Developing Goals and Measurable Objectives

Information for applicants on developing project goals and measurable objectives.

Goals Versus Objectives

• A goal describes what your program seeks to achieve long-term. It answers the question of “what” you want to achieve. Goals should align with your statement of need.
• An objective describes “how” a goal will be achieved. Multiple objectives are usually needed to address each goal.

Goals are effective when they:

• State an expected, measurable outcome.
• Address behaviors or conditions in the community the program seeks to change.
• Define who will be affected by the project.
• Are concise (only one sentence per goal).

Examples of Effective Goals

Objectives should:

• Be clear and measurable, leaving no room for interpretation.
• Set program priorities and targets for progress and accountability.
• Use action verbs. Avoid vague verbs such as “understand” or “know.” They may be difficult to measure.

Writing SMART Objectives

S.M.A.R.T. is a helpful way to remember how best to develop objectives. It stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

Specific – What specifically do you want to do through this program?

• Example: “Outreach workers will administer the HIV risk assessment tool to at least 100 people in the focus population who inject drugs” is a more specific objective than “Outreach workers will use their skills to reach out to people who use drugs.”
• Tip: Use only one action verb to avoid issues with measuring success.

Measurable – How will you measure it? What can be measured with the data collection tools and mechanisms you have available?

• Example: “By September 2025, increase by 10% the number of 8th-, 9th-, and 10th-grade students who disapprove of marijuana use as measured by the annual school youth survey” is a more measurable objective than “The program will increase the number of students who disapprove of marijuana use.”
• Tip: Always start with a baseline measurement to document change. If you plan to use a specific measurement tool, include it in your objective.

Achievable – What can be attained within a given timeframe and with available program resources?

• Example: “The new part-time nutritionist will meet with seven teenage mothers each week to design a complete dietary plan” is a more achievable objective than “Teenage mothers will learn about proper nutrition.”

Realistic – Does the objective align with the scope of the project? Can it be implemented within a specific time frame?

• Example: “Two former members of gangs will make one school presentation each week for two months to raise community awareness about the presence and impact of gang involvement” is a more realistic objective than “Gang-related violence in the community will be eliminated.”

Time-bound – What is the specific timeframe for meeting your objective?

• Example: “Five new peer educators will be recruited by the second quarter of the first funding year” is a more effective objective than “New peer educators will be hired.”

Examples of Measurable Objectives