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Guidelines

Monitoring & Evaluation

Theory of Change

Overview

 Theory of Change provides a practical framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating programmes by mapping the pathways through which activities are expected to lead to desired outcomes and long-term impact. The guide helps organizations articulate the assumptions, preconditions, and contextual factors that underpin programme success, enabling stronger planning, monitoring, and learning. It emphasizes participatory development of theories of change to build stakeholder ownership, improve strategic decision-making, and strengthen accountability. The resource also explains how theories of change can inform the selection of indicators, evaluation questions, and evidence generation throughout a programme’s lifecycle. By making the logic behind interventions explicit, it supports organizations in adapting programmes based on evidence and demonstrating how their work contributes to meaningful and sustainable change.

Publication Year:

2014

Source | Publisher:

BetterEvaluation (developed by Patricia Rogers with contributions from UNICEF Office)

Best Suited For:

Communications Team, Executive Leadership, Fundraising Team, Monitoring & Evaluation Team, Programs Team

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