The power of theories of change

This article discusses the critical role of theories of change in strategic philanthropy, asserting that clear goals, sound strategies, and robust assessment methods are fundamental for funders and grantees. It argues that while these ideas are gaining traction, some philanthropic thinkers express reservations about their impact on the power balance between funders and organizations. The author advocates for a developmental approach to creating and evaluating theories of change to improve the lives of disadvantaged populations. The piece emphasizes that the advancement of the social impact field depends on the diffusion, replication, critique, and modification of proven theories.