Theory of Change (ToC) Checklist
Have you identified the long-term impact or ultimate goal of the initiative?
Have you defined intermediate outcomes that represent progress toward the long-term goal?
Have you identified short-term outcomes that are the immediate effects of your activities?
Are the outcomes specific, measurable, and realistic?
Have you listed all core activities necessary to achieve the outcomes?
Do the activities logically lead to the short-term and intermediate outcomes?
Have you ensured that each activity is aligned with the outcomes it is supposed to impact?
Are the activities feasible given your available resources and capacity?
Have you clearly stated the assumptions underlying your program design?
Are your assumptions about the context and external factors realistic and evidence-based?
Have you identified any risks or challenges that could arise if assumptions turn out to be incorrect?
Have you considered any external factors (e.g., political, economic, or social conditions) that could influence your outcomes?
Have you outlined how you’ll monitor these external factors and adapt your ToC if needed?
Does your ToC show a clear pathway from activities to outcomes, with a logical flow?
Have you ensured that there is a direct connection between the activities and the outcomes?
Is it easy to see how each activity contributes to the desired impact?
Have you identified how you will measure success at each outcome level (short-term, intermediate, and long-term)?
Are the indicators for each outcome specific and measurable?
Have you set a plan for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to track progress and adjust your activities if needed?
Have you included all relevant stakeholders in the development of your ToC?
Have you considered how you’ll communicate your ToC to stakeholders to ensure their buy-in and understanding?
Have you reviewed your ToC for accuracy and completeness?
Are you prepared to revisit and revise your ToC as new information arises or conditions change?
Is your ToC both comprehensive and concise, covering all the necessary components without over-complicating the logic?
Can your ToC be easily understood and communicated to others involved in the initiative?
The Theory of Change (ToC) checklist in a Word document. You can download it using the link below