SMART Goals in a Social Organization
SMART goals for social organizations are more relevant than ever.Nowadays, data is extremely valuable for conducting in-depth analyses, making well-founded strategic decisions, and optimizing the internal processes of any organization. SMART goals in social organizations are a widely used methodology in the business world, marketing, and project management to set goals clearly, measurably, and realistically. This technique facilitates strategic focus and helps ensure that any team’s efforts promote learning, while KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are oriented toward continuous improvement.
In this article, we explain what SMART goals are, how to apply them in a social organization, and provide real examples you can adapt to your own organization.
Why SMART Goals Matter in the Third Sector
In the context of the third sector, this methodology is even more valuable for three key reasons:
- Limited time and resources: Therefore, it is even more important to be efficient, precise, and focused to achieve the objectives set.
- Increasing demand for impact indicators: Organizations need to measure the results of their actions to justify projects, secure funding, and evaluate effectiveness.
- Subjectivity plays a significant role: It is essential to use simple, objective, and understandable language that facilitates consensus and directs the organization towards concrete results.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are a planning methodology that helps specify what exactly you want to achieve and how. SMART is an acronym that corresponds to five essential criteria:
- S-Specific: What exactly do we want to achieve?
- M-Mesurable: How will we know if we have achieved it?
- A-Achievable: Is it realistic given the organization’s resources?
- R-Relevant: Is it aligned with the social mission?
- T- Time-bound: What deadline do we set?
How to Formulate a SMART Goal
Let’s see it with a practical example.
| Criterion | Application |
| Specific | Yes, it refers to Instagram followers |
| Measurable | Yes, a 25% increase |
| Achievable | Yes, with weekly actions |
| Relevant | Yes, it improves digital visibility |
| Time-bound | Yes, within a 6-month timeframe |
Examples of SMART Objectives for Social Entities
Communication
- Publish two blog articles monthly for 6 months to increase the visibility of project.
- Gain 50 new subscribers to the newsletter before the end of the quarter.
Digitalization
- Implement a volunteer management tool before September and train three team members.
- Train 10 volunteers in collaborative digital tools before July.
Fundraising
- Raise €3,000 through an online micro-donation campaign between October and December.
- Increase recurring donations by 15% in 12 months, from 40 to 46 monthly donors.
User Support
- Implement a digital welcome form for new users before November.
- Reduce email response time to inquiries to under 48 hours for three consecutive months.
If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere else.
Lawrence j. peter
At teclaSocial, we help you define SMART digital objectives.
At teclaSocial, we help you define SMART digital objectives.
Do you want to better plan your digital, communication, or organizational strategy?
At teclaSocial, we can support you in defining a digital plan with SMART objectives, tailored to your team’s needs and the reality of the third sector. Contact us and let’s create a clear and measurable roadmap together.
teclaSocial, digital commitment.
