In this post, I am excited to share 3 reasons your organization needs a logic model. Okay…okay, this might NOT be so exciting for you. But it is exciting for me! Lol.
I wrote a post on What Things Are Needed In Your Organization’s Logic Model. People are constantly sharing how much this post has given them insight into what they need to complete their logic model.
Hmmm…I guess you can say I got a little too excited and started nerding out!
What the heck is a programming plan?
I’m sure you are wondering…“What the heck is a programming plan?”. In the nonprofit space, many nonprofit organizations create programming plans (a.k.a logic models) to help measure and evaluate the programs or services implemented.
Think of this as a tool to provide clarity AND enhance your organization’s missionary actions. Having a programming plan will make life so much easier for you in the long run.
A few months ago, I helped an organization apply for a few grants so that they could expand their reach and enhance the quality of service their program provided.
A Major Leadership Crisis
During the application process, I asked the founder if they had a logic model or programming plan. My heart sank in my chest when they shared they didn’t know what I was referring to or how to create one.
I took some time to teach the importance of having a programming plan for their organization AND I helped the founder to create one.
I discovered that many startup organizations do NOT realize that having a programming plan in place is essential. In my opinion, it gives you an edge over other organizations that are operating by the skin of their teeth. Operating and managing an organization shouldn’t involve guessing or experimenting on your toes.
Having a plan of action will truly help your organization to scale its community outreach efforts and eventually obtain consistent donors who are able physically to observe the impact you are making in the lives of others.
If you are doubting yourself..don’t! Lift your head and shake all of the inner negative thoughts.
This journey of nonprofit development is a winding road. Listen to Asha Boston’s story for instance. On the Nonprofit Sistas podcast, she shared her journey of starting a nonprofit organization and the reasons your organization needs a logic model when she received an opportunity to apply for a grant.
For some of you, you will learn things out of order that others may have known for years. Everyone will experience different periods of growth, but as long you reach your final destination…you are where you are supposed to be at that moment.
Here are some reasons why having a programming plan will help your organization. With a logic model, your organization will:
1. Applying for Grants
If your organization is seeking to apply for grants, I will tell you that having a logic model will help to clearly describe the purpose of your programming efforts. Many funders who issue grants require a programming plan (a.k.a logic model) to be included in your application. This is usually one of the things that hinder organizations from getting their application for grants approved. Remember to keep that in mind the next time you see a grant your organization is interested in.
2. Provide a Roadmap for Your Organization’s Programming Efforts
Have you ever used a map or GPS to help you travel to a specific destination? Yes, great! This is exactly what programming plans are used for. It provides clear directions and intentions for the organization. This will help you to understand and communicate the outcome of your programming efforts. Having a logic model in place will prevent an organization from veering off track and trying something that hasn’t been incorporated into the action plan.
Within a logic model, organizations will describe their goals and objectives for a specific program. These involve your short-term and long-term goals. Attached to your goals are the action-based steps that your organization will follow to reach the goals that have been set for your programming efforts.
3. Help to Measure Success and Identify Areas of Weakness
Your logic model will help you to measure the success of your programs. This information will show you what your organization has done positively so that you can scale on a greater level. In addition to the following, your logic model will reveal the areas of weakness in your programs. I am going to recommend that you NEVER overlook this information. Your weaknesses can be improved over time. Not addressing your weaknesses could be the very thing that negatively impacts the overall results of your programming efforts.
Programming…programming…programming! You are going to hear and see me talk a lot about programming on my platform. This area within small, start-up organizations is what affects the outcomes of their efforts to obtain potential and recurring donors (if not done correctly).
Without funding, how will your organization reach a sustainable stage of life? I am looking forward to helping you scale your organization’s programming efforts to obtain funding by discussing the reasons your organization needs a logic model!
Do you need help with your logic model?
Then let’s go check out the Logic Model template created for individuals like yourself.