The Power of Theories of Change
Improving the lives of disadvantaged populations—whether through better schools, after-school programs, or teen pregnancy prevention clinics—requires proven theories of change. The very development of a field depends on their diffusion, replication, critique, and modification. Yet some organizations refuse to articulate a theory of change and some funders think it would be intrusive to demand that they do so. The interests of all concerned are served by a developmental approach to creating and evaluating theories of change.
The fundamental tenets of strategic philanthropy are that funders and their grantees should have clear goals, strategies based on sound theories of change, and robust methods for assessing progress toward their goals. Although these ideas are gaining traction, some prominent philanthropic thinkers continue to express reservations about how they may affect the balance of power between funders and the organizations they support.
For example, former Ford Foundation president Susan Berresford...
Want more? Sorry, the full text of this article is only available to subscribers. Subscribe now.
Already a subscriber? Please log in by entering your email address and password into the red login box at the top-right corner of this page.
Need to register for your premium online access, which is included with your paid subscription? Register here.
From Skoll World Forum 2013: Will new measurement tools such as “big data” be a big distraction or a big opportunity?
Practical advice to help organizations implement results-focused performance management—part two of a two-part series.
How clearly defining measures, and keeping them simple and meaningful, has helped World Vision increase access to clean water.
A look at new research from Grantmakers for Effective Organizations.
Stronger ties between academic evaluators and social innovators would hugely benefit both sides.
The views of those who benefit from social programs offers insight into a program's effectiveness. 
