What a results framework is — and why donors ask for one

A results framework shows how your activities lead to the change you want to see — and how you will measure it.

The building blocks

• Goal — the long-term change
• Outcomes — what changes for people because of your work
• Outputs — what you deliver
• Indicators — how you will know

Why donors care

A clear framework shows that a project has thought through how change happens and how it will be measured. It also makes reporting much easier later.

Start from the decision your report must support, then work backwards to the indicators.