What is a "theory of change"?

A "theory of change" is fundamentally a description of the desired change process. It articulates how and why a particular intervention or program is expected to lead to specific outcomes. This framework typically maps out the steps and mechanisms involved, illustrating the causal pathways that connect activities to the intended results.

This concept encompasses not only the activities that will be undertaken but also the assumptions about how these activities will influence behavioral, policy, or social changes. By clearly laying out the anticipated sequence of events leading to change, the theory of change helps stakeholders understand the rationale behind a program, facilitates planning and implementation, and guides evaluation by establishing criteria for assessing whether the desired changes have been achieved.

In contrast, a brief overview of program activities focuses solely on what the program will do, without necessarily linking those activities to intended outcomes. A summary of program expenses pertains to the financial aspects of running a program and is not related to the conceptual understanding of change. An outline of stakeholder roles describes who is involved in the process but does not explain the underlying mechanism of change itself.