PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL

A Program Logic Model provides agencies a starting point when developing a new program and applying for funding from United Way of
Calgary and Area. It helps establish the program’s road map and United Way requires each funded initiative to provide one. The purpose
of the program logic model is to identify the specific outcomes of the program, and which activities and resources will be required to
accomplish those outcomes. Outcomes should be firmly rooted in research and best practices literature. A logic model should be
developed simultaneously to an outcome measurement plan with indicators, benchmarks, targets, baselines and measurement tools that
will help a program to demonstrate if it is successful in achieving its outcomes. It is a snapshot of the program at one moment in time and
should be revisited at least annually as the program is revised or updated1.

Glossary:
Program Logic Model serves as the program’s road map. It outlines the intended results (i.e. outcomes) of the program, the activities the
program will undertake and the outputs it intends to produce in achieving the expected outcomes. It is a snapshot of the program at one
moment in time and should be revisited at least annually as the program is revised or updated. When developing a logic model, be sure to
ensure the following1:

 Are all activities, outputs, and outcomes included?

 Does each outcome state an intended change?
 Is it reasonable to expect that the program’s activities will lead to the program’s outcomes?
 Are the causal linkages plausible and substantiated by the program theory?
 Are all the elements clearly stated?
 Are the outcomes measurable?
 Do the activities and outcomes address a demonstrated need?

Expected Impact or Goal, is the broad, encompassing statement about the outcome to be achieved - the purpose of the program2. Impacts
often occur after the conclusion of the project and identify the ultimate benefit realized by the population3.

1
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (2010). Supporting Effective Evaluations: A Guide to Developing Performance Measurement Strategies. 5.0 Logic Model.
Retrieved from http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/cee/dpms-esmr/dpms-esmr05-eng.asp
2
Issel, L.M. (2004). Health Program Planning and Evaluation: A Practical, Systematic Approach for Community Health.
3
Main, K. (2012). Program Design – A Practical Guide. Retrieved from http://calgaryunitedway.org/main/images/Capacity-building/Program%20Design%
20Guidebook%20-%20unitedway.pdf
Inputs are the financial and non-financial resources used to deliver activities, produce outputs and accomplish outcomes. Examples include
funds, personnel, equipment and supplies, physical facilities etc1.
Activities are the actions undertaken to produce the outputs and outcomes of the program. They demonstrate the “how” of the program.
Examples include conducting research and analysis, delivering training sessions, consulting and engaging stakeholder opinion, conducting
inspections etc1.

Outputs are the measurable deliverables of the program activities - direct products or services. They are usually within the control of the
organization itself and typically are tangible and can be counted. Outputs demonstrate the “what” of the program. Examples include
pamphlets, training sessions completed, number of people trained, etc1.
Outcomes are the changes or the differences that result from the program outputs. They demonstrate the “why” of the program1.

Short-Term Outcomes are directly attributed to the outputs delivered. They can include a change in awareness, knowledge, skills or access of a
target population.

Mid-Term Outcomes are logically expected to occur once one or more short-term outcomes have been achieved. Often they describe
behavioural changes that result from increases in a target population’s skills, knowledge, awareness and/or access. This change may occur at
the individual, group, organizational or community level.
Long-Term Outcomes are the highest-level outcomes that can be reasonably and causally attributed to a policy, program or initiative. They are
a consequence of one or more medium-term outcomes having been achieved and include more of a social impact.
Indicators are the variables used to measure the performance of the outcomes and can be used to determine the success or failure of a
program2. Examples could be service utilization pattern, housing situation, employment status, friendship and kinship networks, skills, abilities,
etc. Be sure to include at least 1 indicator for each outcome and include the data source for each indicator.
Targets are the set indicator values that are determined according to the defined program success. Reasonable target values directly influence
the extent to which a program is perceived to be successful2.

Data Source to Document Accomplishment are the techniques used to collect the data. The data source needs to be consistent with the
indicators used to measure the performance of the outcomes2.
UNITED WAY EVALUATION AND OPERATIONS TEAM DECEMBER 2015

LOGIC MODEL EXAMPLE LAYOUT

DATE:
Project Title: Expected Impact/Goal: Target Population:

MID-TERM LONG-TERM
INPUTS ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES
OUTCOMES OUTCOMES

DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE:

TARGET: TARGET: TARGET: TARGET:

DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE:

TARGET: TARGET: TARGET: TARGET:

DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE:

TARGET: TARGET: TARGET: TARGET:

DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE: DATA SOURCE:

TARGET: TARGET: TARGET: TARGET:

* Remember to identify the path of influence (results chain) from activity through to outcomes via arrows