Analysis
From your project page, click "Analyze Fits" to have Claude evaluate grants. The analysis runs in the background and typically takes 1-2 minutes per grant. Results are saved permanently and inform all future AI interactions.