The proposal abstract: Sell your idea early

Last week I attended the annual research development conference (NORDP), and had a chance to hear from my favorite grant coach, Robert Porter, PhD. Dr. Porter was touting the importance of the grant abstract for selling an idea to reviewers at the outset. More specifically, for NIH applicants, he was referring to the Specific Aims and for NSF applicants, the Project Summary. He made the point that when reading grants, reviewers make up their minds about a proposal in the first two paragraphs or at least in the first couple pages. Thus, it is essential that your core argument fall in the opening of your proposal.

Dr. Porter recommended the following three paragraph formula for writing your abstract:

Paragraph 1: Lay out your problem

1. Grab the reader's interest
2. Explain why it's important
3. Summarize the state of the art and limitations
4. Describe challenges to solving the problem

You want to begin your proposal by driving home the urgency for your project. Explaining what's wrong, what needs to be done, and setting up the importance and need for your research is essential. Porter suggests that you use words like "exciting," or "unprecedented" to convey confidence. However, I find that this language often comes across as hyperbole. It's always better to show how your project is exciting or unprecedented instead of just saying it is.

Paragraph 2: State your solution

1. Describe your concept and credibility
2. Describe the project's fundamental purpose

This is the section where you want to put the meat on the bones of your argument. You've communicated the need and excitement for your project, now you have to give your reviewers confidence that you can actually deliver something substantial.

Paragraph 3: Create a vision

1. Show how your work will advance the field
2.  Envision the world with the problem solved

This is really the icing on the cake that directly relates your vision for your project with that of the agency to which you're applying. Show the big picture of your project; let them know that this is the just the exciting start to even larger results. But, at the same time, never forget that your agency also has a vision and a plan for what they want to do. Your vision should be aligned perfectly with theirs and you should say how they are aligned directly.

Resources:
Crafting a Sales Pitch for Your Grant Proposal - Robert Porter
Six Critical Questions to Launch a Successful Grant Proposal - Robert Porter