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Crafting effective goals and objectives is crucial to successful grant writing. Goals must be ambitious enough to inspire grant reviewers and realistic enough to be achieved. There are many factors to consider when setting program goals and objectives. Here's a guide to strategically position your program for success.
Align program objectives with the purpose of the grant – Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) carefully before beginning any part of the grant writing process. Pay close attention to the wording of the NOFO and then demonstrate that your program meets the stated requirements by aligning your objectives with the purpose of the grant. Be selective when applying for grants. Only pursue those grants that align with your mission and, if funded, help to achieve that mission.
Focus on achievement – Imagine as you write your proposal that you have already been awarded the grant. What are you trying to achieve for the population that you serve? How do you define success for the individuals you serve? Use this thinking to craft your major goals. Make sure that this benefit can be measured.
Follow the SMART method for setting goals – The SMART method endorsed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
Specific – List who is responsible and what they require to achieve program success. Use only one action verb to measure success.
Measurable – State the amount of change expected. An activity or its outcomes must be measurable or quantifiable. The source and mechanism for collecting and analyzing data must be clearly identified and established.
Achievable – Objectives are reasonably achievable within the program time frame and resources.
Realistic – Objectives should be ambitious yet obtainable. Propose practical steps through a plan that can be easily carried out within a set time frame.
Time-bound – Establish a deadline for when the objective will be measured or date for when the objective will be met.
Consult with experts – Seek guidance from your External Evaluator and Project Director. The evaluator will be ultimately responsible for evaluating the extent to which you achieve your outcomes and can offer valuable insights at the grant writing stage. Input should also be solicited directly from the Project Director who will be responsible for achieving your goals and objectives and managing the grant. They may have additional insights on setting program objectives that will improve your success rate.
If you are new to federal grants or looking for professional guidance, REA Analytics grant procurement and grant writing assistance is available at no cost. Meet our team of expert grant writers and evaluators and learn more about how we help organizations secure federal funding.
