Over the years, professional groups have been created by like-minded community foundation staffers working in a functional area in order to share expertise and knowledge.

A recognized professional group must:

• Be composed of members of community foundations or organizations who have a primary function of serving the community foundation field.
• Have a clearly defined mission.
• Have a membership of at least 30.
• Be national in scope.
• Have written by-laws or standard procedures.
• Have defined leadership and a clear plan for succession.
• Have a vehicle to promote open communication on issues/concerns that is not limited to those who are members of the professional group. 

Benefits of being acknowledged by the Leadership Team include having the opportunity to:

• Request a seat on the Leadership Team.
• Have the Council on Foundations manage a discussion list around the professional group’s area of interest providing the group is not restricted to the professional group’s members. Read discussion list FAQs.
• Request a seat on relevant action teams; e.g. the Fall Conference Planning Committee, etc.
• Eligible to seek support from the Special Projects Fund.