Goals - A goal is that end to which all aspects of the project lead. Generally, each project should have only one goal. A goal presents a measurable outcome conceptually.

Example: The goal of this project is to decrease the number both of drownings and of water recreation accidents by increasing the number of trained lifeguards.

Objective - Each project should have three to five objectives.  Objectives are outcomes that are tangible, concrete, specific, measurable, and achievable, with a time dimension. An objective is an action, the answer to the question “What are you going to do to achieve your goal?” According to the Foundation Center’s “Proposal Writing Short Course” (http://fdncenter.org/learn/shortcourse/project.html),  there are four types of objectives:

1. Behavioral:  A human action is anticipated. Example: Thirty of the forty-five lifeguards participating in the project will learn CPR and defibrillation techniques.
2. Performance: A specific time frame within which a behavior will occur, at an expected proficiency level. Example: Thirty of the forty-five lifeguards participating in the project will learn CPR and defibrillation techniques within six months and will pass a basic water safety proficiency test administered by a Red Cross-certified lifeguard.
3. Process: The manner in which something occurs as an end in itself. Example: The project will compile the teaching methods used to instruct lifeguards in learning CPR and defibrillation techniques, identifying those with the greatest success.
4. Product: A tangible item results. Example: A manual will be created to be used in the future for teaching lifeguards in the proficiency of CPR and defibrillation techniques. 

Activities - After the project objectives have been determined, the next step is developing activities. An activity answers the question “How are you going to achieve each project objective?” Generally, three to five activities should be designed to accomplish each objective. 

Example: To achieve the objective described in the first example above, the following activities might be performed: 

• Activity 1: An instructor skilled in the use of defibrillators and in the delivery of CPR will demonstrate techniques to the project participants.
• Activity 2: Project participants will practice CPR techniques on Red Cross-certified mannequins.
• Activity 3: Project participants will practice defibrillation techniques on Red Cross-certified mannequins.