Grant Proposal
Defining Clear Goals and Objectives
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Purpose of Goals and Objectives
Once you have clearly defined the need your organization is trying to address, the next step is to develop solid goals that clearly define what the organization is trying to accomplish through its program and also to establish measurable objectives that will indicate the organization’s progress toward its goals.
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Program Goals are Tied to the Needs Statement
A funder will want to know the goals that relate directly to the stated need, so those goals should be included in this section of the proposal
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Definition of a Goal
A goal is a focus or accomplishment, supported by a series of objectives. It states a general direction towards which efforts are directed.
Goals are broad, brief statements of intent that provide focus or vision for planning.
Goals are warm and fuzzy, non specific, non-measurable, and usually can not be attained
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Definition of an Objective
An objective is a significant step toward a goal, or a precise, measurable, time-phased result.
- Objectives are much narrower than goals
- There are two types of objectives (process objectives and outcome objectives)
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What is a Process Objective?
A process objective focuses on a process to achieve the impact.
Example1: To provide at least 20 hours of parenting skills education to 40 parents with children attending the ABC Elementary School over a six month period.
Example 2: By June 30, 2009, 40 parents of children attending the ABC Elementary School will attend at least 20 hours of parenting skills education.
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What is an outcome objective?
An outcome objective state a desired result.
Example 1: A minimum of 40 parents of children attending the ABC Elementary School will be able to identify and explain the effectiveness of three or more alternatives to corporal punishment by June 30, 2009.
Example 2: After three parenting skills classes, 40 parents of children attending the ABC Elementary School will show increased knowledge of alternatives to corporal punishment.
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The Difference Between Process and Outcome
- Process refers to the activity or method.
- It is the means to an end.
- In Logic Modeling, process objectives are the outputs component
- Outcome refers to the results.
- It is the desired end.
- In Logic Modeling, outcome objectives are the outcomes component.
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Language Helps to Distinguish Between Process and Outcome
Process statements usually begin with phrases like:
- To provide
- To implement
- To train
- To serve
- To deliver
Outcome statements usually begin with phrases like:
- To reduce
- To increase
- To decrease
- To enhance
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Requirements for Objectives
- Objectives should be stated in quantifiable terms
- Outcome objectives should be stated in terms of outcomes, not activities or process.
- Outcome objectives should specify the result of an activity.
- Objectives should clearly identify the target audience or community being served.
- Objectives should be realistic and capable of being accomplished within the time frame indicated.
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The SMART Test for Objectives
- S – Specific
- M – Measurable
- A – Achievable
- R – Realistic
- T – Time-framed
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Side by Side Comparison of Goals and Objectives
Goals are:
- Broad
- General intentions
- Intangible
- Abstract
- Cannot be validated
Objectives are:
- Narrow
- Precise intentions
- Tangible
- Concrete
- Can be validated
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Objectives Define What Will Be Measured to Assess Program Success.
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