Theory of Change Essentials
Free Theory of Change course for NGOs and development projects. Learn framework, assumptions, case studies & practical application.
"What's your Theory of Change?"
Donors are increasingly asking this question. Theory of Change is a powerful methodology for planning, implementing, and evaluating social change initiatives, including those in relief, humanitarian, and development projects. It provides a detailed road-map outlining the steps and conditions required to achieve desired outcomes.
Through a Theory of Change, projects can:
- Clarify project purpose and intended impact
- Align efforts with desired outcomes
- Test and validate underlying assumptions to ensure project viability
- Steer projects more effectively towards desired outcomes
In the four videos, we explore:
- What is a Theory of Change?
- The role of Theory of Change in relief, humanitarian and development work
- The role and importance of assumptions
- Goals, Outcomes and Impact in the Theory of Change context
Course Includes:
- 4 comprehensive video lessons with real-world case studies from water/sanitation, health education, and agricultural development projects
- Reflection and application exercises after each lesson to apply concepts to your current work
- Pre and post-course self-assessments to measure your learning progress
- Downloadable course notes based on video content for future reference
- Personal action plan to implement Theory of Change thinking in your projects
- 6 practical templates: Theory of Change Component Mapping Template, Project Analysis Checklist, Assumption Testing Worksheet, Goals vs Outcomes vs Impact Quick Reference, Project TOC Analysis Template, and Donor Communication Scripts
- Bonus lesson on mapping causal pathways from advanced course content
- Course discussion forum to connect with fellow humanitarian professionals
Free: Lifetime access to all content
Join now to start transforming your projects and driving meaningful change in communities.
Materials & Resources
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StartWelcome to the Course
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StartIntroductions & Expectations
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StartAccountability Commitment
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StartPre-Course Self-Assessment: Rate Your Current Skills
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StartCourse Notes and Resources
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StartIntroduction to Theory of Change (11:22)
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StartReflection & Application: Importance of Theory of Change in Humanitarian and Development Work
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StartImportance of TOC in Relief, Humanitarian and Development Work (3:38)
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StartReflection & Application: Importance of TOC
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StartRecognizing and Addressing Assumptions in TOC (3:52)
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StartReflection & Application: Recognizing and Addressing Assumptions
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StartGoals, Outcomes and Impact in TOC (15:07)
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StartReflection & Application: Goals, Outcomes and Impact
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StartRecap: Theory of Change Essentials
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StartBonus Lesson: Mapping Causal Pathways (12:26)
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StartProgress Assessment
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StartFinal Self-Assessment: Reflect on Your Progress
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StartYour Theory of Change Action Plan
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StartYour Next Steps
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StartCourse Discussion Forum
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StartCourse Recognition
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StartBonus Resources and Templates
Instructor Profile
With over 25 years of expertise, Neil Kendrick, founder of ELD Impact, specializes in Professional Writing, Reporting Skills, Proposal Writing, Results-Based Management, and Monitoring & Evaluation. Originally from the UK and now based in Turkey, Neil has trained and coached humanitarian and development professionals across more than 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Regularly praised for his ability to demystify complex topics, Neil makes challenging concepts accessible to practitioners at any level - from field staff in rural NGOs to program managers in multilateral organizations.
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