The Logic Model is a systematic and visual way to present and share your understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your program, the activities you plan, and the changes or results you hope to achieve. It is a tool used most often in program planning and evaluation to illustrate the theoretical pathway through which a program is expected to achieve its objectives. The Logic Model consists of inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact. Inputs are the resources, such as staff, volunteers, facilities, equipment, and money. Outputs are the activities, services, events, and products that reach people who participate or who are targeted. Outcomes are specific changes in program participants’ behavior, knowledge, skills, status, and level of functioning. Finally, the impact is the fundamental intended or unintended change occurring in organizations, communities, or systems as a result of program activities within 7–10 years.
| Component | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | Resources invested into a program or initiative. | Funding, Staff time and expertise, Facilities and equipment, Partnerships |
| Activities | The actions, strategies, and interventions carried out by the program. | Training workshops, Outreach campaigns |
| Outputs | The direct and tangible products or results of program activities. | Number of people trained, Number of products distributed, Materials created, Events held |
| Outcomes (Short-term) | The changes or benefits resulting from the program. These are Immediate knowledge, attitude, or skill changes, | Increased awareness of an issue, Improved problem-solving skills |
| Outcomes (Intermediate) | Changes in behaviors or actions | Adoption of healthy practices, Participation in community events |
| Outcomes (Long-term) | Broader conditions or societal shifts | Improved health outcomes in a population, Reduced crime rates, Increased economic stability |
| Assumptions | The underlying beliefs or factors the program relies on, often related to context or environment. | Sufficient community interest, Availability of qualified staff, Stable external conditions |
| External Factors | Influential conditions beyond the program's direct control, but important for its success. | Economic trends, Political climate, Natural disasters |
| Characteristic | Output | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | What is produced or delivered | The impact, change, or benefit achieved |
| Scope | Activity or product-centric | Focused on the broader goal or purpose |
| Relationship | Means to an end | The desired end result |
| Measurability | Often easily quantifiable (e.g., number of items produced, services provided) | Can be more challenging to measure; may be qualitative and require long-term observation |
| Timeframe | Immediate or short-term results | Longer-term effects or consequences |
| Example: Hiring Process | Output: Number of job postings created, resumes received, interviews conducted | Outcome: Hiring a qualified and diverse workforce that contributes to company success |