---
title: ToolRouter — Agent Use Case Guide
description: Step-by-step guide for completing a task with a specific AI agent using ToolRouter.
url: https://toolrouter.com/tools/grants-finder/use-cases/build-a-funding-shortlist/copilot
---
# How to Build a Funding Shortlist with Copilot

Find active grant calls, compare them to precedent funding, and rank the programs that genuinely match your organization profile. Start with `search_opportunities`, `search_grant_history`, `match_applicant_profile`, and `opportunity_details` to get the raw material. Copilot fits best when the result needs to become structured pipeline data, internal docs, or reusable workspace artifacts immediately.

## Setup

{"mcpServers":{"toolrouter":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","toolrouter-mcp"]}}}

## Steps

1. Connect ToolRouter in Copilot: {"mcpServers":{"toolrouter":{"command":"npx","args":["-y","toolrouter-mcp"]}}}
2. State the exact output format you want before the run: define the organization type, geography, sector, funding need, timeline, and any preferred funders.
3. Run `search_opportunities`, `search_grant_history`, `match_applicant_profile`, and `opportunity_details` through `grants-finder` and keep eligibility, deadline, and funding fields explicit.
4. Ask Copilot to shape the result into structured JSON, markdown notes, or a tracker-ready table. Focus on applicant eligibility, precedent relevance, deadline pressure, funding-band fit, and whether the call actually matches the mission.
5. Drop the result into a grant shortlist, application calendar, or board-ready funding note.

## Example Prompt

```
Use grants-finder to find live AI-for-health funding opportunities for a UK university lab that also partners with nonprofits. Search active programs, look for precedent funding history, rank the best matches against a university-led applicant profile, and open the most important detail pages. Return structured JSON plus markdown notes I can reuse in our funding tracker.
```

## Tips

- Use grant history early so you can see whether similar work has been funded before you chase the live call.
- Be explicit about applicant type and geography or the shortlist will include too many irrelevant programs.
- Ask Copilot to normalize deadline and funding fields from the first pass so the tracker does not need cleanup later.
