A Theory of Change helps you to map out the necessary steps you need to take to achieve a particular goal.
Posted: 12/03/2015
Category: Research Evidence and Impact
It can help you to identify the potential impact and risks of your plan and connect your day-to-day work to a bigger goal. It also captures the assumptions behind your reasoning, and where possible, provides evidence to back them up.
How to create a Theory of Change?
Nesta has a toolkit that you can work through to create a theory of change. In essence, you must first recognise the long-change you want to make and work backwards with the steps needed to achieve it.
Nestas Toolkit can be found here
Find out more here:
New Philanthropy Capitol 2014 report: https://www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub/theory-of-change-for-funders-planning-to-make-a-difference/
Examples of Theory of Change plans: https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/organisation/impact/plan-your-impact-and-evaluation/identify-the-difference-you-want-to-make-1/example-theories-of-change
Guardian article about Theory of Change: https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2012/apr/19/theory-of-change-charities
