2015 AmeriCorps Logic Model A presentation for AmeriCorps grant applicants

Important Dates November 3, 2014Notice of Intent to Apply Due by 4:00pm November 24, 2014Applications Due by 5:00pm Week of December 22, 2014Clarification Requests for Competitive Dec. 29, 2014 – Jan. 2, 2015In-person Clarification Interview January 5, 2015Clarification Response/Competitive Rewrite Due to CV January 16, 2015Competitive Applications due in eGrants January 17-21, 2015eGrants Application Review/Final Edits April 2015CV Issues Clarification Request for Formula Waitlist June 2015Funding Results Announced July – October 2015Contracting Process and Program Launch

Purpose of this Webinar Describe and understand the components of a theory of change Describe and understand the components of a logic model Answer any questions about theories of change and logic models

Theory of Change Organizing principle of a program The theory that the program’s specific intervention to address a community need will provide the intended outcomes Community Problem/Need Specific Intervention Intended Outcome

Community Problem/Need Community Problem/Need is the specific issue your program, with its specific intervention, is designed to address Data documenting the problem/need should answer the following questions: SCOPE: Who and how many are directly affected? How severe is this? SIGNIFICANCE: What makes this a compelling need? Is it likely to become worse? What will happen if we do nothing? CAUSE(S): Why does the need exist? How is it perpetuated?

Intended Outcome Consider first what change you want your program to make Once you know where you want to go, you can determine how to get there

Intervention The intervention is the specific set of activities in which your program’s participants and volunteers will be engaged. Describe the design and dosage of your intervention: –DESIGN: Who does what with whom? –DOSAGE Frequency: How many sessions a week? Intensity: Length of each session? Duration: How many total weeks of sessions?

Evidence Base Your theory of change must be based in evidence You will need evidence that the community need is present at the scope and scale you describe, and that your proposed intervention will likely lead to the intended outcomes

Example Community Problem/Need Specific Intervention Intended Outcome Children reading below grade level in 3 rd grade Statistics on the number of students at below grade level in program’s service area; Research on why reading proficiency by 3 rd grade is important Individualized tutoring 3 times/week for 20 minutes on five “building block’ literacy skills through reading, writing, and verbal communication activities Students are able to read at 3 rd grade level (as measured by 3 rd grade reading exam) Evidence: Research on building block skills leading to reading proficiency. Research on design and dosage of tutoring sessions.

Theory of Change in the Application The theory of change is presented in the Program Narrative. –Problem/Need –Theory of Change and Logic Model –Evidence Base

Logic Model InputsActivitiesOutputsShortMediumLong Outcomes A detailed visual representation of a program and its theory of change Communicates how a program works by depicting the intended relationships among program components: Inputs or resources Activities Outputs Outcomes

Logic Model Components: Inputs Inputs or resources include the human, financial, organizational, and community resources available for carrying out a program’s activities. Inputs ActivitiesOutputsShortMediumLong Outcomes

Logic Model Components: Activities Activities are the processes, tools, events, and actions that are used to bring about a program’s intended changes or results. Inputs Activities OutputsShortMediumLong Outcomes

Logic Model Components: Outputs Outputs are the direct products of a program’s activities and may include types, levels and targets of services to be delivered by the program. InputsActivities Outputs ShortMediumLong Outcomes

Logic Model Components: Outcomes Outcomes are the expected changes in the population served that result from a program’s activities and fall along a continuum, ranging from short to long term results: –Short-term: changes in knowledge, skills, and/or attitudes –Medium-term: changes in behavior or action –Long-term: changes in condition or status in life InputsActivitiesOutputs ShortMediumLong Outcomes

Outputs and Outcomes Outputs Direct products of a program’s activities/services Often expressed numerically or quantified in some way Outcomes Changes resulting from a program’s activities/services Quantify changes in knowledge, attitude, behavior, or condition

Logic Model in the Application Be consistent with the theory of change Identify how outputs will be measured Identify the performance measures that will be used as outcome indicators Should be able to track and report on short- and medium-term outcomes. We do not expect you to report on longer-term outcomes annually. We do expect to see reports on the longer-term outcomes in a recompeting applications.

Technical Assistance Webinars RFA Guidance and Application Instructions Overview Tuesday, October 28, 10:00 – 11:30 am PDT Tuesday, October 28, 2:00 – 3:30 pm PDT AmeriCorps Program Logic Model Wednesday, October 29, 2:00 – 3:30 pm PDT California Performance Measurement Worksheets (PMWs) Thursday, October 30, 2:00 – 3:30 pm PDT AmeriCorps Application Components Q & A Friday, October 31, 10:00 – 11:00 am PDT

Questions? any questions to FAQs will be posted weekly on Thursday mornings on CV’s website: index.php/Grants/americorps/

Thanks! Notice of Intent due Monday, November 3, 2014 Final Application due Monday, November 24, 2014