Near the end of last year I shared ways to get organized for 2010 and start the year off on the right foot. I think it's a good time to share my go-to mental organizer. When I get overwhelmed (some months this happens a lot), I try to stay SMART!
When I'm writing several proposals at once or taking on a variety of topics within a short time frame, my brain can short-circuit. If I stay SMART, I've noticed that my proposal are sharper, cleaner and require less editing. Here is how it works!
Specific means that you can pinpoint and describe exactly what you are trying to achieve. Be clear, concise and crisp. If you can't explain it, your funder won't understand it.
Measureable means that your objectives can be measured to show your impact in the community or with your intended audience.
Attainable means that what you want to achieve can realistically happen. If you shoot for the moon, make sure you can make it there. It should be a goal that is reasonable to assume you can achieve.
Realistic means that you can afford to make it to the moon. All of the factors that make something realistic to achieve should be considered (i.e. cost, personnel, facilities, etc.).
Time-Specific means that you will make it to the moon when you say you will. You should always talk about the time frame for your proposed project. If you aren't planning for timely implementation then your funder won't be interested.
Sometimes I use the SMART process before I write because it helps me create a solid outline. Other times, when I am writing in a flurry, I use it in the review process as a checklist.
For more information about the SMART process, check out Grant Proposal Makeover: Transform Your Request from No to Yes by Cheryl A. Clarke and Susan P. Fox.
How do your proposals look under a SMART lens?
~Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment