SMART Goals in grant writing

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ď ą So, your organisation has identified a need or an area that they feel they can address for the community. ď ą When applying for a grant the grant writer provides a comprehensive proposal and detailed information to the grant provider that will enable them to definitively award the grant that best addresses the needs of the community.

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ď ą The grant writer defines the outcomes or the long-term results and benefits that the project/program will deliver. ď ą As part of the grant application process the grant writer needs to clearly articulate the desired outcomes and how they can and will be measured. ď ą The rationale or reason for the project provides the grant issuer with information about the specific situation, problem or need the project or program is aiming to address.

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 Once our outcomes and rationale are defined, the grant writer needs to articulate the project or program goals and objectives.  So, what is the difference between goals and objectives?  The basic definition of a goal is a purpose or an aim, it is an idea, or plan for the future performance or the desired result.  The objectives are the specific steps that will be taken to achieve the desired result.  Put simply goals are the outcome you are trying to achieve, and objectives are the actions or strategies that will help you reach or successfully achieve your goal PA G E 4

ď ą Goals should match your needs statement, outcomes and rationale and specifically define what your proposal will achieve or accomplish for the target group. ď ą The goals and objectives detail the desired results or outcome of the program and how your organisation plans to achieve them.

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ď ą Using the SMART goal setting approach adds a dimension of structure and accountability to goals or objectives and makes them more definitive. ď ą There are several interpretations of the words within the acronym SMART goals and objectives but using the SMART goal setting approach is a method of ensuring the program goals are attainable.

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SMART goals and objectives are  Specific  Measurable  Achievable  Realistic  Time sensitive  Attainable  Relevant  Time bound  Time based

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Specific  When writing goals avoid ‘vagueness’. What do you want to accomplish and what steps or strategies are required to achieve it?  Why do we want to accomplish this goal?

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Measurable ď ą You need to be able to quantify your success and know and recognise when you have achieved your goal. ď ą This can be quantitative such as something like productivity increase or more money saved or earned or qualitative such as more client satisfaction and positive feedback or referrals.

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Achievable or attainable ď ą Be realistic about skills, experience and abilities. Are there any obstacles or limitations that will stop you reaching or achieving your goal? ď ą What skills or tools are required to achieve your goal? Do you have these, or can you access them?

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Relevant or realistic ď ą Will achieving the goal be meaningful to the target group? Why is it important? ď ą The goal should align with organisation values and philosophy and align with your stated outcome and rationale.

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Time bound/sensitive/based ď ą Having a timeline keeps everything on track. It adds some pressure and intensity otherwise in this busy world it is too easy to procrastinate instead of prioritising and achieving success.

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ď ą Using SMART goals and objectives in grant writing clarifies the desired outcome of the program or project and provides a set of specific and measurable strategies that will be applied to achieve success. ď ą Using this approach demonstrates that you have a strategic plan in place and can accomplish a positive outcome for the target group.

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