Securing large-scale, interdisciplinary funding in today’s dynamic funding landscape is somewhere between mastering a high-stakes chess game where success requires foresight, agility, and the ability to anticipate challenges several moves ahead, and solving a challenging puzzle where every piece must fit perfectly, and success depends on seeing the full picture before it’s complete. This session introduces the Catalysis Framework model, an example of a successful approach that can be adapted and applied by other institutions to strategically position themselves by aligning internal initiatives with external funding opportunities. Like assembling a puzzle, the framework integrates key pieces—seed grants, course buyouts, planning grants, research administration support, and targeted training—to create a cohesive strategy that connects resources, reduces silos, and builds readiness for complex funding opportunities. But completing the puzzle doesn’t stop there. The framework sustains momentum by driving innovation-focused planning that accelerates institutional goals and delivers translational outcomes. It also equips faculty and staff with the tools needed to strengthen each piece—assessment strategies, governance structures, and effective budgeting—that enhance competitiveness and ensure no part is overlooked. Participants will learn how to think holistically about these interconnected initiatives to build institutional resilience, align resources, and foster adaptive planning. And, like master puzzle solvers, participants will learn to connect small, deliberate actions into a larger, strategic vision. The session will conclude with actionable strategies for assembling institutional plans that align strengths, sustain momentum, and reveal the full picture of success in securing large-scale, high-stakes funding.