Theory of Change & Logic Models Flashcards

A nonprofit is using a theory of change to guide strategic planning. Which stakeholder group is MOST important to involve in its development?

Answer: Program participants and community members

Centering the voices of program participants and the community ensures the theory of change reflects real needs and lived experiences, increasing relevance and buy-in.

In logic model terminology, 'reach' is most closely associated with which component?

Answer: Outputs

Outputs include measures of reach — the number of people served, sessions delivered, or products distributed — as direct, countable results of activities.

Which scenario represents a common FLAW in a nonprofit's logic model?

Answer: Skipping from activities directly to long-term impact without intermediate outcomes

Jumping from activities to long-term impact ignores the intermediate changes (short- and medium-term outcomes) that must occur first, creating a logic gap.

A theory of change document typically includes a section called 'pre-conditions.' These are best described as:

Answer: Conditions or changes that must occur before a later outcome can be achieved

Pre-conditions are the foundational changes or building blocks that must be in place before subsequent, higher-level outcomes can realistically occur.

A community health nonprofit wants to reduce diabetes rates in a low-income neighborhood. Their logic model shows 'increased access to healthy food' as an outcome. This is best classified as a:

Answer: Medium-term outcome related to conditions of well-being

Changes in community conditions or environments that support behavior change, such as food access, are typically classified as medium-term outcomes in a logic model.

When a logic model is described as 'theory-driven evaluation,' this means the evaluation is designed to:

Answer: Assess whether the assumed causal links in the program actually occur

Theory-driven evaluation tests the causal mechanisms and assumptions embedded in the program's theory of change, not just whether outcomes were achieved.

A consultant reviewing a nonprofit's logic model notes it lacks 'external factors.' What should this section include?

Answer: Conditions outside the program's control that may affect outcomes

External factors (also called assumptions about context) are conditions — economic, social, or political — outside program control that could accelerate, hinder, or negate outcomes.