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.