A theory of change cheat sheet.
The ultimate theory of change cheat sheet.
For your comms and fundraising.
Because a classic logic model isn’t enough — it falls flat. And many theories of change are too complex — with arrows, assumptions, and academia — leaving donors confused.
But this magic one-pager helps your brand:
Raise money
Improve M&E
Inform staffing
Motivate teams
Clarify messaging
Fine-tune programs
Generate partnerships
Develop a strategic plan
Make the most of funding
Borrow this infographic. Make it your own.
And turn theory into tangible funds.
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The daily bonus
A story I wrote for the theory of change section of my upcoming book.
What do you think?
Bangladesh had just won its independence. But in March 1972, the battle to rebuild had only begun. Famine loomed and disease spread and millions of people were left in poverty.
In these darkest hours, Fazle Hasan Abed — a former Shell executive turned humanitarian — took a defiant stand. Abed’s vision went beyond immediate food and shelter. He dreamed of lasting change for his new country. That moment sparked the creation of BRAC, which would go on to become the world’s largest NGO.
Over the years, however, BRAC’s theory of change has stayed focused on addressing the underlying causes of poverty, believing that people can transform their lives if given the right tools. And its significant growth is a testament to how a well-constructed theory of change can evolve to meet diverse challenges while staying true to its core.
Not all of you want or need to become an international NGO like BRAC, but just think — BRAC was once the same size as all of you.
So the point remains: step one in being fundable is developing your theory of change, like BRAC, decades ago. More than just a brand document, it’s your nonprofit’s most important fundraising tool. It’s a process and set of organizational decisions critical to creating sustained impact, marketing communications, and raising money alike.
Sneak peek
Coming up in tomorrow’s newsletter:
I learned this leadership lesson the hard way…