The ICF Foundation has been honored with a 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in recognition of its outstanding Scholarships Program, an initiative that demonstrates the powerful role associations play in solving challenges, strengthening industries and professions, and improving communities.
Recognizing the Power of Associations to Create Impact
The ASAE Power of Associations Awards recognize associations that leverage their unique ability to convene stakeholders, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful change. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, award recipients exemplify how associations create lasting impact that extends well beyond the members they serve.
At the center of this recognition is the ICF Foundation, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating and amplifying social impact through coaching. As the philanthropic arm of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Foundation advances coaching’s contribution to society by supporting initiatives that expand access to coaching, foster community engagement, and create opportunities for individuals and organizations to thrive.
Expanding Access to Accredited Coaching Education
As a current recipient of the 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award, the ICF Foundation Scholarship Program demonstrates the power of collective action to expand access to accredited coaching education for aspiring coaches from underrepresented communities around the world. By reducing financial barriers to training and mobilizing support from coaching education providers, the program is helping build a more diverse, accessible, and globally representative coaching profession.
The Scholarship program is made possible through partnerships with ICF-accredited coaching education providers that donate scholarship seats to qualified applicants. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has grown exponentially, increasing the annual value of donated education from $74,192 to $328,277 USD.
To date, 188 scholarships have been awarded, and 76 recipients have completed their coaching education. The ICF Foundation Scholarship Program demonstrates how the global coaching community can work together to expand educational opportunities, strengthen the profession, and create lasting social impact
A Community Investment in People and Potential
“We are deeply honored to receive the 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award. The ICF Foundation Scholarship Program demonstrates the extraordinary impact that is possible when a global community invests in people and potential. By opening doors to coaching education, mentorship, and professional credentials, we are helping build a more diverse, accessible, and future-ready coaching profession. This recognition celebrates the collective efforts of our scholars, volunteers, ICF- accredited education providers, and the entire ICF ecosystem.”
Collaboration Across the ICF Ecosystem
The ICF Foundation Scholarship program exemplifies the power of collaboration within the ICF ecosystem. Made possible through partnerships with Professional Coaching, Coaching Education, Credentialing and Standards, and DEIB, the program reflects a shared commitment to broadening access to high-quality coaching education and professional development opportunities. The generosity of multiple scholarship providers enables aspiring and emerging coaches from diverse backgrounds to pursue their goals, build their skills, and contribute to the future of the profession. Together, these organizations are investing in a stronger, more inclusive coaching community and helping ensure that the benefits of coaching can reach individuals and communities around the world.
Celebrating Associations That Strengthen Communities
“ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the very best of what our community can accomplish,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “This recognition honors organizations that don’t simply advance their own missions – they bring people together to solve complex challenges, strengthen industries and professions, and create lasting benefits for society. The ICF Foundation has demonstrated the vision, leadership, and commitment to make a meaningful difference, and we are proud to recognize the ICF Foundation Scholarship Program as one of this year’s outstanding achievements.”
About The ICF Foundation
The ICF Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating and amplifying social impact through coaching. As the philanthropic arm of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Foundation advances coaching’s contribution to society by supporting initiatives that expand access to coaching, foster community engagement, and create opportunities for individuals and organizations to thrive. Through partnerships, scholarships, research, and social impact programs, the ICF Foundation mobilizes the global coaching community to create positive, lasting change around the world.
About The Power of Associations Awards
ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the association community’s economic and societal contributions locally, nationally and globally. ASAE will celebrate The Power of Associations Award recipients during its annual Summit Awards Dinner on September 22, 2026, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
