Certified Nonprofit Professional Practice Exam

What is a logic model defined as?

1. A financial projection tool

2. A series of goals to achieve funding

3. A series of "if-then" relationships to achieve desired outcomes

4. A marketing strategy outline

The correct answer is: A series of "if-then" relationships to achieve desired outcomes

A logic model is defined as a systematic visual representation of the relationships between resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes in a program or project, often depicted through "if-then" statements. This model articulates how a program's activities lead to short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes, establishing clear cause-and-effect relationships. By outlining these relationships, a logic model helps stakeholders understand the connections between what a program does and the impact it hopes to achieve. For instance, if a nonprofit conducts educational workshops (the activity), then participants will gain knowledge (short-term outcome), which may lead to improved skills (intermediate outcome), ultimately resulting in better job placements (long-term outcome). This structured approach not only aids in program design and implementation but also provides a framework for evaluation and assessment of a program’s effectiveness. The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of a logic model. A financial projection tool focuses on budgeting and forecasts; a series of goals to achieve funding pertains to fundraising strategies; and a marketing strategy outline is oriented towards outreach and promotional efforts rather than the programmatic connections inherent to a logic model.