Theory of Change - handsofmercyinternational

Purpose of Round One

At Round One, applicants are required to submit a Theory of Change (ToC) instead of a full proposal.

The Theory of Change helps HoM assess:

Strategic alignment with HoM focus areas
Clarity of the problem
Logical connection between activities and expected change
Realistic pathways to impact
Inclusion, safeguarding, and sustainability considerations

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit:

Full Logframe
Detailed Budget Template
Supporting documents

What is a Theory of Change?

A Theory of Change explains:

How and why your project will create meaningful change for the people you serve.

It describes:

The problem
The root causes
The change you want to see
The steps required to create that change
The assumptions behind your approach

Round One Submission Structure

Applicants must submit a maximum 2-page Theory of Change document covering the following sections:

1. Problem Statement (Max 300 words)

What is the specific problem?
Who is affected?
Why is this problem urgent?
What evidence supports this?

2. Root Causes (Max 250 words)

What are the underlying drivers of the problem?
Are there gender, social, economic, or environmental factors?

3. Desired Long-Term Change (Impact)

Describe the long-term change you want to contribute to (5+ years).

Example format:

“Increased maternal survival rates in rural X region.”

4. Intermediate Change (Outcome – 1–2 years)

What measurable change will occur during the project period?

Example:

“Improved access to quality antenatal care among pregnant women in X district.”

5. Key Outputs

List up to 4 outputs.

Example:

Community health workers trained
Mobile antenatal clinics operational
Faith leaders mobilised for maternal health awareness
Referral system strengthened

6. Key Activities (High-Level)

List the major activities that will produce the outputs.

No detailed budgeting required at this stage.

7. Assumptions

What must be true for your project to succeed?

Example:

Local authorities remain supportive
Health facilities remain operational
Communities trust trained health workers

8. Risks

Identify 2–3 key risks and how you would mitigate them.

9. Sustainability & Scaling

Briefly explain:

How change will continue after HoM funding ends
Whether the model can be replicated

Theory of Change Diagram (Simple Format)

Applicants may include a simple visual like this:

Activities
↓
Outputs
↓
Outcome
↓
Long-Term Impact

Sample Theory of Change (Example for Applicants)

Example Project:

Improving Maternal Health in Rural Drought-Affected Communities in XX

1. Problem

Maternal mortality rates in X region are significantly higher than the national average. Pregnant women lack access to skilled birth attendants and antenatal care. Long distances, poverty, and limited awareness contribute to preventable deaths.

2. Root Causes

Inadequate rural health infrastructure
Lack of trained community health workers
Cultural barriers preventing women from seeking care
Poor transportation systems
Low household income

3. Long-Term Impact

Reduced maternal mortality and improved maternal health outcomes in X region.

4. Outcome (Within 24 months)

Increased utilisation of skilled antenatal and delivery services among pregnant women in targeted communities.

5. Outputs

40 community health workers trained
12 mobile outreach clinics conducted per year
20 faith leaders trained in maternal health advocacy
Referral system established between villages and district hospital

6. Activities

Conduct training workshops for community health workers
Procure mobile clinic equipment
Facilitate community awareness sessions
Develop transport referral agreements

7. Assumptions

Community health workers remain active
Mobile clinics can operate safely
Local leaders support maternal health messaging

8. Risks & Mitigation

Risk: Political instability
Mitigation: Engage district authorities early and secure formal agreements

Risk: Low attendance of pregnant women
Mitigation: Partner with faith leaders and women’s groups

9. Sustainability

Skills remain within community
Referral system institutionalised
Faith leaders continue awareness campaigns
Possibility to scale to neighbouring districts

HoM Evaluation Criteria for Round 1

Applications will be assessed based on:

Alignment with HoM focus areas
Clarity of problem analysis
Logical pathway to change
Realism of outcomes
Inclusion and safeguarding considerations
Sustainability potential
Feasibility