What distinguishes the "Theory of Change" from a Logic Model?

The Theory of Change is indeed distinguished by its focus on explaining how and why initiatives work, which involves outlining the rationale and assumptions underlying a program’s pathway to achieving desired outcomes. This includes identifying the various factors that influence change and the mechanisms by which interventions lead to those changes. It provides a deeper analysis of the context, processes, and relationships that contribute to change.

In contrast, a Logic Model serves a different purpose by visually mapping out the components of a program, such as inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes. While a Logic Model effectively illustrates the specific actions and their immediate outputs, it does not delve into the underlying theories or assumptions that connect these elements or why they are expected to lead to the desired outcomes.

This fundamental distinction highlights why the Theory of Change is more comprehensive in evaluating and clarifying the pathways of change within a program, allowing stakeholders to understand the expected impact more profoundly.