Measuring Success: Grant Goals and Metrics

Clear goals, well-defined milestones, and measurable metrics are the backbone of any successful grant application. They not only articulate the project’s purpose and objectives but also showcase its feasibility, strengthening your case for funding and enhancing the competitiveness of your proposal.

 

Getting Started

• Define project goals and outline specific objectives. 

• Determine the required data needed to track progress effectively. 

• Identify critical steps and milestones to achieve each goal.  

Pro tip: map everything out on a project timeline! Visualizing your goals, milestones, and key activities on a timeline ensures that each step is achievable within the grant period and makes it easier to track progress and stay on schedule. 

 

Types of Goals 

Project metrics can range from quantitative and technical to qualitative assessments. They generally fall into three broad types: 

• Outcome: The long-term results or changes the project will achieve. 

• Output: Quantitative deliverables or products created as part of the project. 

• Process: The steps or activities you will take to achieve the overall project outcome.

 

From here, goals will depend on the project type. For a more technical project, consider:  

• Product development 

• Technical performance and scalability

• Data collection and analysis 

• Security and risk management 

• Environmental impact and sustainability 

 

For the workforce and community development side, consider:  

• Job creation and economic impact 

• Skill development and training 

• Diversity and inclusion 

• Community engagement and participation

 

Specificity is Key 

Compelling goals and objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). 

Instead of… increasing community literacy rates.

Try… increasing literacy rates among low-income adults in the community by 20% over two years.

 

Instead of… creating 50 new jobs. 

Try… creating 50 permanent, family-sustaining jobs within two years of establishing the facility.

 

Instead of… supporting small businesses in the area.

Try… supporting 50 small businesses owned by women and minorities with technical assistance and grant application training over the next 12 months. 

 

Instead of… increasing volunteer engagement in the organization

Try… increasing the number of active volunteers by 25% within one year through monthly recruitment drives and volunteer training sessions.

 

Pro tip: Pay close attention to what the funding notice requires. For example, do you need at least one technical goal per quarter? 

 

Data and Reporting 

Project goals serve as benchmarks and measure the project's impact. As you create your goals and objectives, consider what data must be tracked throughout the project lifecycle. The funder may require specific data collection to track progress toward key departmental goals. Understand what they’ll need so you can plan ahead. 

Pro tip: If awarded, reporting will be essential to managing and evaluating the success of any grant-funded project. Determine (and budget for) staffing requirements and time commitments for reporting and grant management post-award. 

 

Incorporating clear goals, milestones, and metrics into your grant application is not just a best practice—it’s a winning strategy. By aligning your objectives with funder priorities, using SMART criteria to ensure specificity, and planning for data collection and reporting, you demonstrate both project feasibility and your capacity for effective grant management. Remember, the more precise and impactful your goals, the stronger your application will be. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, you can transform your vision into a compelling case for funding success.