With increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in recent years, more funders are asking for the specific demographics of the populations served by nonprofits. Funders want to know, for example, how many Black individuals or Hispanic families will benefit from the program. While there are many challenges in reporting demographic data, understanding and communicating the differences in race, ethnicity, and nationality is the first step.

Grant writing evaluation is the systematic process of assessing the effectiveness and impact of your project or organization. Evaluation is not merely a formality but a critical aspect of the grant application process. Funders want to know that their investment will lead to positive outcomes and measurable results. Grantmaking organizations want assurance that their funds will be used wisely. A well-planned evaluation strategy showcases your commitment to being accountable for the resources you receive. While quantifiable metrics such as the number of people served are essential, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to grant evaluation.

In the realm of program planning, evaluation, and development, two widely used tools are logic models and theories of change. While both are valuable for understanding and guiding interventions, they differ significantly in their approaches and purposes. Let’s examine the main distinctions between a logic model and a theory of change by exploring their characteristics and providing practical examples to illustrate their applications.

    Evaluation and Logic Models Session 6 of the Grant Funding Basics Series Almost all grant funders ask what effect a program will have on the participants and how the organization knows of a program’s success. This session will teach the development professionals who write grants methods for defining...

  External Evaluators: When is it Required and What to do When it is Required Session 7 of the Federal Grant Development Series Many, but not all, federal grants require project evaluation to be completed by someone other than the project director. The reason for this requirement is...

External Evaluators: When is it Required and What to do When it is Required Session 7 of the Federal Grant Development Series Register Now       Many, but not all, federal grants require project evaluation to be completed by someone other than the project director. The reason for this requirement is...

    Grants 301: Logic Models and Theories of Change Session 4 of the Grants 301 Series While traditional philanthropy focused on funding immediate needs and short-term goals, the practice of philanthropy is taking a turn towards social change. Funders desire to fund change, not charity. In this way, philanthropy...

  SESSION 4 of the FEDERAL GRANTS SERIES Price: $150 The fourth session of our half-day, interactive Federal Grants series, designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. Buy Now     You'll learn:  Best practices for staff time and effort tracking Best practices for procuring materials and...

  SESSION 3 of the FEDERAL GRANTS SERIES Price: $150 The third session of our half-day, interactive Federal Grants series, designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. Buy Now     You'll learn:  When an evaluator must be outside of the program versus outside of the organization ...

    Grants 101: Evaluation and Logic Models Session 6 of the Grants 101 Series Almost all grant funders ask what effect a program will have on the participants and how the organization knows of a program’s success. This session will teach the development professionals who write grants methods for...