Logic Model
Definition
A visual framework that maps the relationship between a program's resources (inputs), activities, outputs, and intended outcomes, commonly required in nonprofit and federal grant proposals.
A logic model is a systematic, visual way of presenting the relationships among the resources you have to operate your program, the activities you plan to do, and the results you expect to achieve. It tells the story of how your program works from left to right: what goes in, what you do, what comes out, and what changes as a result. Nearly every major federal funder and many private foundations require or strongly encourage logic models as part of the proposal.
Components of a Logic Model
A standard logic model has five core components, typically displayed as a flow from left to right. Each component feeds into the next, creating a clear chain of reasoning.
- Inputs — Resources needed to operate the program: funding, staff, equipment, partnerships, facilities
- Activities — What the program does with the inputs: training, outreach, service delivery, research
- Outputs — Direct products of the activities: number of people served, workshops delivered, reports published
- Short-term Outcomes — Immediate changes: increased knowledge, changed attitudes, new skills
- Long-term Outcomes / Impact — Sustained changes: improved health, economic stability, systemic change
Why Funders Require Logic Models
Logic models force applicants to think through their program design rigorously. They answer the fundamental question that every reviewer asks: 'How do we know this will actually work?' A well-constructed logic model shows that the applicant has a clear theory for why the proposed activities will lead to the desired outcomes. It also makes evaluation planning straightforward — each outcome in the model becomes something you can measure.
Tips for Building a Strong Logic Model
A logic model should be clear enough that someone unfamiliar with your program can follow the logic.
- Start with outcomes — Work backward from the change you want to see, then identify what activities and resources are needed
- Be realistic — Only include outcomes your program can plausibly influence within the grant period
- Show the causal chain — Each arrow should represent a logical, defensible connection
- Keep it on one page — If it takes more than one page, it is too complex or redundant
- Align with the narrative — Every element in the model should appear in your proposal text and vice versa
Related Topics
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