To support the vision and growth of institutional libraries, Edge is excited to unveil EdgeScholar, an innovative member solution designed to empower institutional libraries by enhancing research, information literacy, and grant writing capabilities. Through these services, Edge members can discover ways to leverage Internet2 connectivity to boost research and collaboration, optimize library resources and operations, and enhance their libraries’ roles as a campus learning hub. For organizations seeking vital funding, EdgeScholar offers full-service grant writing, modular options for specific tasks, research services, report writing, and draft reviews. Edge provides expert guidance and tailored support throughout the grant writing process, ensuring that institutions are well-equipped to identify, apply for, and successfully manage grant opportunities.
“Edge acts as an extension of your team and can offer supplemental services and support that aligns with your organization. Wherever you are in the process and however much involvement you wish from Edge, we can tailor our approach to ensure you advance your grant initiatives successfully. You may seek a grant proposal review and editing or a larger grant strategy consultation and training—no matter where an organization is in the grant process, we are here to help institutions leverage our expertise and experience.”
— Joshua Gaul
AVP and Chief Digital Learning Officer, Edge
Capitalizing on Funding Opportunities
Grant funding opportunities are plentiful, with a wide range of resources available to support impactful research, institutional growth, and community engagement within higher education. These opportunities can significantly advance a university’s mission, from fostering innovative research initiatives to enhancing educational programs and addressing societal challenges. However, many institutions face significant resource constraints, often overburdened by the growing demand for support in navigating the complex landscape of grant applications, reporting requirements, and compliance. As a result, institutions may struggle to fully capitalize on available funding opportunities, potentially limiting their ability to drive meaningful change.
“Many sponsored programs offices are overwhelmed and do not have the resources, manpower, or time to find and fulfill grants,” says Laura M. Romeo, Ph.D., Director of Learning Innovation, Development, and Scholarship, Edge. “We want to fill that gap through flexible, hands-on support that will allow institutions to capitalize on more grant opportunities. Whether an organization needs help discovering potential funding sources, crafting a proposal, or aligning funding pursuits with long-term goals, Edge can guide the way.”
Joshua M. Gaul, Ed.D., Associate Vice President and Chief Digital Learning Officer, Edge, adds, “Edge acts as an extension of your team and can offer supplemental services and support that aligns with your organization. Wherever you are in the process and however much involvement you wish from Edge, we can tailor our approach to ensure you advance your grant initiatives successfully. You may seek a grant proposal review and editing or a larger grant strategy consultation and training—no matter where an organization is in the grant process, we are here to help institutions leverage our expertise and experience.”
Accessing Flexible Grant Support
Not new to grant writing, Romeo’s experience began as a classroom teacher and submitting grant proposals to fund projects and expand the learning experience. “I wanted to give my students opportunities that my school did not have the resources to provide and give the class access to literature and reading materials that could elevate the learning experience,” says Romeo. “During the grant process, I recognized the importance of ensuring the proposal and the funder’s priorities matched, as well as using clear language that aligned with the application and would capture the funder’s attention. More recently while working on my doctorate, I was on a team that secured a $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to start a longitudinal study for elementary school teachers to develop science educators and leaders within their learning communities. During the yearlong process, we partnered with a couple of companies for this particular grant. Being involved in all the steps of the grant writing process and understanding the ins and out of each component was an exceptional learning experience.”
Also well-versed in the grant process, Gaul has been working on a multi-year grant with Middlesex College and the other community colleges in New Jersey. “As part of the executive team, we are working on the trajectory of the grant and how to best manage the funds going forward,” shares Gaul. “While at SUNY Empire State, I was part of a team that received one of the few national grants awarded to develop a competency-based education program. We determined how to best tell our story, share our goals, and position ourselves to be the right recipient of the grant.”
Using their experiences and lessons learned, the Edge team understands not every institution will require the same level of support. “Our grant support services are highly adaptable and flexible,” explains Romeo. “This allows us to immediately meet the needs of an institution, align with their goals, and provide the precise support needed to help them succeed. Ultimately, we want to help strengthen their grant writing teams and improve the process, so they can go beyond securing one grant into a sustainable, long-term strategy for future funding.”
“Many sponsored programs offices are overwhelmed and do not have the resources, manpower, or time to find and fulfill grants. We want to fill that gap through flexible, hands-on support that will allow institutions to capitalize on more grant opportunities. Whether an organization needs help discovering potential funding sources, crafting a proposal, or aligning funding pursuits with long-term goals, Edge can guide the way.”
— Laura Romeo, Ph.D.
Director of Learning Innovation, Development, and Scholarship, Edge
Navigating Grants with Expertise
Among Edge’s full range of grant support services, organizations can pick and choose which benefits would be most effective in helping them navigate the process, stay on track, and avoid costly missteps. “For institutions who are unsure where to begin, our grant research and identification services can be very valuable in determining which funding opportunities to pursue,” says Romeo. “This part of the process can feel very overwhelming, so we simplify the steps and help you focus on the potential funding sources that best align with your institutional goals. When it comes to writing the proposal, crafting a compelling and clear story is critical. Our team of experts can review and refine proposals, ensuring they are polished, persuasive, and fully comply with grant guidelines.”
Edge’s grant support services also include budget development and helping guide institutions in creating a precise and realistic budget to include in their proposals. “Developing the budget can be tricky when trying to balance being competitive and realistic,” says Romeo. “We can help make sure the budget checks all the right boxes and supports both the organization and the funder’s goals.”
“At Edge, we believe your work is worthy of funding support,” adds Gaul. “Whether through federal and state initiatives or philanthropic foundations, the funding opportunities are abundant and waiting to be tapped. Since it’s a flexible, modular approach to grant support, an organization can select only the steps and services they need to capture the funding opportunities that can help fuel their success, achieve their goals, and make a lasting impact.”
To learn more about securing the expert guidance you require for your grant initiatives, visit njedge.net/solutions-overview/grantsupportservices.
