During a project meeting, I had a conversation with an executive director on structuring their organizational evaluation framework.
Understanding programs and all their many parts helps me determine an appropriate evaluation strategy, consisting of data collection and analysis, engaging participants in the process of gathering data, etc.
A tool that helps me understand a program’s existence and function is a logic model.
During this meeting, the executive director was adamant about not developing logic models for their organizational programming. I’ve heard this before with other clients, but I was interested in hearing her perspective.
For this executive director, the reservation centered on who typically asks for logic models: Funders and evaluators.
A logic model is a diagram that explains how a program is supposed to work, presenting a birds-eye view of the how the resources and activities, lead to the program’s intended results.
While logic models can be useful, I get why nonprofits don’t like them. I don’t create logic models for my own business, so why should I expect a nonprofit to do it?
I don’t want the absence of a logic model to be the reason a nonprofit isn’t funded, but I’m also happy to see the pushback. Here’s why:
Logic models assume causal relationships
Nonprofit programs, like the world we live in, aren’t linear, despite taking predetermined steps. Logic models can convey what we think will happen, but as the real world shows us, there can be many reasons why something happens, and it can’t be simplified in a logic model.
Despite being clearly designed, we still have questions about the logic model
It’s ironic that, being intended to simply things, we still have questions after viewing a logic model. In an ideal situation, a person not connected to your program should be able to look at your program logic model to determine what the program is, why the program exists, and why you think it works. If they are left with more questions, then how useful is the logic model? Most likely, they will understand all of this if you tell them in your own words rather than using a logic model.
Logic models are time consuming
It’s one thing to create logic models for 2-3 programs. What about nonprofits that have 7-8 programs? Do they all need logic models? If you don’t have an evaluator on staff are can hire an external evaluator, who is creating these logic models? What happens if the program changes significantly? Who will re-do this logic model and how many hours did it take the first time?
It’s mostly funders and evaluators asking for logic models
The executive director I mentioned earlier has a point here. More often than not, its funders and evaluators that ask for logic models. As I also mentioned, I don’t create logic models for my own services and it’s unrealistic to ask nonprofits to do something I wouldn’t do, and I most likely wouldn’t prioritize updating a logic model for my services as I have better things to do. Also, once they’re created, they’re rarely used. If more funders and evaluators asked nonprofits how they use logic models, fewer logic models will get made.
Logic models are often created retroactively
More often than not, the program has been existence for years, and now some funder or evaluator is asking for a logic model. Logic models are usually created for the sole purpose of justifying funding for a program. This is the biggest pushback against them. if the logic model is being created for an external person there’s no incentive for staff to create and sustain a logic model. Just entering information under the appropriate column doesn’t lead to any expanded thinking about the actual program and centers satisfying funder and evaluator requirements.
Logic models don’t consider program and audience complexities
As previously mentioned, logic models, despite understanding that there are many causes and effects within a program, are linear. For example, pull out a logic model and look at the outcomes. Logic models often convey that the program – and only the program – leads to massive societal change, which is unfair to the program and to the nonprofit. It takes many community partners working together to see societal change, and logic models don’t often reflect this.
There are other alternatives that work better for nonprofits
I personally don’t mind working with a nonprofit to develop a logic model because, at the very least, a nonprofit should be able to plug in the necessary information should a funder request it. But I would rather a nonprofit be able to articulate in their own way why this program exists and why it matters. If that’s through storytelling, a work plan, strategy map, a theory of change, or something else entirely, choose the best method that works for you.
Key takeaway
Different nonprofits have different needs, capacities, and preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for articulating program goals. Instead of making nonprofits fit a funder’s mold, funders (and evaluators) should encourage nonprofits to communicate their impact in ways that make the most sense for them. Logic models can be useful, but they shouldn’t be burdensome. Understanding a logic model’s purpose while allowing nonprofits to choose what works for best for them helps funders and evaluators foster a more supportive relationship.
Raise Your Voice: Do you find program logic models useful? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
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