Clear goals are an important part of a strong grant application. When planning a project, it is helpful to clearly define what you want to accomplish, how you will measure success, and when the work will be completed.
One commonly used framework for setting effective goals is the SMART goals approach. SMART goals help ensure that project objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Using this framework can help you describe your project clearly and demonstrate how it will strengthen your farm business.
For applicants to our Producer Grants Programs, SMART goals help reviewers understand the purpose of your project and the outcomes you expect to achieve.
NYFVI SMART Goal Worksheets
NYFVI provides worksheets to help applicants develop clear and realistic project goals. Depending on the type of project you are proposing, you may find one of the worksheets below particularly helpful.
Some grant projects focus on a single investment or activity, such as purchasing equipment, installing infrastructure, or implementing a specific improvement on the farm.
For these projects, it can be helpful to define one primary SMART goal that describes what will be accomplished and how it will benefit your farm operation.
Use the worksheet below to help develop a SMART goal for a stand-alone project.
Download the worksheet:
SMART Goal Worksheet – Stand-Alone Project
Examples of stand-alone projects may include:
- Installing a walk-in cooler
- Purchasing specialized equipment
- Building high tunnels or storage facilities
- Implementing a new irrigation system
Some projects involve multiple steps or phases that occur over time. In these cases, it may be helpful to break the project into several SMART goals or milestones that describe the progress of the project from start to completion.
The worksheet below can help you outline each stage of a multi-step project and identify the expected outcomes.
Download the worksheet:
SMART Goal Worksheet – Multi-Stage Project
Examples of multi-stage projects may include:
- Developing and launching a new value-added product
- Expanding production into a new crop enterprise
- Building infrastructure and establishing a new marketing channel
- Implementing a new production system over multiple seasons
Additional SMART Goal Resources
If you would like additional guidance on developing SMART goals, the resources below provide helpful explanations and examples. These materials can help you refine your project goals and better describe the outcomes you hope to achieve.
- NC State Extension: Defining Goals
- NC State Extension: Set Attainable, Specific Goals for the New Year
- Oregon Health & Science University: Establishing Your S.M.A.R.T. Objectives
- Rutgers Extension: Ultra-Niche Crop Series: Writing SMART Goals for Your Farm
- Cornell Small Farms Program: Mission, Goals, and Strategies
Tips for Writing Strong SMART Goals
When developing goals for your project:
- Focus on clear outcomes, not just activities
- Include measurable results whenever possible
- Make sure the goal is realistic for the timeline and resources available
- Clearly connect the goal to how the project will improve your farm operation
Strong SMART goals help reviewers understand your project and the impact it may have on your farm business.