Project · Evaluation & Impact Reporting
Theory of change for nonprofits
Part of our evaluation & impact reporting support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
A one-page theory of change
A logic model
Short list of outcomes to measure
- Typical length
- 3–6 weeks
- Who’s involved
- executive director (ED) and program leads, in two working sessions of about 2–3 hours each, plus some review time
Overview
What is a theory of change project?
A theory of change is a short account of how your work leads to the change you want to see, step by step. When it’s done, staff can explain in a minute why each program exists, and you have a logic model ready for any grant that asks for one. It also shows you which few outcomes are worth measuring.
Steps
How does a theory of change project usually run?
01
Start with the end
Name the long-term change you want for the people you serve.
02
Work backward
Map the shorter-term changes that must happen first, and the activities that cause them.
03
Test the links
Check each step against what staff see in practice and what research says.
04
Write it down
Turn the map into a one-page theory of change and a logic model table.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need a theory of change project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs a theory of change project is “You can’t explain how your programs lead to results.” — here are the others to look for.
- You can’t explain how your programs lead to results.
- Funders keep asking for a logic model.
- Programs have grown without a shared rationale.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver a theory of change project?
Practitioner: a practitioner facilitates one or two working sessions with your staff. Some teams draft a first version on their own with templates and AI in the free workspace.
Free to start in your workspace. Practitioner facilitation is scoped with you — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Example
What does a finished theory of change look like?
For example, an after-school tutoring program might finish with a one-page diagram linking weekly tutoring to better grades, and better grades to on-time graduation. Its logic model would list three outcomes to track: attendance, reading level and course completion.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Listing activities, like “weekly classes,” and calling them outcomes.
- Drawing a diagram so detailed that no one can read it.
- Writing it without frontline staff, who then don’t recognize their own work in it.
Related
What is a theory of change project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a theory of change and a logic model?
A theory of change explains why your work leads to change; a logic model lists the inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes. Most organizations benefit from both.
How long does a theory of change project take?
Typically 3–6 weeks. ED and program leads, in two working sessions of about 2–3 hours each, plus some review time.
How much does a theory of change project cost?
Free to start in your workspace. Practitioner facilitation is scoped with you — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Who does the work on a theory of change project?
A practitioner facilitates one or two working sessions with staff; the result is saved to your living record and feeds your impact profile.
Can we start a theory of change project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
Start in your free workspace — no funder needed.
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