Great Theory of Change Tools
Recently I’ve been doing a deep dive into Theory of Change development with a client. It’s been fun to refresh my own skills on this topic.
I’ve been blown away many excellent resources that wonderful organizations have developed and put into the public domain. Here’s a shout-out to a few of those I’ve referred to the most. And some notes for anyone who wants to work on Theory of Change (or similar) with their teams, partners and stakeholders.
If you’re also working on Theory of Change, what are your favorite resources?
Cheering you on in your work toward greater impact.
1) ORS Impact’s Getting Started: A Self-directed Guide to Outcome Map Development
Love It Because: This step-by-step guide is easy for any team to pick up & start using immediately.
Bonus! It covers the concept of “vantage point”, i.e. deciding if your Theory of Change going to be higher-level or more detailed.
2) Clear Horizon’s Theory of Change Webinar which clearly presents the reasons for using a Theory of Change, has excellent examples and discusses measurement.
Love It Because: It is both comprehensive and extremely accessible. Easy for teams to watch then discuss together.
Bonus! Australian accents!
3) Vision Spring’s Theory of Change that has a prominent place on their website. (I’m a super-fan of this Social Enterprise!)
Love It Because: It’s an excellent example for teams to see how focused interventions can lead to large impact when you take a systems view.
Bonus! Vision Spring shares their evidence & learning information.
4) Mighty Ally’s Theory of Change Cheat Sheet which gives a quick template for the 3 categories of information needed in your Theory of Change (The Need, The Work The Results)
Love It Because: A clear ‘cheat sheet’ to make sure your Theory of Change is complete.
Bonus! This post makes the links to funding & communications
5) The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Developing a Theory of Change: Practical Guidance which is a comprehensive guide.
Love It Because: It acknowledges the messiness & iterative nature of developing a Theory of Change
Bonus! : Links to resources for addressing racial disparities in design
6) Nesta’s DIY Toolkit and, specifically, the Theory of Change template and video explainer
Love It Because: It’s a short, clear explanation of Theory of Change for anyone new to the concept.
Bonus! Offers a simple ‘canvas’ / template for developing your own Theory of Change