What tangible changes do nonprofit programs create in the lives of the communities they serve? Too often, nonprofit reporting focuses on what we have done (or outputs) without mentioning the outcomes and impact of our program services. This 45-minute presentation will demystify the Theory of Change, a strategic tool vital for service providers and often required by funders. We’ll define it, compare it to “logic models”, identify its core components, and explain contribution analysis, empowering you to attribute outcomes to your work. You’ll leave with actionable steps to create your own Theory of Change and/or support your grantees and stakeholders in using it to represent and manage their programs.
What you learn in this webinar will not only help you with evaluation, it will help you with writing grants, building allies, and similar situations.
This webinar is free, but please make a donation to the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation to support programs that benefit North Jersey communities. Please consider a $20 donation; anything you can give will be appreciated.
About the speaker: Dr. Lisa Gale, Principal, LVG Strategy Group
Dr. Lisa V. Gale is a highly experienced social impact consultant, educator, and leader with over 30 years of experience driving positive change across the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors. As the founder and principal of LVG Strategy Group, she empowers organizations to achieve meaningful outcomes through strategic research, program development, and capacity building.
Dr. Gale is a recognized expert in evaluation and monitoring, specializing in helping organizations measure and communicate their impact. Her career highlights include serving as Chief Program Officer at StoryCorps, where she oversaw research documenting the impact of storytelling, and as Deputy Vice President at Seedco, directing initiatives to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations. She also served as Manager of Workforce Development for the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and as Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Human Resources Administration, demonstrating her ability to lead complex projects and drive positive change.
Dr. Gale holds a PhD in Social Welfare from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, an MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work, and a BBA from Baruch College. She is an adjunct faculty member at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of social impact leaders. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Dr. Gale is deeply connected to her community and passionate about creating a more just and equitable world.
