When it comes to grant writing, objectives are more than just bullet points—they’re your opportunity to communicate your goals, define success, and demonstrate your commitment to equity and inclusion. That’s where SMARTIE objectives come in.
SMARTIE, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound, Inclusive, and Equitable, is a goal-setting framework that builds on the widely known SMART framework. By embedding inclusivity and equity into your project’s foundation, SMARTIE objectives do more than articulate your goals—they show funders that your work is meaningful, measurable, and aligned with their priorities.
Let me share a story from my experience as a grant reviewer that illustrates why SMARTIE objectives can set your proposal apart.
A Tale of Two Grant Proposals
During a grant review cycle, I evaluated dozens of proposals, all competing for the same pool of funding. Two proposals stood out but for very different reasons.
The first proposal, focused on community health, included a clear, numbered list of SMARTIE objectives right after the project description. For example:
1. Screenings: Deliver 200 diabetes screenings through a mobile clinic to underserved communities by December 2024, ensuring outreach to areas with limited healthcare access.
2. Follow-Ups: Provide follow-up consultations to at least 50% of screened individuals, prioritizing those from underserved areas, within three months of their screening.
3. Workshops: Partner with local community centers to host six educational workshops on diabetes prevention and management by December 2024, ensuring workshops are accessible to underserved populations through bilingual facilitators and evening sessions.
These objectives were clear, actionable, and easy to find. As a reviewer, I immediately understood what the organization planned to accomplish, how they would measure success, and why their project mattered. This gave me confidence in their ability to deliver results, and it made their proposal easy to evaluate against the funder’s criteria.
The second proposal also sought funding for a health-related initiative, but its objectives were buried in dense paragraphs of text. Finding them felt like a scavenger hunt. When I did locate them, the objectives were vague and difficult to quantify:
“We aim to improve health outcomes for residents in our community.”
“The program will reduce barriers to healthcare.”
These statements, while well-intentioned, lacked specificity, measurability, and a clear connection to the funder’s priorities. Without concrete goals, I couldn’t fully understand or trust the organization’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
This experience reinforced the importance of SMARTIE objectives. Well-crafted, visible objectives make your proposal stand out for all the right reasons.
How to Write SMARTIE Objectives
To create compelling SMARTIE objectives, follow these steps:
1. Start with Specificity
Define exactly what you want to achieve. Answer questions like:
What will you accomplish?
Who is involved or impacted?
Where will the project take place?
Example:
Instead of “Increase employment rates,” write:
“Help 50 single parents in rural communities secure employment by providing free childcare and job training.”
2. Measure Success
Funders want to see how you’ll track progress. Use data-driven metrics to define success.
Example:
“75% of participants will complete the training program and apply for at least five jobs within three months of completion.”
3. Be Achievable
Set realistic goals based on your organization’s resources and timeline.
Example:
“Recruit 20 volunteer mentors to support program participants over a 12-month period.”
4. Keep It Relevant
Ensure your objectives align with your organization’s mission and the funder’s priorities.
Example:
“Our goal aligns with the funder’s mission to support workforce development initiatives for underserved populations.”
5. Set a Timeframe
Include a clear deadline for achieving your objectives.
Example:
“Launch the job training program by March 1, with all participants completing the program by December 31.”
6. Prioritize Inclusivity
Inclusion means involving diverse perspectives and underrepresented groups.
Example:
“Design the program curriculum with input from single parents in the target community to ensure it meets their unique needs.”
7. Embed Equity
Equity addresses systemic barriers and promotes fairness.
Example:
“Provide need-based scholarships for 80% of participants to reduce financial barriers to program enrollment.”
Why SMARTIE Objectives Stand Out
Proposals with SMARTIE objectives make a strong impression because they:
Provide Clarity: Clear, numbered objectives make it easy for reviewers to grasp your project’s goals and methods.
Demonstrate Accountability: They show that your organization has a plan to track progress and evaluate success, building trust with funders.
Reflect Inclusivity and Equity: By addressing systemic disparities, SMARTIE objectives align with funders’ increasing focus on equity-driven initiatives.
Align with Funders’ Priorities: SMARTIE objectives demonstrate that you understand the funder’s mission and values.
Make Reviewing Easier: Well-structured objectives save reviewers time and effort, positioning your proposal as a top contender.
Tips for Writing Impactful SMARTIE Objectives
Collaborate with Stakeholders: Involve your community in crafting objectives to ensure they reflect real needs and priorities.
Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon. Clear, accessible writing resonates with reviewers.
Tailor to Funders: Customize your objectives to align with the specific outcomes funders want to support.
Evaluate Regularly: Revisit your objectives as your project progresses to ensure they remain relevant and achievable.
Conclusion
SMARTIE objectives are more than just a framework—they’re a way to communicate your organization’s values and a roadmap for achieving meaningful change. By crafting objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable, you show funders that your work is thoughtful, strategic, and impactful.
Ready to write your own SMARTIE objectives? Share your ideas or examples in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you’re using this framework to drive real change!