"Why Create a Theory of Change? It is no longer enough for nonprofits to do “good work.” With growing competition for social change dollars it is absolutely crucial that nonprofits develop their own Theory of Change. Funders, policy makers and board members are increasingly demanding that nonpro ... fits explain what social change they are trying to achieve. It used to be enough for a nonprofit to talk about what it produced (or “outputs”), such as meals served in a soup kitchen, hours spent reading to a child, beds provided in a homeless shelter, but that just doesn’t cut it anymore. In a world where there are fewer and fewer dollars and more and more nonprofits fighting for those dollars, people are increasingly asking what a nonprofit organization ultimately exists to do. It is not enough to create outputs. The question must increasingly become, “Did anything really change because of our work? Did the lives of those in our program change, and did the community change?” If you want to raise more money, chart a strategic direction, make your nonprofit more effective, get your board engaged, and achieve your mission, you need a Theory of Change." (Page 1) more

"A revenue plan, unlike a traditional fundraising plan, is an integrated, thoughtful, and strategic way to help a nonprofit achieve social impact in a more sustainable way. The revenue plan is a key element of a nonprofit’s strategic plan. It is critical that an organization understand the cost of ... achieving the goals set out in the strategic plan (expenses) and how it will pay for them (revenue). Fundraising, raising money from private sources (individuals, foundations, and corporations), is just one revenue options available to nonprofits. Additional options include: earned income (selling a product or service), government grants, fee for service, and corporate sponsorships, just to name a few. A revenue plan differs from a fundraising plan in a number of ways. Unlike a fundraising plan, a revenue plan: includes all activities that bring money in the door in a fully integrated strategy and execution plan; supports the short AND long term goals of the organization; funds the programs AND infrastructure of the organization; employs money-securing activities that are in line with the core competencies of the organization." (Page 1) more