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Grant Writing: How to

Goals

Goals are broad, generalized statements about what is to be learned. Think of them as a target to be reached, or "hit".

    Objectives
  1. Objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely)
  2. Objectives are the foundation upon which you base your strategies or activities.
  3. Think of objectives as tools you use to make sure you reach your goals. They are arrrows you shoot towards your target (goal).
  • Specific: Cover the who, what, when, and how
  • Measurable: Have a source to measure progress
  • Achievable: Be guided by common sense
  • Relevant (or Realistic): Related to the results that you want to see based on your goal
  • Time-bound (or Timely): Have a reasonable end date

Types of Objectives

    There are many types of objectives. They can include:
  • Behavioral- describe the behaviors or actions that the population will engage in because of the program. They state who is to demonstrate how much, of what action, and by when (Green & Kreuter, 199.)
    EXAMPLE:
    "Among women attending the program, yearly mammograms will increase by 50 percent over the following 2 years."
  • Learner- are the educational or learning tasks that need to be achieved before the behavior change can take place (Deeds, 1992)
    EXAMPLE
    "The women will list three things they should not do before a pelvic exam."
  • Outcome or program- are the change in health status that is the desired result of the educational intervention. They must be specific and measurable and must be achieved by a given time.
    EXAMPLE
    "Within 3 years, breast cancer deaths will decrease by 15 percent in Monroe County."
  • Process or administrative- are the daily tasks and work plans that must be done to achieve any of the other objectives.
    EXAMPLE
    "Develop a system to contact at least 10 OB/GYN physicians per year to gather support for the program."

Strategies

A strategy (action step or activity) is a program or series of measures and activities planned and carried out for the purpose of achieving specific objectives.

EXAMPLE
Goal: Reduce colorectal cancer mortality among American Indians living in Rolette County, North Dakota.

Objectives that will help you reach your goal:
By 08/31/2009 the number of American Indian men and women who receive colorectal cancer screening will increase by 15%. (Data source:clinic records, surveys)

Strategies:
Answers the question: What steps will be taken to complete this objective?

EXAMPLE
Organize colorectal cancer screening lunch and learn events to promote education on colorectal cancer and screening- First event will take place at Community College on June 15th.

Community Health Educator John Doe will recruit men and women for special screening nights at the office.