The Dreaded Logic Model

Confession time: the words "Logic Model" used to strike terror in my heart. When a funder required a logic model in a grant proposal, I would panic for a while, and then scramble to find an example ANYWHERE that I could emulate. Secretly, I resented having to create the model -- I didn't understand why they were needed.

When I saw a session on logic models being offered at the Sarkeys Foundation professional conference, I fought my way into the packed room (apparently, I wasn't the only one who didn't get it!) That morning, the lights went on and I have enjoyed doing logic models ever since. I get it!

A logic model is a simple diagram that connects the dots: starting with the needs of a particular population and pointed to the long-term impact your program eventually provides.

There isn't a "standard" or "best" logic model to use. However, some of my favorites include:

• A model to reduce underage drinking: created by the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension;
• A model for a self-directed learning program, created by the Harman Foundation;
• A model from the Pell Institute to improve health outcomes;
• Finally, here is a 71-page pdf guide from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation about logic models.

REQUIRED ELEMENTS:

The examples above have several things in common. I would say these are REQUIRED for a logic model:

INPUTS = The resources your organization is putting toward this effort. It may be staff time, volunteer time, facilities, money, vehicles, supplies, etc.

ACTIVITIES = Precisely what you are doing with those inputs. Offering classes, healthcare, financial assistance, education, art.

OUTPUTS = The immediate and direct result of your activities. Number of dental procedures, number of meetings held and average attendance, participation rates, hours of service, etc. You don't make any assertions about the success of these outputs at this point.

OUTCOMES = Specific changes for individuals because of the output. Such as greater understanding of victim's rights, acknowledgement that driving while texting is dangerous, improved reading comprehension, etc. Many nonprofits stop after listing their outputs - they never offer any evidence that their activities make a difference!

IMPACT = How you will make the world a better place in the long-term. Describe changes to a population, to a community or to a system. You may or may not be able to track this information at your program level - if you can't find empirical (official) data to back up your statements, then they need to be logical to the reader. For instance, if you have a literacy program and say an impact of the program is increased income, you need to explain how you know that will happen (research by other organizations).

 

OPTIONAL ELEMENTS:

When I design a logic model, I like to include a few other elements that allow the logic model to truly stand on its own:

POPULATION:  A very short description of the population you are serving - demographics, psychographics, geographic and any other pertinent "graphic" information.

PROBLEM STATEMENT: Some kind of description of the issue you are addressing. "Overweight/Obesity rates in this population exceed 70% and lead to chronic disease and early death for at least 40% of those affected."

GOAL: A statement of your goal (hint: should be pretty similar to your impact statements).

ASSUMPTIONS: I use this section for any other information I believe will strengthen the model. For instance, "XYZ Foundation is a trusted provider of health care for this population" or "An evidence-based model of behavior change has been shown to have the highest impact on this type of population."