The Beauty of Logic

I'm working with a client on a strategic realignment project. In the middle of the project an opportunity for funding arose which required immediate attention. I have three weeks to prepare a proposal, which in grant writing world is a long time. Most time I get - "its due next week, can you pull a rabbit out of the hat?"

The beauty of having time is that you can create some type of a production plan. Some people can get very elaborate with the plan, especially if there is a team. But when doing it by myself, I usually create the plan/time line in my brain (not always a great way to go), and start with the logic model.

Creating the logic model brings clarity and focus to the project you are proposing. The logic model represents your best recipe for achievement and provides a means to evaluate your efforts. If done correctly, it will map your road to success and inform your funding source of every direction and turn you choose to take on the venture.

I prefer the theory of change logic model. It tells the complete story of your project on one page, including problem, needs, outcomes, strategies/activities, and assumptions. The layout I use is appealing and easy on the eye to read. It does not include a time-line, preferring to create a time-line as a separate document.

I've seen some attempts (or lack) at logic models that just didn't make the cut. I'm sure that that funding didn't materialize either. What those that don't take the time and opportunity to develop a logic model fail to realize is that it is a systematic way to show how all the aspects of your program relate to one another - problem, need, resources, activities, and outcomes. It is an evaluation tool that effects program planning.

The logic model is your program map. It facilitates planning, implementation and evaluation. It provides a picture of how you believe your program will work. If you take the time up front to map your program, you will save yourself hard-ache in the end, plus increase your chances at getting the funding you seek. If you don't know where you're going, how do you know when you get there?

A good resource document on logic models can be found at the W.K. Kellog Foundation.