You've seen the numbers: more than 20,000 Challenge grant applications for 200 awards. If your grant isn't funded, you'll have lots of company. Don’t give up on your great idea. Here is a strategy for your next move.

Under NIH policy, you can submit your Challenge Grant application again if you submit it as another grant type, for example, as an investigator initiated R01, or as an R01 or R21 in response to an applicable RFA. If you choose to recycle and submit your Challenge Grant as another grant type, you will follow procedures for a new application:
• Do not apply until you receive your summary statement. You’ll want to use the feedback in the summary statement to improve your application.
• Find a new funding opportunity announcement applicable to your research or use the parent announcement for investigator-initiated applications.
• Transfer your application information into the new Grant Application Package.
• Follow all the instructions for a new application. Don't refer to it as a resubmission anywhere.
• Check the "New" box on the face page.
• Do not include a progress report or introduction (because this is a new application, not a resubmission).
• Use the reviewers' feedback to improve the application (but do not note or highlight them in the text since you are submitting a new application).
• Pick a new funding opportunity announcement—investigators initiated or an RFA (you cannot use the Challenge Grant announcement) and modify the application to meet its requirements.
• Revise your research plan to suit a four- to five-year award, rather than the two-year grant you originally applied for, if you are writing an R01 application.