If we were flippant, we would say that objectives and outcomes are both grant-related words that start with “O.” And the potential for confusion might not end there.
Do not despair. Our writing team is here to help navigate various grant elements with you and for you, including what to do when a *grantmaker* uses the language in a confusing way.
Grant writers need to master the difference between objectives and outcomes, because grant applications often require us to lay out our plan in detail to show careful and thoughtful planning, and funders almost always require them both. Lead Writer Beth Archer, GPC observes, “I think sometimes the confusion comes in because objectives don’t have a place in a structure like a logic model.” She makes an excellent point. Outcomes are part of a logic model. And still, many funders do also require us to write about objectives.
(If you need help understanding and creating a logic model for your project, we offer a FREE excellent resource.)
Okay, so what are objectives and what are outcomes? Don’t worry, many people have to ask.
DH Leonard Consulting Grant Professionals Weigh In
Succinctly put, objectives are individual, specific intentions that together complete the overarching goal. Outcomes, explains Beth, “are what is measurable as a result of what you do”–indicating whether each objective was achieved. Julie Brown, GPC, another Lead Writer on our team, describes it this way: “Meeting the objectives leads to the measurable outcomes.” Diane H. Leonard, GPC, Founder and President of DH Leonard Consulting, describes it this way: “Objectives are your ‘what’ and outcomes are your ‘how well.'”
ChatGPT Weighs In
For a breakdown of what we’ve just described, ChatGPT also provided details, which we have edited a bit, to help you scan the details. It distills and contrasts the concepts:
| Attribute | Objectives | Outcomes |
| Definition | “Specific, measurable goals that outline what you aim to achieve” | “Actual results or effects that occur [from] achieving (or not achieving) the objectives” |
| Perspective | How | Why |
| Focus | What you plan to do | The impact or result of actions |
| Nature | Action-oriented | Result-oriented |
| Measurement | Easily measurable and trackable | May require broader assessment |
| Timeline | Short- to mid-term goals | Longer-term effects |
(You can view the original ChatGPT output here)
It’s all making good sense now, isn’t it?
And finally, another helpful thought–with the best of intentions, grantmakers might ask for one thing when they really mean another. We have found that this occurs about 10% of the time, notes Diane. You might already have experienced those moments. Our recommended solution is to be ready to flex adaptively between your project’s various elements and a grantmaker’s vocabulary, and if confused by the grantmaker’s use of objectives versus outcomes, reach out and try to talk to the grantmaker.
Want a little more reading about SMART objectives? Maybe even a podcast episode to go along with your reading? ICYMI: https://www.dhleonardconsulting.com/measuring-our-true-impact-five-questions-your-grant-objectives-should-answer/