How do you change your program logic model to meet new needs?

1 Identify the need for change

Identifying why and how your program needs to change is the first step. This could be based on data, stakeholder input, best practices, or external factors such as different needs or preferences of the target population, new funding or resources, new challenges or opportunities, or results from monitoring and evaluation. Once you identify the need for change, it's important to communicate it clearly to your team, partners, and funders. Explain the rationale, scope, and expected impact of the change on your program.

2 Review your logic model components

The next step is to review your logic model components and consider how they are impacted by the change. Depending on the nature and magnitude of the change, you may need to adjust inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, assumptions and external factors. Inputs refer to resources and inputs used to run a program, such as staff, budget, materials or facilities. Activities are actions and processes that deliver a program, such as training, workshops or counseling. Outputs are direct products and deliverables of a program, such as number of participants or sessions. Outcomes are short-term and long-term changes and benefits that result from a program, such as knowledge or skills. Assumptions are beliefs and expectations that underlie a program logic. External factors refer to factors outside your control that affect a program, such as policies or trends. It is important to assess these elements when making changes in order to ensure the success of your program.

3 Update your logic model diagram

The final step is to update your logic model diagram to reflect the changes that you have made to your components. You can use different colors, shapes, or symbols to highlight the changes and show how they affect the rest of your logic model. You can also use arrows, lines, or boxes to show the relationships and connections between your components. You should also update your logic model narrative, which is a written description of your logic model that explains the rationale and evidence behind your program logic. You can use your logic model diagram and narrative to communicate the changes to your stakeholders and to guide your program implementation and evaluation.

Changing your program logic model to meet new needs can be a challenging but rewarding process. It can help you improve your program design, delivery, and impact, as well as respond to the changing needs and preferences of your target population and context. By following these tips, you can change your program logic model in a systematic and transparent way, while staying true to your program vision and mission.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?