Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Meaningful Focus Areas and Goals

ICF has established four DEIB Meaningful focus areas and goals for FY 2026. These areas were strategically developed to ensure we are creating an inclusive and equitable coaching community in two capacities, ICF operations and stakeholders. 

1. Expand global representation for underrepresented communities to ensure inclusion and belonging throughout our ecosystem. 

• Increase representation of underrepresented communities  

• Sponsor Member Resource Groups (MRGs) for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color), People with Disabilities, International Military Veterans and Young Professionals (Under 40)  

• Increase the number of chapters with DEIB board members.  

• Double the number of partners who help underrepresented populations  

2. Invest in education to increase diversity intelligence and provide professional development opportunities for leaders, volunteers, staff, ICF Members, and other stakeholders.  

• 30% of the total membership will participate in the Global Cultural Competency course by the end of FY26.   

• 15% of the total membership will participate in the Advanced Cultural Competency course by the end of FY26.   

• Create DEIB courses for the whole ecosystem by the end of FY26.   

3. Create an accessible environment for all stakeholders.  

• Sponsor MRG for people with disabilities and veterans.  

• Partner with Credentials and Standards on a project for veterans.  

• Create a course on allyship and inclusion in coaching.   

4. Establish policies that reinforce equity throughout the coaching profession and ICF community.  

• Create/update DEIB-related policies by the end of FY26.  

• Reduce Ethics DEIB-related emails and formal complaints by the end of FY26. 

• Create a hotline for DEIB-related issues