Theory of change: a simple example
A theory of change explains how your activities lead to the difference you want to make. Funders often ask for one, and it helps your team stay focused.
The five building blocks
- The need: the problem you're tackling and who it affects
- Activities: what you actually do
- Outputs: what you deliver and can count (sessions, people reached)
- Outcomes: the changes for people (more confident, less isolated)
- Impact: the long-term difference you contribute to
Worked example: a weekly lunch club for older people
- Need: older people in our town feel lonely and rarely leave home
- Activities: weekly lunch club with transport and volunteer befrienders
- Outputs: 40 sessions a year, 25 regular members
- Outcomes: members feel less lonely, make new friends and know where to get help
- Impact: older people in our area live happier, more connected lives
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Questions people ask
What is the difference between outputs and outcomes?
Outputs are what you deliver, like sessions run. Outcomes are the changes for people, like feeling less lonely.
Do small charities need a theory of change?
It isn't required, but it helps you plan, measure and explain your work to funders.
Written by Jessie Joe Jacobs. Jessie has worked in the UK voluntary sector for around 25 years and founded the Teesside charity A Way Out. She founded Charity Builder to give small groups the support a local CVS would.