Theory of change development and facilitation for nonprofits
You believe your work creates change, but you've never written down why or how — and funders keep asking for it.
What you'll achieve
A clear, shared theory of change that articulates your logic, assumptions, and intended impact at every level.
How a Nonprofit Builder consultant helps
- Facilitate a structured co-creation process with your team, challenge assumptions, and produce a visual and narrative version suited to multiple audiences.
Key deliverables
- Theory of change diagram, accompanying narrative, assumptions log, guidance on how to use it for planning and reporting.
Related projects
More from Strategy & strategic planning
Business plan development
“You have a strong idea or growth ambition but every time a funder asks for a business plan, you don't know where to start.”See project
Mid-term strategy review
“You are halfway through your strategic period but have no structured way to assess whether you are on track or need to course-correct.”See project
Multi-year strategic plan development
“Everyone is busy, but there is no shared sense of direction — priorities shift, decisions are made ad hoc, and funders keep asking for a strategy you don't have.”See project
Often paired with
Theory of change & MEL framework development
“Your theory of change and your MEL system were built separately and don't connect — they feel like two different organisations' documents.”See project
MEL system design & setup
“You collect data, but it sits in spreadsheets that nobody uses — and when a funder asks for evidence of impact, you scramble.”See project
From the resource library
Free tools and guides to get started
- 2.2C022
Theory of Change Thinking in Practice
Practical guidelines on theory of change for development organisations. Part A explains concepts, core components and the quality of practice, including power and gender. Part B sets out 8 steps, from clarifying the purpose of the process and describing the desired change to mapping pathways, setting monitoring and learning priorities, and using and adapting the theory. It also covers the theory of change as a product and a quality audit. Part C lists tools and facilitation resources.
Start hereClassicKey manual or guideFree - 2.2C021
Logic Model Development Guide
A guide to building and using a programme logic model, written as a companion to the Kellogg Evaluation Handbook. Chapter 1 introduces logic models with samples. Chapter 2 gives exercises for building a simple model, with checklists and a template. Chapter 3 shows how to expand it into a theory of change. Chapter 4 uses logic modelling to shape an evaluation plan. Appendices hold resources and blank forms. Programme staff and evaluators use it to plan and evaluate work.
ClassicKey manual or guideFree
All 21 resources on strategy and planning All 12 resources on networks and partnerships All 7 resources on starting a nonprofit All 15 resources on social entrepreneurship and earned income