How to Write Goals and Objectives for Grant Proposals

GOAL: a broad statement of what you wish to accomplish. Goals are broad, general, intangible, and abstract. A goal is really about the final impact or outcome that you wish to bring about. In the case of goals for a grant proposal, make sure they are linked back to your need statement. Use words such as decrease, deliver, develop, establish, improve, increase, produce, and provide.

Example: Decrease the degree of malnutrition among young children in northwest Louisiana.

OBJECTIVE: a step toward accomplishing a goal. In contrast to the goal, an objective is narrow, precise, tangible, concrete, and can be measured.

Example: By the end of year one, provide 125 mothers in northwest Louisiana with a 2-hour training program that will provide health and nutrition information.

Use the S.M.A.R.T. method of writing your objectives. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

Keep the following in mind when preparing your objectives:

State your objectives in quantifiable terms.
State your objectives in terms of outcomes, not process.
Objectives should specify the result of an activity.
Objectives should identify the target audience or community being served.
Objectives need to be realistic and capable of being accomplished within the grant period.

Tips for writing good goals and objectives

Tie your goals and objectives directly to your need statement.
Include all relevant groups and individuals in your target population.
Always allow plenty of time to accomplish the objectives.
Do not confuse your outcome objectives for methods.
Figure out how you will measure the change projected in each objective. If there is no way to measure an objective, it’s not measurable and should be rewritten.
Don’t forget to budget for the evaluation (measurement) of your objectives.