Helping the Helpers
This has been an eventful year for the entire world. Individuals have (quickly) found themselves in need of public and social services. Nonprofits and other organizations are stepping up to address public health, hunger, racial and social inequalities, among many other pressing issues. With their amped up efforts, there is less time to focus on strategic organizational activities, effective leadership and self-care. So, who is helping the helpers?
Coaches, of course! In areas from education to the environment, coaching relationships can help bridge the gap between what is seen as possible under current scenarios and what is needed to achieve a thriving global society.
The ICF Foundation is focused on the social impact professional coaching can have on humanity and the planet, and we have particularly focused our efforts on supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were developed to help create a more peaceful and prosperous world for all.
We do this by connecting professional coaches and organizations, as well as equipping them with what they need to accelerate and amplify impact on social progress through coaching. We have found that professional coaching has the power to transform social impact organizations—increasing their performance and effectiveness within their communities.
This year, the Foundation is focused on establishing social impact pilot projects that will allow us to collect data and research on the efficacy of coaching for mission-based organization.
If you are wanting to make an impact, there are many ways to get involved with the Foundation and its work. Here are a few:
Start an Ignite Initiative within Your Local Community
Through pro bono coaching projects, the Ignite Initiative uses the collective power of ICF Chapters, Members and Credential-holders to accelerate the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With specific parameters in place for coaching projects, Ignite is designed to support your work, provide tools and best practices and allow you to focus on achieving the greatest impact.
More than 48 ICF Chapters have completed over 80 Ignite projects with the ICF Foundation.
Find out how to get involved and access our Resource Suite of Tools.
Get Involved in a Global Initiative
In addition to Ignite, we also offer the opportunity for coaching initiatives with some of our global partners. Often our partners have criteria, such as geography, that help us find the best coach and fit. Past partnerships have included UNICEF and the Special Olympics.
Initiate Your Own Pro Bono Partnership
Over the years, the ICF Foundation has heard many stories of the work individual coaches are doing in their communities. Maybe you are already participating in such a project. Or, maybe there is an organization within your community that you are passionate about but never knew how to assist. Offering your coaching—for free or at a reduced fee—could be a great way to support them. If you don’t know where to begin, check out our Pro Bono Program Toolkit.
Then, connect with us to share stories of your project. We not only love hearing about the good work ICF coaches are doing, but we also do our best to share and measure the collective impact ICF coaches are having on the world.
Make a Gift
If you don’t currently have time to give but still want to make an impact, consider making a donation to the ICF Foundation. Every gift is used to support our partnerships, and your contribution no doubt impacts societal progress around the globe!
We have already made great progress over the past few years. To date, more than 16 million people have been reached through Ignite and other global partnerships. Yet, there are more people to reach and more work to be done to make this a better world for all of us. We have an essential role to play at this moment in history; won’t you join us?
Apply for the Gift of Coaching Collective
We know that many coaches have been responding to the challenges of the global pandemic and making an impact. The 2020 Gift of Coaching Collective will honor and recognize the work of ICF Members, Chapters and Credential-holders who have supported their communities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you have a story to share? We would love to consider your pro bono coaching for this year’s honors but will need you to apply through our online portal.
ICF Foundation
Established in 2004, the ICF Foundation (one of the International Coaching Federation’s six family organizations) connects and equips professional coaches and organizations to accelerate and amplify impact on social progress through coaching. The ICF Foundation's programs include our Social Impact Pilot Project, ICF Coaches for Good and Ignite: Engaging Humanity Through Education is part of the ICF Foundation’s long-term strategy to advance social progress through coaching by aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. To learn more or to get involved with Ignite, please contact the Foundation’s staff at information@foundationoficf.org
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Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.
