A Brief Introduction to Logic Models
This tool is a lifesaver when developing new problems or determining if existing programs are meeting their goals
Theory of Change
The concept of “Theory of Change” underpins logic models; which are handy little tools to outline nonprofit programs. Theory of Change can be traced to management guru Peter Drucker (we wrote about him before!) and his articulation of Management by Objectives. In other words, as nonprofit executive directors we are trying to always determine the higher-level goals against the lower-level objectives. The trick being if the objectives are met, the goals will follow right behind. Theory of Change is a concept that states we can demonstrate not only what makes a program effective, but we can outline the methods that make it effective.
The Power of the Logic Model
I love logic models for two very important reasons. Before I get excited to undertake a new initiative (or any member of my team for that matter), we run it through a logic model so we have a clear understand of not only what the activity will do, but also what is required and what we expect the outcome to be. Once we work this idea through the model and our heads are still shaking that it’s a good idea, we work towards making it happen using the model.
The second reason I love logic models is that there is no better tool for large-scale program evaluation. On one page, I can document the activities, the resources needed, the outputs, the outcomes and the goals for the activity in an easy-to-understand and read format. It’s a pretty powerful tool.
What does the Logic Model Tells us?
Before we begin developing a logic model, it might be helpful to look at the four main sets of basic information that the logic model has and what the model tells us.
First, the logic model tells us what is the problem we are trying to solve? We aren’t going to create a new program for creation’s sake. We need to know what is that itch we are trying to scratch. What is that nagging concern we need to address. What is worthy of resources to try to solve.
Second, the logic model explains what is the work that we are going to do? What are the resources that are necessary, and what are the activities and processes that are going to be implemented to help solve the problem?
Third, we begin to look at the end results. What re the outputs we expect to deliver? What kinds of services will be offered and how many people will be served? We also look at outcomes. What are the short-term (most immediate and measurable) outcomes we can expect from those that benefitted from the activity? What are the long-term (hard to measure and hard to control) outcomes we expect to see?
Finally, what are some of the assumptions we have about our project, our participants and how change will be realized. We really need to know our people to know if we can make this program work.
This was a pretty broad outline of what a logic model is and in future editions we will go deeper into logic models and what each of these four pillars look like in an actual logic model you can use for your organization.