Developing a Logic Model
What is a logic model?
A logic model is a visual way to present and share your understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your program, the activities you plan to do, and the changes or results you hope to achieve. While the term “program” is often used, a logic model can prove equally useful for describing group work, community-based collaboratives, and other complex organizational processes.
What are the key components of a logic model?
The logic model may be used as a tool for planning, implementation, evaluation, and communications. Six key components of a logic model are:
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Inputs: Resources, contributions, and investments that go into the program (e.g., money, staff, volunteers, facilities).
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Activities: The processes, tools, events, technology, and actions that are part of program implementation (e.g., health education workshop, staff training, one-on-one counseling).
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Outputs: Direct products of program activities and may include types, levels, and targets of services to be delivered by the program (e.g., number of participants attending a training, number of counseling sessions).
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Outcomes: The more immediate results or changes in program participants’ behavior, knowledge, skills, status, or level of functioning. Outcomes can be either short-term (change in knowledge and skills) or long-term (behavioral change).
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Impact: Longer-term, broader, or cumulative changes in organizations, communities, or systems (e.g., decision-making, action, behavior, practice, policies, social action).
- External Influences: The program’s environment or surroundings include a variety of factors that interact with and influence the program action.
View a sample Logic Model.
Note: Much of the above information is based on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Logic Model Development Guide.