Glossary
Logic model
A logic model is a one page summary of how a program is expected to work, linking resources and activities to the outputs and outcomes it aims to achieve.
In short
A logic model is a one page summary of how a program is supposed to work. It links the resources you have and the activities you run to the outputs they produce and the outcomes you expect, so everyone can see the plan and an evaluator can measure it.
Also known as: Program logic modelLogic framework
A logic model is a planning and evaluation tool. It is usually a table or diagram that reads from left to right: what goes in, what you do, what you produce and what changes as a result.
Why it matters
A logic model makes the thinking behind a program visible. Staff can see how their work fits the bigger goal, funders can see that the plan holds together, and evaluators know exactly what to measure.
Example
A youth vaping prevention program might list coalition members and grant funds as inputs, classroom sessions and a parent campaign as activities, the number of students reached as an output, a rise in how risky students think vaping is as a short term outcome, and fewer students vaping as the long term outcome.
Related terms
Theory of change, outputs, outcomes and indicators.
For a step by step walkthrough, see our guide on how to build a logic model for a grant.