Society for Sustainable Development

Developing a Logical
Framework
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NGO Capacity Building Series

9/1/2011
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Contents
What is a logical Framework and why it is important .............................................................................................. 3
Why is LFA so important? ................................................................................................................................... 4
Inside the logical Framework of a grant proposal .................................................................................................... 4
Various components of logical framework in a grant proposal ................................................................................ 5
Defining the components of the Logical Framework in a grant proposal .................................................................. 6
Goal................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Objectives: ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Activities or Inputs:............................................................................................................................................. 6
Outputs: ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Outcomes:.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Impact: .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Indicators: .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Means of Verification: ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Risks & Assumptions:.......................................................................................................................................... 6
A way to develop the Logical Framework in a grant proposal .................................................................................. 7
The Problem Tree and the Logical Framework ......................................................................................................... 8
Some more tips on writing the LFA .......................................................................................................................... 8
Some examples ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
The AUSAID Logical Framework ....................................................................................................................... 9
The DFID Logical Framework ......................................................................................................................... 10

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What is a logical Framework and why it is important

In various proposal formats, we come across a table or a framework required to be filled by us

to give more detailed information about our project. This table is referred to as a Logframe or
Logical Framework or Logical Framework Analysis (LFA) or Logical Framework Matrix. This
framework is the most important part of the proposal, yet it continues to be the most complicated
one. Here we are providing some simple explanations to help NGOs and other development
professionals on how to understand and develop this framework in an easier manner.

A Logframe format in a European Commission call for proposals application form:

An LFA is a management tool for effective planning and implementation of developmental

projects. It provides clear, concise and systematic information about a project through a
framework. We know about various components of a project such as goal, objectives, activities,
results and indicators. The LFA helps in connecting all these components in one framework,
presenting the tight relationship between them, leading to the achievement of the expected
outcomes.

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Why is LFA so important?

Because donors use it. It was first actually developed by USAID during the 1970s, but now
every donor is using it in its proposal format. The logframe has become an essential tool for
donors not only in planning their own macro-level strategies, but also in seeking in-depth
information about small and medium-sized projects funded by them. LFA also gives a clear
outlay of how much resources would be needed and how these will be used for various project
activities.

The logical framework also aids in the monitoring and evaluation of projects. The framework
can be used to examine the progress of the project and co-relate the activities carried out and
results achieved.

Inside the logical Framework of a grant proposal

If we really look at the LFA more closely, we will understand that it is not as complicated as it
sounds. In fact, the LFA is nothing but putting together your whole project proposal in one table
with brief descriptions of the projects.

Different terms are applied for various parts of the LFA by different donors. Nevertheless, they
mean the same. If we understand the general principles of developing the logframe, it is easier
for us to complete LFAs of many different donor organizations.

As an LFA is an integral part of a proposal, first we need to complete the proposal so that it
becomes an easy reference for writing the logframe. We can always go back and forth from

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logframe to the proposal to make any changes. To begin with, completing the proposal in a draft
manner or at least writing down various proposal components is a good practice before feeding
information into the logframe.

Various components of logical framework in a grant proposal

Just as we have formatted our proposals by giving detailed information in various components
such as goal, objectives, activities, results etc, we need to put the same titles in a framework or a
table and provide brief information about them.

In many other formats, LFAs have a narrative summary section, which is nothing but a narration
of what the project intends to seek i.e. the goal and objectives of the project.

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Defining the components of the Logical Framework in a grant proposal

Goal
A project goal is a very general, high-level and long-term objective of the project. It is different
from project objectives because the latter are very specific and have to be addressed alone by the
project. But the goal cannot be achieved by the project on its own since there will be other forces
like the Government, other agencies etc also working to achieve it. It is a major benchmark to
compare work between different projects.

Objectives:
Objectives are the specific objectives the project works to achieve within the stipulated time.

Activities or Inputs:
Activities or inputs are actions undertaken by the project or the organizationto achieve the set
objectives

Outputs:
Outputs are immediate results that we achieve soon after the completion the project or any
specific project activity.

Outcomes:
The outcomes are results that have been or that are to be achieved after a period of time, but not
immediate.

Impact:
The impact is the longer-term result that has happened because of the activities undertaken in
the project.

Indicators:
Indicators are a measure of the result. They give a sense of what has been or what is to be
achieved.

Means of Verification:
Data or information based on which the indicators will be measured or monitored

Risks & Assumptions:

External factors affecting the progress of the projectCostsBudgetary explanations

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A way to develop the Logical Framework in a grant proposal

One of the basic principles of writing down the LFA is that it should be participatory.
Participatory because without the participation of all stakeholders, the LFA can never be
complete.

A full and final LFA represents the ideas and concerns of all those stakeholders involved in the
projects. These stakeholders can be communities or the direct beneficiaries of the project, the
implementing organization, the partner agencies, the local authorities and, in some cases,
the donor as well.

Tools such as stakeholder analysis, organizational analysis and SWOT analysis can be very
useful at this point. If such exercises have been undertaken earlier, the information collected can
be used in improvising the LFA.

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The Problem Tree and the Logical Framework

Before thinking of implementing a project, we usually have a reason in mind: a reason as to why
a project is required. We may have noticed a problem in a community or its effect and in
response to it we may need a project. This cause-and-effect relationship is critical to our
understanding in writing a proposal and completing the LFA. To understand the cause-and-
effect relationship, we often use the Problem Tree diagram where we keep climbing up and down
to understand a situation. Similarly in a logical framework analysis, we have to keep going up
and down often and again to refine our goals, objectives and results.

Some more tips on writing the LFA

 Ensure that the logical framework is in line with other components of your proposal
 The logframe should show a clear relationship between the various parts of the project.
The goal should be aligned to the objectives; the objectives to the activities; the activities
to the results; and the results to the indicators.

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 Do not leave the LFA for the last. As you keep developing the proposal, try filling it up.
 Always double-check your LFA after completing the full proposal
 Use large sheets or a board while discussing and developing the LFA and then use the
actual format to fill it up

Some examples

The AUSAID Logical Framework

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The DFID Logical Framework

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