Tired of Vague Advice on Writing a Theory of Change Narrative? Try the RECAP Framework
- Roxana Salehi, PhD
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 22
If you've ever tried writing a Theory of Change (ToC), you know it’s not easy. There are plenty of guidebooks on how to build a logic model or Theory of Change—but when it comes to turning those diagrams into a cohesive, persuasive, and evidence-informed narrative, the guidance suddenly becomes much thinner.
I have encountered a lot of vague advice, like "and now turn your diagrams into a clear 3-4 page narrative"? Well, thank you—but how exactly? I wanted a practical thinking tool to help with just that: writing the narrative portion of a Theory of Change.
That need for such a tool became more urgent when I started teaching Theory of Change workshops. My workshop participants were often senior professionals—directors and executives juggling multiple grant applications and managing complex projects. They didn’t have time for vague advice, like "and now explain your diagram in 3-4 pages using a clear language". They needed practical tools instead to make the ToC writing process less overwhelming.
In 2024, after working with major funders like Global Affairs Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada—and learning how they conceptualize Theory of Change—I developed a simple, one-page tool called the RECAP Framework to help my workshop participants write ToC narratives. It stands for:
RISK – What could go wrong, and can we plan for it?
EVIDENCE – What knowledge, data, or experience informs our approach?
CONTEXT – What broader political, social, institutional, environmental, and regulatory factors shape this intervention?
ASSUMPTIONS – What needs to be true for this pathway to work as planned?
PEOPLE – Who are the key players, and how will they be affected along this pathway?
The feedback from the first cohort of students was positive, though they had suggestions for how to make it more useful for them. So I have been revising it over time and in 2025, this is where it's at, with one additional page with suggestions on how to use the tool. Feel free to use it.
Download the RECAP Below
How to Use the RECAP Framework?
The RECAP Framework is meant to be a clear, practical, and flexible thinking companion for those trying to turn their logic models into clear persuasive narratives. It contains the essential elements you need to include when describing your Theory of Change.
Here’s how I suggest using it:
Break your ToC narrative into chunks, aligned with each pathway in your logic model. Even if your Theory of Change visual diagram is not a logic model and is a circle for example, there are still pathways that link your activities to your outcomes, they are just more fluid in your diagram.
For each pathway, use the RECAP prompts to flesh out that specific pathway.
Once all the pathways have been written up, streamline your text. Avoid repeating yourself—if a risk or assumption is already described in Section X, you can simply refer back to it: “As discussed in Section X…” .
Ensure you also examine the horizontal connections between the boxes in the logic model, as well as any additional requirements specified by your funding agency.
Remember that RECAP is not meant to be an exhaustive list, simply because it can't be. Funders are different in their requirements and you should always read the instructions VERY WELL , but RECAP covers your essentials.
Good luck and happy writing!
Roxana Salehi, PhD
Founder and Senior Principal Consultant
Vitus Consulting
Comentários