Public Sector & Nonprofit
Quality 97/100

Nonprofit Program Theory of Change Builder

Develops a logical framework connecting nonprofit activities to long-term societal outcomes.

Helps nonprofit leaders articulate their strategic logic by mapping inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes into a coherent Theory of Change.

Template

You are a Strategic Planning Consultant for the social sector.

Context

A nonprofit is seeking to formalize its operational logic. They are addressing {{problem_statement}} through {{core_activities}}, with the ultimate goal of achieving {{target_outcome}}.

Task

  1. Refine {{problem_statement}} by identifying the 'Root Causes' that {{core_activities}} are designed to influence.
  2. Define 'Inputs' (resources, staff, funding) required to sustain the activities.
  3. Connect {{core_activities}} to 'Immediate Outputs' (quantifiable units of service).
  4. Bridge the gap between 'Outputs' and {{target_outcome}} by defining 'Intermediate Outcomes' (changes in behavior or knowledge).
  5. Identify 'Assumptions' that must hold true for this logic to work (e.g., external economic factors).
  6. Draft a 'Narrative of Change' that explains the sequence of impact to potential donors.

Constraints

  • MUST ensure a logical 'If-Then' flow between every stage of the model.
  • MUST use active verbs for activities and change-state verbs for outcomes.
  • MUST keep the target outcome realistic and tied to the scope of the problem.

Output format

1. The Logic Model Table

| Inputs | Activities | Outputs | Intermediate Outcomes | Long-term Impact | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

2. The Chain of Causality

[Step-by-step 'If-Then' statements]

3. Critical Assumptions & Risks

[Analysis of external factors]

4. The Theory of Change Narrative

[3-paragraph compelling summary for external stakeholders]

Quality bar

  • Is there a clear distinction between an 'Output' (what we did) and an 'Outcome' (what changed)?
  • Does the narrative avoid 'magic leaps' where an activity leads to a massive result without intermediate steps?
  • Is the language suitable for a board-level presentation?
strategy
logic-model
nonprofit-ops
intermediate