What is a Simple Way to Explain Theory of Change(ToC)?

Both the Theory of Change and the Logic Model are valuable tools in the field of program design and evaluation. While they have some overlap, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

A Logic Model is a more granular and linear tool, often employed for individual programs or interventions. It outlines a clear, sequential pathway from inputs to outputs, outcomes, and ultimately, impact.
In contrast, a Theory of Change takes a more holistic and expansive approach. It delves into the underlying mechanisms and assumptions that drive change within a specific context. It emphasizes the change process itself and the factors that influence it.
The Theory of Change is generally more all-encompassing and flexible, taking into account the intricacies and interconnections within a system. It can serve as a useful precursor to developing a Logic Model, providing a broader understanding of the ecosystem in which the program exists.

In real-world applications, the Theory of Change and Logic Model are frequently used in tandem, with the former guiding the latter development. Both tools effectively articulate a program's objectives, structure, and intended impact to various stakeholders.

What is Theory of Change (ToC)?

Definition: A ToC is essentially a roadmap or blueprint that outlines how a series of actions or interventions are expected to lead to specific outcomes and ultimately to the achievement of the final goal. It goes beyond describing program activities and focuses on articulating the underlying assumptions and the causal pathways that lead to change.
Components:
- Long-term Goals: Describes what the program or project aims to achieve in the long term. The long-term goals are the desired impact of the intervention.
- Outcomes: Represent the short-term and intermediate-term results that are necessary steps towards achieving the long-term goal. Outcomes can be changes in behaviors, knowledge, skills, status, or level of functioning.
- Interventions/Activities: Refers to the specific actions or strategies that will be implemented to achieve the outcomes outlined in the ToC. The interventions are the work that will be conducted to bring about the desired change.
- Assumptions: These are the underlying beliefs and hypotheses about how and why the program activities will lead to the outcomes and long-term goals. Assumptions articulate the logic behind the connections between different elements of the ToC.
- Contextual Factors: These include the environmental, social, political, or other conditions that might influence or affect the implementation and success of the program. Contextual factors are the backdrop against which the program operates.

What is a Logic Model?

A logic model in grant writing is a tool used to demonstrate how the activities of a project will achieve the intended results. It is a one-page summary of a program in words and graphics, describing the sequence of activities thought to bring about change and demonstrating how program activities are linked to anticipated program results. It typically includes the following components:

- Inputs: resources, contributions, investments into the program

- Outputs: activities, services, events

-Outcomes: results or changes for individuals to systems

- Assumptions: underlying beliefs about how the program will work

Logic models are important in grant proposals as they help funders understand the message about the project and how it can work. They also assist in better understanding the different components of the project and its short-term and long-term effects. Additionally, logic models are appreciated by funders because they provide a snapshot of the project's intentions and may answer questions that were not addressed in the grant proposal itself.

Image courtesy Kellogg School of Management

How ToC and Logic Models Compare

Theory of Change

- Focus: ToC is more comprehensive and narrative. It explains why and how a change is expected to happen in a certain context. It delves into the underlying assumptions, the reasons behind the choice of activities, and the causal pathways leading to change.

- Depth: It provides a detailed explanation of the relationships between activities, outcomes, and long-term goals, often considering the broader social, economic, and political context.

- Flexibility: ToC is often more adaptable and can evolve as the understanding of the problem or context changes.

Logic Model

- Focus: Logic models are more focused on the operational aspects. They provide a clear, linear representation of the inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts of a program.

- Clarity: They are particularly effective in illustrating the direct connections between what a program does (activities) and what it aims to achieve (outcomes and impacts).

- Simplicity: Generally, logic models are more straightforward and concise, making them useful for quickly conveying the essence of a program to stakeholders or funders.

Theory of Change and Logic Models

How can a Grant Writer use them to write a better grant?

Grant writers, when you're putting together your next application, remember that explaining your program's plan and impact is key. To help you out, here's a breakdown of two tools you'll find super handy: the Theory of Change (ToC) and the logic model. These are more than just fancy terms – they're your roadmap to showing off how awesome your program is. Let's dive in:

Getting Things in Order: First, we figure out the big game plan with a Theory of Change (ToC). It's like mapping out everything we want to change. Then, we break it down into a simpler, step-by-step logic model, showing how our actions will lead to the cool stuff we want to happen.
The Big Picture vs. Quick Look: The ToC is like a storybook, telling us all the details, guesses, and outside stuff that might affect our plans. It's about understanding the why and how of what we're doing. On the other hand, the logic model is like a quick photo – it shows us what we're doing and what we hope will happen, without all the fluff.
Getting the Funds: When we're asking for money, we use the logic model to give a short summary of your plans and what we expect to achieve. The ToC is our secret weapon here – it gives a deeper dive into why our program makes sense, the world we're working in, and the big impact we're dreaming of.
Chatting with Stakeholders: The ToC is great for getting everyone on the same page, and understanding what we're trying to do and how we plan to get there. The logic model is the easy-to-digest version, perfect for anyone who wants the quick lowdown, especially those holding the purse strings.

So there you go – your guide to nailing your program's story and structure in your next grant application!"

Example logic model for family trip planning. Image courtesy Kellogg School of Management

A logic framework is like a tidy roadmap for how a project should play out. It lays out the step-by-step links between what you do, what you produce, expected outcomes, and the long-term goals.

A theory of change is more like exploring why change happens in the messy real world. It maps out the winding pathways between actions and results. It might have loops, backward steps, and unexpected detours. The focus is less on nitty-gritty project tasks and more on illuminating the complex chains of causality. How does A lead to B? What needs to happen between steps for change to unfold? It embraces the twists and turns of change in the wild.

So while a logic framework neatly connects the dots from activities to goals, a theory of change tries to explain why and how those dots are connected in non-linear social change. The first simplifies complex processes into an orderly matrix. The second is a deep dive into the causal mechanisms behind societal shifts. Different tools for different purposes on the road to change!

What is a Theory of Action?

The theory of action and the theory of change are related concepts but with distinct differences. A theory of action is a set of implicit assumptions about how an organization can progress from its current state to its intended future state, drawing a line between causes and effects and specifying the characteristics that are most likely to produce the intended result. It is the delivery model for a theory of change, describing how a project or program is designed and set up, and articulating the mechanisms through which the activities are being delivered.

On the other hand, a theory of change is a comprehensive description of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context, focusing on mapping out the "missing middle" between what a program or change initiative does and how these lead to desired goals being achieved. In summary, a theory of action is more concerned with the operationalization of a program's activities, while a theory of change is focused on understanding the causal pathways of change and how activities lead to desired outcomes.

ToC is a framework model for building a theory of action(ToA). They work together and are part of the same process. In grant writing, you have to build a ToC before you can implement a ToA. While explaining to a grantee how your funding will be used explain to them a theory of change that implements a theory of action. It all sounds pedantic and exacting. It is not as complicated as it may sound.

So…

While both the Theory of Change and Logic Models are essential tools in grant writing and program planning, they serve complementary roles. The ToC provides a detailed, narrative understanding of how and why change is expected to happen, considering broader context and deeper causal relationships. In contrast, the logic model offers a clear, linear representation of the program's operational structure, making communication easy with the direct link between activities and outcomes. Together, they offer a comprehensive and effective way to plan, communicate, and evaluate a program.

Understanding Theory of Change vs Logic Models