Resource library · free toolkits, templates and guides

The practical library for people who build nonprofits

211 really practical toolkits, templates and guides for nonprofit and NGO leaders, and the consultants and funders who support them. A mix of the classics and newer methods.

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211 resources · 15 topics · 137 publishers · 197 free to use

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5 resources found

  • Search: theory of change template
  • 2.2C023

    Developing a Theory of Change

    Guidance for funders and programme teams planning social change efforts. Part 1 explains theory of change concepts, benefits and limits. Part 2 gives step-by-step guidance, exercises and examples for writing an equitable theory of change. Part 3 provides fillable templates for components, assumptions and audiences. Part 4 shows example models. The guide stresses equity and community engagement, and it replaces a 2004 guide the foundation commissioned from ORS Impact.

    CurrentKey manual or guideFree
  • 2.2C024

    How to Develop Your Intended Impact and Theory of Change

    A free toolkit that helps a nonprofit leadership team define its intended impact and theory of change. Intended impact names who the organisation serves, where and what outcomes it commits to over 5 to 10 years. Theory of change sets out how its approaches and partners get there. Each leader drafts both, the team merges the drafts, then pressure-tests the result with research and stakeholder conversations. It sits with an article using YW Boston as a case study.

    CurrentTool or templateFree
  • 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
  • 9.4C128

    The Advocacy Strategy Framework

    A brief from the Center for Evaluation Innovation that presents a 1-page tool for setting out the theory of change behind a public policy advocacy strategy. It poses 6 questions for advocates and funders to answer. The framework helps define audiences and how they need to change, consider where other advocates stand, and choose tactics and interim outcomes. Teams use it as a starting point in place of linear box-and-arrow diagrams.

    Start hereClassicTool or templateFree
  • 7.3C094

    Evaluation Flash Cards

    A set of 25 one-page cards by Michael Quinn Patton, each explaining one evaluation idea in plain terms with an example from Otto Bremer grants. Topics include evaluation questions, logic models, theory of change, outcomes versus indicators, triangulation, formative, summative and developmental evaluation, and lessons learned. Teams pick a card to discuss in staff or board meetings to build evaluative thinking.

    ClassicTool or templateFree

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