Logic Models and Theory of Change Flashcards
7 cards from real Grant Writing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Logic Models and Theory of Change flashcards as text
How does a logic model support the evaluation section of a grant proposal?
Answer: It provides a framework that links activities to measurable outcomes, guiding evaluators on what to measure and when
A logic model clarifies what outcomes are expected at each stage, helping evaluators identify appropriate indicators, data sources, and timelines for measurement.
A program staff member says, 'We ran 20 workshops this quarter.' This statement describes a program's:
Answer: Output
The number of workshops run is a countable, direct product of program activity — a classic example of an output rather than an outcome or impact.
When a funder requests a 'results framework,' they are asking for something most similar to a:
Answer: Logic model or Theory of Change linking activities to outcomes and impact
A results framework, commonly required by USAID and other international funders, is closely related to a logic model in that it maps program activities to expected results at different levels.
Which of the following is considered a best practice when developing a Theory of Change collaboratively with program stakeholders?
Answer: Engaging frontline staff, community members, and partners to surface diverse perspectives and hidden assumptions
Participatory development of a Theory of Change increases buy-in, surfaces implicit assumptions, and produces a more grounded and realistic causal pathway.
In a logic model, 'external factors' or 'environmental factors' refer to:
Answer: Conditions outside the program's control that could influence whether outcomes are achieved, such as local unemployment rates or policy changes
External factors acknowledge that programs operate within a broader context, and conditions outside their control — like economic trends or policy shifts — can affect results.
A logic model that shows an arrow going directly from 'host awareness workshops' to 'reduction in community poverty rates' without intermediate steps would be criticized for:
Answer: Making an implausible causal leap that skips necessary intermediate outcomes
A credible logic model must include realistic intermediate steps — such as increased awareness, changed attitudes, and new behaviors — between activities and large systemic outcomes like poverty reduction.
Which of the following most accurately describes the relationship between a needs assessment and a Theory of Change in grant writing?
Answer: The needs assessment identifies the problem; the Theory of Change explains how the proposed program will address that problem
The needs assessment establishes the evidence base for why a problem exists, while the Theory of Change outlines the causal logic for how the proposed program will solve it.