“I Just Don’t Get Logic Models!” Why They Matter More Than You Think
by Lori Noonan, Founder and CEO of Capacity Builders
“I just don’t get logic models! What’s the big deal, and do they really matter?”
That’s what a nonprofit program manager recently asked me, and honestly, it’s not an uncommon sentiment. Many professionals in the nonprofit sector view logic models as just another tedious requirement—something funders demand, but not necessarily something that helps them do their job better.
But the truth? Logic models are essential to program development, evaluation, and long-term sustainability. Once we broke it down in simple terms, that program manager left our meeting seeing logic models in a completely new light.
What Is a Logic Model, and Why Should You Care?
A logic model is, at its core, a roadmap—a simple, visual way to illustrate how a program works, from inputs (resources) to activities, to outputs, to intended outcomes. It helps organizations clarify what they’re trying to achieve and how they plan to get there.
Yet, so many nonprofit professionals struggle with logic models because they seem overly technical, complex, or disconnected from daily program operations. But when used correctly, they’re an invaluable tool for program planning, communication, and evaluation.
Why Do Logic Models Matter?
- They Help You Design Better Programs A well-thought-out logic model forces you to think critically about how and why your program works. It helps you identify gaps in service, refine objectives, and ensure that your resources align with your goals.
- They Strengthen Funding Proposals Many grant applications require a logic model—and for good reason. Funders want to see a clear, structured plan for how their investment will lead to measurable outcomes. A strong logic model can make the difference between a funded or rejected proposal.
- They Improve Program Evaluation If you don’t have a roadmap, how do you know if you’ve arrived? A logic model provides measurable indicators that help track progress and assess impact, ensuring that you’re achieving your mission effectively.
- They Build Organizational Sustainability When leadership, staff, and funders understand how a program works and its intended impact, it’s easier to adapt, replicate, and sustain the initiative over time. A logic model creates clarity, reducing dependence on a single individual’s institutional knowledge.
Breaking Down the Logic Model—In Plain English
A traditional logic model consists of five key components:
- Inputs: What resources are needed to make the program work? (e.g., staff, funding, volunteers)
- Activities: What specific actions will be taken? (e.g., workshops, mentoring, job training)
- Outputs: What are the tangible results of these activities? (e.g., number of participants served, events hosted)
- Outcomes: What short- and long-term changes do you expect? (e.g., increased knowledge, employment gains, improved well-being)
- Impact: What is the broader, long-term effect on the community or population served?
Example: A Job Training Program for Veterans
Let’s say your nonprofit runs a veteran employment program. Here’s how your logic model might look:
Overcoming the Fear of Logic Models
Many nonprofit professionals find logic models intimidating, but they don’t have to be perfect—they just need to be useful. Here are three tips to simplify the process:
- Start with what you know. Don’t overcomplicate it—identify your program’s key components and refine them over time.
- Make it visual. Use flowcharts or templates to create a clear, simple representation.
- Use it as a tool, not a task. A logic model should evolve with your program, guiding decision-making rather than collecting dust in a grant file.
After our conversation, that program manager finally “got” logic models. More importantly, they understood why it mattered—not just for funders, but for running an effective, impactful program.
If you’ve ever felt like logic models were just bureaucratic paperwork, I challenge you to look at them through a new lens. They aren’t just about compliance—they’re about clarity, strategy, and ultimately, achieving the change you set out to create.
Special thanks to Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultant Lori Noonan, Founder and CEO of Capacity Builders, for permission to post this article. For more information about Capacity Builders, click here.
