heart_this Even though I included an exclamation at the end of this article title, doesn’t it still sound as dry as dust? Probably one the biggest challenges that grant writers face is trying to express meaningful, exciting goals and objectives and their intended outcomes in their applications. You most certainly don’t want to a) bore the grant reviewer to death, b) seriously confuse them or c) exasperate them to the point of tossing aforementioned application into the nearest refuse receptacle. What’s a good grant writer to do?

Successful grant writers understand that amidst the sea of facts and figures, all grant funders really want is to understand how a proposed program will help solve the problem they’re trying to address. Using the following techniques, you too can be a goal-setting, objective-stating, outcome-making rockstar. Rock on!

Understand the difference between goals, objectives and outcomes.

While a goal gives a general statement of your program’s purpose, objectives are more concrete and specific in how the goal will be achieved. Your outcomes should reflect what is the expected resulted at the end of your proposal’s project period.

For example, a community cancer wellness program targets cancer patients at risk for not receiving prescribed medical care due to lack of insurance or being underinsured. Here is a suggested goal, objective and outcome to be stated in the application.

Goal: The Cancer Wellness Foundation will assist 1,000 individuals in receiving prescribed medical treatment for their cancer diagnosis that otherwise lack access to care.

Objective: Three hundred cancer patients will be issued gasoline vouchers that cannot afford round-trip transportation to prescribed chemotherapy and radiation appointments.

Outcome: Ninety-five percent of cancer patients participating in the transportation program will report receiving in all chemotherapy and radiation treatment as prescribed by their medical doctor.

Be as specific as possible.

Funders appreciate as much detail as you can provide in writing measurable objectives.

For example, an after school program targets at-risk teenage youth in assisting them complete their high school education.

One objective: Eighty-five percent of program participants will have a better understanding of math and reading skills enabling them to complete graduation in the future.

A better objective: Eighty-five percent of program participants will score at least one grade level higher by the end of the first year in the program.

Put a face on your facts and figures.

While statistics are an important element in conveying your need and urgency, try to include specific examples of clients you help that can paint a visual picture in the grant reviewer’s mind.

While the above example provides meaningful data, look how the following example brings the program to life:

When Karen came to the XYZ Youth Center, she was struggling and scared that she would not be able to complete her education. She had been skipping classes at least twice a week and tested two grades behind. Because Karen’s parents both worked long hours to help support the family, she did not get the extra help and encouragement she needed at home. Referred by a social worker, Karen became a participant in the XYZ Program and began working with a mentor who provided one-on-one support. She also attended weekly support meetings with other kids who, like Karen, were struggling. Six months later, Karen reported feeling less frustrated when she studied and even began finding her math and reading classes exciting. By the end of Karen’s first year in the program, she tested at grade level and was excited to move forward into the next grade with her class.

Remember, it may not be the more fun part of writing your grant application but the goals and objectives section is an important one. The time it takes you to create meaningful program measurements is always time well spent.

Want more useful tips for writing grants that win? Be sure to join the conversation here.

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consultant
written by V Sharpe, January 30, 2012

In my opinion, this topic is one of the most important for grant writers, especially in economic times such as these. As more non-profits compete for the same funds, the differentiating factor for who gets financial support and who doesn't is increasingly who does the best job in making clear the connection between 1) the grantor's focus areas and the project for which grant funds are requested, 2) the logic model for how goals, objectives and outcomes relate to each other, and 3) tactics for measuring impact. That's easier said than done, however, because a host of nonprofits are begun by ministers and other non-business trained professionals whose appreciation for program data and its importance in making the case for why donors and grantors should support them is non-existent.

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Marketing Consultant
written by Cynthia Ladopoulos, November 20, 2011

Thank you for your direction. I'm trying to make a transition from consultative sales to fundraising .Your wonderful article confirmed what I have always kept in mind while writing sales proposals/RFPs: Always spell out to the prospect how the outcome will be mutually beneficial. This will ensure that you're both in agreement and support of the next steps (towards closing the deal). Thanks Again, Cindy Ladopoulos

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Objectives
written by Lynn Miner, November 12, 2011

Solid advice. You know an objective when you see it if it involves behavior that you can observe. These tips are applicable for service delivery, training, and some applied research projects. Basic science research objectives often require a different approach.