How to Build a Funding Shortlist with OpenClaw
Use OpenClaw and ToolRouter to build a grant shortlist. Search active calls, check funding history, and rank by fit.
Tool
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. OpenClaw is the better option when you need to rerun the same funding logic across multiple applicant types, sectors, or recurring watchlist jobs with a stable schema.
Connect ToolRouter to OpenClaw
1Install the CLI
npm install -g toolrouter-mcp2Call tools directly from OpenClaw
toolrouter-mcp call web-search search --query "AI tools"
toolrouter-mcp toolsSteps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Grants Finder tool:
- Define the slices and output schema before you batch the run: state the organization type, geography, sector, funding need, timeline, and any preferred funders.
- Run `search_opportunities`, `search_grant_history`, `match_applicant_profile`, and `opportunity_details` with `grants-finder` and keep field names fixed across each slice.
- Review the result, then rerun only the applicant-profile or region combinations worth keeping. Focus on applicant eligibility, precedent relevance, deadline pressure, funding-band fit, and whether the call actually matches the mission.
- Use the normalized output as a grant shortlist, application calendar, or board-ready funding note.
Example Prompt
Try this with OpenClaw using the Grants Finder tool
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. Keep the output schema stable so I can compare multiple applicant-profile variations.
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.
- Lock the field names and ordering early so recurring watchlist runs stay comparable without manual cleanup.