# NotebookLM for grant and proposal writing

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/use-cases/notebooklm-for-grant-writing  
Section: Use cases  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free + Pro

For a grant application, load the call text, your prior work and the supporting literature into NotebookLM, then check your draft against the criteria. NotebookLM Ultra Exporter exports the criteria table to Excel, drafted sections to Word, and the reference list in the style the funder requires.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Stages | Collect sources, work in NotebookLM, export the result |
| Outputs | Criteria checklist (.xlsx); Section drafts (.docx); References (APA); Combined working paper (one file) |
| Cost to start | Free. Each linked guide states whether its output is Free or Pro. |

## Steps

1. Install [NotebookLM Ultra Exporter](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/notebooklm-ultra-exporter/afchokljnhhggkhedfbmkcmdagjmjchj) in desktop Chrome, then refresh any open NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) tab.
2. Create a notebook for this piece of work and add the sources listed below.
3. Generate and save the answers, reports or Studio items you need.
4. Export each result in the format its destination accepts, then check the file.

## 1. Collect the sources

- The call for proposals: [add a web page](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/web-page-to-notebooklm).
- Supporting papers: [papers by DOI](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/research-papers-doi-to-notebooklm).
- Earlier applications: [local files and folders](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/import/local-files-and-folders-to-notebooklm).

## 2. Work in NotebookLM

- Ask for a table of every stated criterion and where your draft addresses it.
- Ask what the call requires that your draft does not mention.
- Use the [claim and evidence audit prompt](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/claim-and-evidence-audit-prompt).

## 3. Get the result out

| Output and guide | Format |
| --- | --- |
| [Criteria checklist](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-excel) | .xlsx |
| [Section drafts](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-word) | .docx |
| [References](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-apa) | APA |
| [Combined working paper](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-and-reports-to-one-document) | one file |

> Funders update calls. Record the date you captured the call text in the notebook.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can NotebookLM write the proposal?

It can draft from your sources, but reviewers assess your ideas. Use it to check coverage and evidence, and write the argument yourself.

### Does this workflow need Ultra Exporter Pro?

Not to start. Capturing pages, the basic import methods and the basic export formats are free. Word, PDF, image PowerPoint, long image and video exports share 5 free exports per local day. The table above links each output to a guide that states its plan.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM data tables to Excel](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-excel)
- [Export NotebookLM notes to Word](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-to-word)
- [Cite NotebookLM sources in APA style](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/bibliography-to-apa)
- [Merge NotebookLM notes and reports into one document](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/notes-and-reports-to-one-document)
- [NotebookLM for researchers: from papers to a cited draft](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/use-cases/notebooklm-for-researchers)
- [How to do a literature review with NotebookLM](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/use-cases/notebooklm-for-literature-reviews)