Balanced Value Impact Model

Theory of Change

Theory of Change (TOC) is an outcomes-based, participatory method for planning the desired impact. TOC defines all building blocks required to bring about a given long-term goal. The TOC process hinges upon defining all of the necessary and sufficient conditions required to bring about a given long term impact.

TOC uses backwards mapping requiring planners to think in steps leading backwards from the impact goal to the outcomes and then the outputs and near-term changes that would be required to cause the desired change. This set of connected building blocks–interchangeably referred to as outcomes, results, accomplishments, or preconditions is depicted on a map known as a “pathway of change” or a “change framework”, which is a graphic representation of the change process.

See also the Center for Theory of Change.

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