One example of a nonprofit organization that has successfully utilized SMART goals to drive impact is Charity: Water. The organization’s mission is to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries, and they have set a specific goal to provide clean water to 100 million people by 2030. They have also established a SMART plan to achieve this goal, including leveraging technology to monitor the impact of their projects and partnering with local organizations to ensure long-term sustainability.
Another nonprofit that has seen success through setting clear goals is Feeding America. The organization’s goal is to end hunger in America, and they established a specific and measurable goal to provide 4 billion meals by last year (2022). They have developed a comprehensive strategy to achieve this goal, including expanding their network of food banks and launching innovative programs to address the root causes of hunger.
“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
– Benjamin Franklin
So, how can nonprofit leaders establish SMART goals for their organizations? Here are some tips:
#1 – Start with your mission: Your goals should align with your organization’s mission and values.
#2 – Get specific: Set specific and measurable goals that are focused on achieving specific outcomes.
#3 – Ensure feasibility: Ensure that your goals are achievable and realistic given your resources and constraints.
#4 – Align with your stakeholders: Involve your stakeholders in the goal-setting process to ensure that they are on board and committed to achieving your goals.
#5 – Develop a plan: Establish a plan of action that includes specific steps to achieve your goals, and assign responsibilities and timelines to each step.
#6 – Monitor and evaluate: Regularly monitor progress towards your goals, evaluate their effectiveness, and adjust them if necessary.
Setting clear, specific, and measurable goals is essential for nonprofit organizations to achieve their mission and drive impact. By following the SMART framework and learning from successful examples like Charity: Water and Feeding America, nonprofit leaders can establish goals that are achievable, impactful, and sustainable.
