Interactive Builder, Templates & Resources for Nonprofit Program Evaluation
Learn to develop comprehensive Theory of Change for Nonprofits, measure outcomes, and demonstrate your program’s impact with confidence.
Build Your Theory of Change for Nonprofits
Use this interactive tool to develop a comprehensive Theory of Change for Nonprofits. Work backward from your ultimate outcome to create a logical pathway that explains how your program creates change.
Your Theory of Change for Nonprofits starts here. What is the ultimate change you want to create for participants? Be specific and realistic.
What needs to happen right before achieving the long-term outcome? Add steps that lead to your goal.
Every Theory of Change for Nonprofits includes assumptions. What beliefs are you making about how change happens?
A complete Theory of Change for Nonprofits identifies all stakeholders. Who else influences whether participants achieve outcomes?
A Theory of Change for Nonprofits is your roadmap showing how your activities lead to the outcomes you want to achieve.
Your Theory of Change for Nonprofits begins with your ultimate outcome. Think about the final change you want to create for participants:
Examples of Long-Term Outcomes:
Creating an effective Theory of Change for Nonprofits requires working backward from your goal:
✅ Test your pathway: Can you clearly explain why each step leads to the next? If not, you might be missing something or jumping too far ahead.
Every Theory of Change for Nonprofits relies on assumptions about how change happens. Write down what you believe must be true for your program to work:
⚠️ Important: Document assumptions because they might not always be true. If unemployment is high, a job training program’s assumptions about job availability may not hold.
Your Theory of Change for Nonprofits should recognize factors outside your control:
A comprehensive Theory of Change for Nonprofits identifies everyone who influences outcomes:
Your first Theory of Change for Nonprofits won’t be perfect. Plan to:
💡 Pro Tip: Organizations with the strongest programs constantly test their Theory of Change for Nonprofits and refine their approach based on what they learn.
These examples demonstrate how different nonprofits develop their Theory of Change for Nonprofits across various program types.
Long-Term Outcome: Participants achieve stable employment with livable wages
Pathway (Working Backward):
Activities: Resume workshops, mock interviews, computer skills training, job search support, professional networking events
Key Assumptions: Jobs are available in local market; Participants want to work; Employers will hire program graduates; Transportation is accessible; Childcare is available
External Factors: Local economic conditions, industry hiring trends, minimum wage policies, unemployment rates
Stakeholders: Employers, workforce development agencies, family members, transportation services, job placement partners
Long-Term Outcome: Students graduate from high school and pursue higher education
Activities: After-school tutoring, homework help, college prep workshops, SAT/ACT prep, mentoring programs, college tours
Key Assumptions: Parents support education; Schools reinforce learning; Students are motivated; College is financially accessible; Higher education is valued
External Factors: School quality, family stability, financial aid availability, peer influence, neighborhood safety
Stakeholders: Parents, teachers, school administrators, college counselors, financial aid offices, peer groups
Long-Term Outcome: Participants maintain healthy lifestyles and reduce chronic disease risk
Activities: Nutrition education classes, exercise programs, health screenings, cooking demonstrations, support groups, wellness coaching
Key Assumptions: Healthy food is accessible; Participants can afford changes; Family members are supportive; Healthcare providers reinforce messages; Safe exercise spaces exist
External Factors: Food availability and costs, healthcare access, neighborhood safety for exercise, cultural food preferences, work schedules
Stakeholders: Family members, healthcare providers, grocery stores, fitness facilities, community centers, employers
Long-Term Outcome: Participants maintain permanent housing and financial stability
Activities: Financial literacy training, case management, housing search assistance, emergency financial support, legal advocacy, employment support
Key Assumptions: Affordable housing exists; Landlords will rent to program participants; Income is sufficient for rent; Support systems are available; Credit can be repaired
External Factors: Housing market conditions, rental costs, employment opportunities, credit requirements, discrimination, local housing policies
Stakeholders: Landlords, property managers, employers, credit counselors, public housing agencies, legal aid organizations
Explore these external resources to deepen your understanding of Theory of Change for Nonprofits and learn from expert organizations.
The original resource for Theory of Change for Nonprofits. Offers comprehensive guides, tools, and examples specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. Features case studies from successful programs and downloadable templates that make developing your theory easier.
Detailed methodology guide for developing Theory of Change for Nonprofits. Includes step-by-step instructions, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips for testing assumptions. Excellent resource for evaluation professionals and nonprofit program managers seeking rigorous evaluation frameworks.
Interactive toolkit for building your Theory of Change for Nonprofits. Features worksheets, facilitation guides, and visual mapping tools that help teams collaborate effectively. Great for organizations working collaboratively to develop their theory and engage staff in the process.
Collection of articles and thought leadership on Theory of Change for Nonprofits. Covers advanced topics like adaptive theory of change, community-based approaches, and equity considerations in theory development. Essential reading for nonprofit leaders and evaluation professionals.
Federal government resource explaining how Theory of Change for Nonprofits connects to logic models and evaluation planning. Particularly useful for organizations seeking government grants or working with federal programs. Includes requirements and best practices for federally-funded programs.
Want to learn more about Theory of Change for Nonprofits? Check out the complete Outcome Measurement and Impact Evaluation course for comprehensive training on evaluation planning, data collection, and reporting. The course covers everything from basic concepts to advanced evaluation approaches.
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