At DH Leonard Consulting, we know that behind every successful grant proposal lies a clear and compelling plan. A cornerstone of that plan? Well-crafted SMART objectives. You must have them, we humbly recommend. We want that for you.

We believe so strongly in this approach that we shared the concept and its benefits with you in an earlier blog, Mastering SMART Objectives in Grant Writing is Wise. Seasoned grant professionals and newbies (and everyone who is somewhere in between), you will benefit from applying the SMART framework as you create meaningful objectives and goals. And SMART planning will solidify your credibility with funders.

Free SMART Objectives Toolkit for you

To support you, we offer our free SMART Objectives Toolkit, which guides you through writing strong program goals and then shows you how to break them down into 2 to 3 SMART objectives. The toolkit even includes an easy-to-use checklist so that nothing is left to chance. Current users find it so helpful, and now they are SMART believers too!

ICYMI, SMART defined

SMART qualities mean that your objectives are:

• Specific—Define the who and what clearly. Vague intentions won’t cut it.
• Measurable—Identify quantifiable metrics. How will success be tracked?
• Achievable—Ensure that your goals are feasible given your resources.
• Relevant—Align your objectives with the broader mission of your program.
• Time-bound—Establish a deadline or time frame for achieving results.

SMART on display

Want to see a SMART objective in action?

Original: “Teachers will be trained”

A SMARTer version: “By year two of the project, 75% of health education teachers will be trained on the selected curriculum.”

S = health education teachers, trained, and selected curriculum

M = 75% of health education teachers

A = from details in S, M, and T, and from internal organizational factors such as capacity

R = selected curriculum, details in S, and how they exemplify the organization’s mission

T = by year two

You can see how this thought process transforms general intentions into an actionable approach that funders can trust. And if you haven’t already, it enables you to map exactly what you will do, to guide the work for yourself and for your team.

SMART in your toolbox

With our SMART Objectives Toolkit by your side, you will see firsthand that SMART objectives aren’t just another grant-writing “best practice.” They bring clarity and detail to your vision and increase your chances of funding success. They will become a focal point in your future planning and grant writing.

Go out there and download our free SMART Objectives Toolkit to start building stronger, more fundable proposals pronto.