Nonprofit goal-setting looks a little different from the types of goals businesses might set. For example, a nonprofit might set a financial goal – to raise $5,000, let’s say – the same way a business might, but they have a very different reason behind that goal. And, of course, they’ll have a different way to meet that goal!
Fundraising goals are one of the most common types of nonprofit goals. An organization should always be thinking about ways to maximize their fundraising efforts and bring in more donations. A good goal can encourage nonprofits to dream a little bigger and make positive changes while striving to achieve it.
Nonprofits might also make goals about their staff or governance. An organization might start the year with the goal to a new development director. Recruiting board members is another common goal, but it’s crucial to get more specific. For example, you might instead focus on finding a board member with specific industry experience to help with a new initiative.
Another common nonprofit goal is to recruit and retain more volunteers. Since the average volunteer hour is now valued just shy of $32, volunteers bring a ton of value to nonprofits. A volunteer goal might look like wanting to onboard 10 new volunteers and have over 100 volunteer shifts for the year.
All these goals have something in common: they won’t succeed if they aren’t Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, or Time-Bound. Setting SMART goals keeps nonprofits from spinning their wheels striving for something that isn’t possible. It also ensures the goal-setting process is intentional.
Download our SMART Goal Setting Worksheet to craft attainable, thoughtful goals that will build your nonprofit up – instead of wearing it out. We have tons of resources to help you evaluate the outcome of your goals, too! Download our Rose, Bud, and Thorn Worksheet to unpack how a recent event or goal went. Our SWOT Analysis Worksheet is perfect for understanding your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
