Ignite: Where Possibility Becomes Impact

Every ripple of impact begins with a new possibility. 

Coaching creates the space for people to discover what they didn’t see before: a new perspective, a new path, a new way forward. 

Through the Ignite Initiative, those moments of possibility grow into stronger leaders, stronger organizations, and stronger communities. 

Led by the ICF Foundation, Ignite mobilizes ICF credential-holders and ICF chapters to provide six-month, reduced-rate coaching engagements for organizations advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

Turning Possibility into Progress

People. Profession. Society. 

This is a ripple effect of the Ignite Initiative. It’s also a powerful way our global community brings our Strategic Focus Area of “Sustainable Growth & Impact“ to life.  

• People: Coaching empowers leaders to discover new possibilities, strengthen their decision-making, and better support those around them. 

• Profession: Every project demonstrates the measurable value of coaching, strengthening trust, expanding awareness, and elevating the coaching profession. 

• Society: Organizations become better equipped to advance their missions, creating stronger, more resilient communities. 

Together, these outcomes create benefits that extend across our entire ICF community. Whether you lead an Ignite Project or champion coaching through your membership, every successful project strengthens coaching’s credibility, expands its impact, and advances the strategic priorities we share. 

That’s sustainable growth. That’s measurable impact. That’s the ripple effect of coaching. 

The Ripple Effect in Action

Leaders discover new possibilities.
Organizations turn possibility into progress.
Communities experience the impact. 

Every Ignite Project sets this journey in motion, powered by people who believe in coaching’s ability to create positive change. 

Last year, 48 ICF chapters and 932 ICF credential-holders came together to deliver 77 Ignite Projects, serving 1,403 coaching clients. Together, they contributed more than $1 million USD in estimated coaching services — and countless opportunities for leaders, organizations, and communities to grow. 

But the measure of success isn’t found only in numbers. It’s also found in the stories behind them. 

One nonprofit leader shared, “My coaching sessions help me reflect and better understand my purpose and passions which has inspired me to build and refine my organization.” 

And volunteer coach Teodora Kamenova, MCC, of the Bulgaria Chapter, said, “These Ignite projects are very meaningful to me and seeing the clients’ development, and witnessing their growth is making me humble and a better human being.” 

Those stories remind us that every ripple begins with a new possibility and grows through the people who bring it to life. 

Create the Next Ripple

Across five global regions, Ignite coaching partnerships help organizations discover new possibilities for the people and communities they serve. 

If you’re an ICF credential-holder or represent an ICF chapter, we invite you to help create the next ripple. 

This year, we’re seeking projects that help advance three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 

• Gender Equality (SDG 5).  

• Climate Action (SDG 13).  

• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).  

By leading an Ignite Project, you’ll have the opportunity to: 

• Design and lead a meaningful social impact initiative.  

• Support organizations creating positive change in your community.  

• Contribute coaching hours that may support PCC or MCC credential application requirements. 

• Strengthen member and volunteer engagement within your chapter.  

• Expand the reach and impact of professional coaching.  

Applications are now open through September 17.

Submit Your Project Idea