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Theory of Change: From Activity to Impact
Draw a logical chain: inputs → activities → outputs → outcomes → long-term impact.
Goal
Move from "we do things" to "we create a specific measurable impact" — especially for nonprofits and social ventures.
Steps
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1
Start from the end: What long-term impact do we want in 10 years? (e.g., 50% unemployment drop in a specific neighborhood).
Expected Outcome
Immediate
A complete logic chain from inputs to impact, with explicit assumptions on each arrow.
Evidence base
School: Program Evaluation / Social Impact
Founders: Carol Weiss · Aspen Institute (1995)
Coined by Carol Weiss in "Nothing as Practical as Good Theory" (1995). Developed by Aspen Institute for comprehensive community initiatives. Standard for Gates Foundation, Rockefeller.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Theory of Change: From Activity to Impact" take?
This exercise takes about 90 minutes, practiced in a group in a Written reflection format.
When will I notice the effect of "Theory of Change: From Activity to Impact"?
A complete logic chain from inputs to impact, with explicit assumptions on each arrow. In the short term: Within 3 months, stop 1-2 activities that don't serve the chain and launch an experiment testing the weakest assumption.
Is "Theory of Change: From Activity to Impact" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Program Evaluation / Social Impact (Carol Weiss, Aspen Institute (1995)). Coined by Carol Weiss in "Nothing as Practical as Good Theory" (1995). Developed by Aspen Institute for comprehensive community initiatives. Standard for Gates Foundation, Rockefeller.
Is "Theory of Change: From Activity to Impact" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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