Coaching has the power to strengthen leaders, organizations, and communities. Through the ICF Foundation’s Special Projects, volunteer coaches help expand that impact by partnering with mission-driven organizations around the world.
What are Special Projects?
ICF Foundation Special Projects are collaborative coaching engagements that support organizations working to create positive change. These partnerships typically span up to 12 months and connect organizations with ICF-credentialed coaches to deliver tailored coaching experiences
Each project is designed around a specific organizational need – such as strengthening leadership, improving communication, or advancing strategic goals – while building long-term capacity and impact.
The Role of Volunteer Coaches
Volunteer coaches are central to every ICF Foundation Special Project. Coaches are matched with participants within partner organizations and guide them through structured coaching engagements over several months.
Through this work, coaches support individuals in:
- Strengthening leadership and decision-making
- Setting and achieving goals
- Building partnerships and communication skills
These engagements create meaningful shifts—not only in individual growth, but in how organizations operate and lead.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering as a coach offers a unique opportunity to apply your skills in high-impact settings:
- Expand your impact: Support leaders and organizations working in communities around the world
- Strengthen your practice: Gain experience across diverse contexts and challenges
- Collaborate globally: Join a network of coaches contributing to shared initiatives
- Contribute to lasting change: Help build stronger, more resilient organizations
The Impact of Coaching
ICF Foundation Special Projects demonstrate the measurable value of coaching. In one partnership with the Special Olympics, coaching supported 50 leaders across Africa and Latin America, helping them strengthen skills such as feedback, partnership building, and goal setting. Leaders reported meaningful improvements in how they lead and make decisions.
“There was a significant change for staff members. Coaching was more impactful than seminars — it targets one’s nature and character and makes tweaks to help [individuals] make the right decisions for the community they lead.” Charles Nyambe, MBA, President and Managing Director at Special Olympics International, Africa Region
Ready to make an impact?
ICF-credentialed coaches can express interest in volunteering as by completing this form.
