If there’s one thing that was abundantly clear in 2020, it’s that anything can happen and we should expect the unexpected. The year was full of cancellations - like overseas travel, loved one’s weddings, and even those gym classes in between. It was hard to plan and make progress in a year that felt like it was full of big “no’s”. For many of us, our 2020 resolutions fell by the wayside.
In the early months of every new year, we usually fill them with big plans, ideas and long-desired dreams. Speculating what the year has in store for us, we aim high so as not to waste any opportunity. In 2020, those early months, while still filled with hope, were quickly replaced with uncertainty. Our sparks of inspiration dimmed, and we were left asking, “are those goals even possible now?”.
But even though you may have had to change the time frames for some of your big dreams, goal-setting is extremely important. It helps us keep on track and celebrate the progress we are making - no matter how big or small those dreams are! Regardless of how a year is to unfold, goals help us look to the horizon. Even in a pandemic, they’re more important than ever before.
Why set goals?
Most of us want to enact some kind of positive change in our lives. As such, goal-setting inspires us to increase our motivation and begin making changes or plans. By setting tasks, we not only improve our organisation skills, but we also improve our relationships with others and ourselves. Setting goals has proven to strongly, and positively, influence our mental and physical health.
Effective goal-setting helps us to stay focused and sustain momentum - even when unpredictable things may happen (sound familiar). In order for us to keep achieving milestones, we need goals in our life. If we get swept up in the woes, we may be too weighed down to fly or reach our potential.
How do goals help you find the right grant?
Goals are like the roadmap of any project. If applied smartly, they will help you navigate to your target. By focusing in on what you want to achieve, you can identify what is needed in order to achieve it.
Fleshing out the purpose of any project is a sure way solution in identifying the deliverables required to make it a reality. By doing this, and setting project goals, you’ll be able to find funding opportunities beneficial to the overall project outcome. This will ensure your mission aligns strategically with the grants criteria. Also, when completing a grant application, goals can help you accomplish the funding provider’s requirements. From budgeting to supporting documentation, small goals can help you stay on track and complete section by section.
Goals don’t have to be big. You can start small and work through them as you go.
Let’s set a goal for your next project
The easiest way to set a goal is to be precise and write it down. Start a log of what you want your project to achieve and always keep it easily accessible for later reference. Let’s start together by setting a commitment to your idea, identifying what makes it important and answering why does the community need it right now.
Many goal-setting methods exist, but it’s crucial to find the one that works for you. One of the most common principles is SMART goals, which is a simple tool to help you plan and achieve your ideas. You can use it for your current project:
S = Specific - State your projects intentions clearly. What do you want to achieve? How are you going to achieve it? Be specific in the details and answer the Who, What, When, Why and How’s of the project.
M = Measurable - Let’s break your goals down into measurable elements. What criteria will you set to ensure you can achieve the outcomes of the project? How will you decide whether the goal is completed or not? Start a list, make a calendar or even develop a timeline for action.
A = Achievable - Are your goals realistic and within the scope of your project? Ensure that you’re setting attainable outcomes. Applying for 10 grants a day is impossible. However, organising your own upcoming grants schedule, and applying for a minimum of two grant rounds a month is.
R = Relevant - Start identifying the goals that are most important to you and your project. Are they going to improve the project? If you’re looking for a way to submit a great grant application, researching resources and viewing the rounds previous successful submissions is a great way to stay relevant.
T = Timely - Time bound goals help to establish urgency and prevent goals from being overtaken by everyday tasks. State clearly when you aim to have goals completed. Be specific about the timeframe. Saying you’ll select two new grants to apply by Wednesday, is more powerful than saying you’ll research funding opportunities.
Some goals to get you started
Now that you’ve uncovered why goal-setting is important, even in a pandemic, we’ve thought of three great goals to help get you started. These are just some ways you can set your intentions for 2021.
Goal 1 - Improve your grant writing abilities
We all want to submit those winning applications, but truth be told, grant submissions take time, research and a lot of hard work. Criteria changes between funding providers, especially if applying for different funding outcomes.
Try:
Read at least three new articles a week to improve your understanding of grants.
Engage in the services of a professional grant writer.
Brainstorm and collaborate with your team to understand the projects core.
Call the funding provider and ask questions about the grants criteria.
Goal 2 - Find the right grant for your project
The right grant can make or break your project. Have you ever spent hours to apply, only to find out that you don’t meet the funding providers criteria? Don’t waste time on unreachable opportunities. Focus on the core ideas of your project and start applying with potential.
Try:
Read the funding providers guidelines and ensure you have the right organisational status for the grant.
Use our search preferences in our Grant Directory to find the right funding for you.
Engage with your network or anyone affiliated with your organisation to find connections with grant providers or project support.
Searching locally to see if there are any opportunities close to home.
Goal 3 - Find ways to connect with others
In 2020, we were quite innovative when it came to staying connected with others. As humans, we have a natural desire to belong in a community. Places, people and culture play an important part in our wellbeing. Fostering stronger relationships will help build your connections, as well as strengthen your networks when you may need extra support.
Try:
Reach out to likeminded organisations to establish a partnership or connection.
Request feedback or testimonials from people currently engaging with your project.
Organise virtual meetings to inspire collaboration in your team.
Share your success with your community and let them know about your projects achievements.
Now that February has begun, it’s time to set your intentions and start some goals for the year. They don’t need to be long. Start small and simple and you’ll have something to look forward to.