Future of Practice

Programs & Platforms

Programs tend to be highly structured, consisting of things like eligibility criteria, referrals, assessments, entry procedures, scheduled hours and activities, policies, plans, curricula, and so on. A platform is a much looser structure that is about growing and leveraging the power of everyday people. Platforms are not necessarily digital in nature, though they can be. Platforms network people so that they can share their passions, find solutions to shared problems, or realize opportunities. A platform brings people together and creates the conditions by which they can create and own new solutions. A program is delivered by professionals and is ultimately “owned” by organizations and funders.