Integrating new ideas in your proposal

In reviewing a couple of proposal resubmissions last week, I noticed that the PI in some cases had incorporated some new components into their proposal. This is a good idea, particularly if your new component or new idea is responding to comments from your grant reviewers. However, it is not enough to just add new components or ideas to your project in your proposal, you need to make sure they're integrated.

I've noticed that oftentimes PIs add an educational component or a diversity component, in particular, that is sort of tagged on to the project, instead of being incorporated into the project. Certainly, you would never add a laundry list of changes and new components on at the end of your proposal resubmission, so make sure that you're not inadvertently tagging things on. Below are some prompts to help you think about how to integrate new components instead of tagging them on to your proposal.

How does the new component change the outcome of your project?
When you want to add a new component to your project, give some thought to how this will change the outcome of your project. Will it make your original outcome better or more robust? Perhaps it will expand the outcomes you anticipate from your project? There's a reason you're adding the new component, so think through what that is and describe it in your proposal.

How does the new component contribute to the innovation of your project?
Similarly, if the new component you're adding will make your project methods, or even your research question, more innovative, identify all the ways that this is so, and be sure to articulate them in your proposal.

How does the new component better prepare you to conduct this project?
Sometimes the new component is an additional piece of preliminary data or another pilot project you've conducted to demonstrate the likely success of your project. Make sure that you're not just checking a box with this sort of preliminary work. Give your reviewers a full understanding of how the additional component has set you up to be successful so that they can be confident in funding you and your project.

Remember, what feels like an obvious benefit of a new project component to you may seem that you're just throwing new ideas/components at the wall to see what sticks if you don't take the time to integrate all components clearly into one holistic project.

Resources:
Fundamental Principles of Writing a Successful Grant Proposal - NCBI
General Grant Writing Tips for Success - NIFA