ICF Brand Manual

Chapter Guidelines

With more than 130 ICF Chapters, it is important for each chapter to be properly brand aligned. The consistent use of ICF Chapter logos, names, colors and fonts create clarity and consistency resulting in greater impact and wider recognition of the ICF brand. 

When all of our Chapters are properly aligned with the ICF brand, together we have a much stronger voice in the marketplace.

NOTE FOR 2020: The ICF Logo has been updated to reflect our Association’s 25th anniversary. Additionally, there have been some slight design updates over the past few years. During 2020, we are not requiring Chapters to update their logos.

We will release more information regarding Chapter branding for 2021 and beyond later this year.

Chapter Logos and Names

ICF Chapter Leaders may request ICF Chapter logos from ICF Headquarters. All Chapter logos must be created and approved by ICF's Marketing and Communications team. 

Chapter logos may be used by the Chapter’s Board of Directors to communicate their leadership. 

The logos below are examples of the official logos approved for use by ICF Chapters to indicate their individual affiliation with ICF. ICF Chapter logos should not be altered in any way. There is to be no substitution of wording, fonts, color or placement of graphic elements. 

If an ICF Chapter wishes to use the ICF logo, they must get permission from ICF Brand Management first. Otherwise, they need to use their Chapter logo in promotion of any local initiatives, events, etc.
ICF Chapter Logo Sample

When writing out the name of the Chapter, in the first instance, please use the full Chapter name. Any following reference may use the abbreviated Chapter name. They may not use abbreviations of the Chapter Location attached to ICF (ICFSF, ICFS, ICFA, etc.).

EXAMPLE: We are the International Coach Federation Kentucky Chapter.
ICF Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

Sample of Full Chapter Name

International Coach Federation [LOCATION] Chapter

Abbreviated Chapter Name

ICF [LOCATION] Chapter
or
ICF [LOCATION]

Incorrect Samples

[LOCATION] Coaches Association
[LOCATION] Coach Federation
ICF-[LOCATION] Chapter

Incorrect Chapter Logo Use

A few examples of what NOT to do.

Chapter Websites

ICF Chapter websites should abide by ICF Brand Guidelines. This means they should use the ICF color palette, the correct ICF Chapter logo and name, and follow the ICF-Specific Styles in writing web content. Below are a few best practices. 

Design 
Keep it simple. Avoid cluttering up the homepage with too much text or too many calls to action. Make it easy for visitors to get to where they need to go. Try to keep page content short to reduce scrolling. You will also want to make sure your website is accessible on mobile and tablets. 

The design of the website should support its purpose. The purpose of your chapter’s website is to communicate with members, reach prospective members and encourage the chapter community to engage through the sharing of knowledge, resources and ideas. 

Website URLs
Keep it simple, relevant and easy to remember. 
EXAMPLE: ICFPhiladelphia.com, ICFLA.org

Web Maintenance
Create a web maintenance plan and appoint a team to update information and keep content fresh. Once a month, have a web team member review the entire site for dead links and outdated information and graphics. 

Minimize the time your web team spends on updates by linking to ICF Global’s website when possible. For example, instead of publishing Credentialing details—which are subject to change—simply publish a link to the appropriate page on coachfederation.org. 

Logos and Branding
Use the ICF-approved Chapter logo prominently on your website. Refer to page 11 for approved ICF colors. These can be complimented with a neutral color palette for an eye-pleasing site. Use local photos and graphics to appeal to your membership and give your site regional flair.

Links to Global Website
Chapter websites must link to the ICF Global website (coachfederation.org) and include a link to join ICF Global (coachfederation.org/join). We also encourage chapters to include links to the following sections of the ICF Global website:


Leadership
We encourage each chapter to create a page to list the names, titles and contact information of its Board of Directors. This allows members to direct questions to the appropriate Board member and helps build a team environment. Put a face on your leadership by adding headshots to this page. 

Social Media
Link to any chapter social media outlets on your website. If you update Facebook or Twitter regularly, consider including a feed on the homepage or in a news/media section of your website.

Analytics Tracking
When setting up or updating a website, be sure to install a website analytics tool. There are many options to choose from. Some, such as Google Analytics, are free of cost in many cases. Using the information a website analytics tool captures can assist with evaluating effectiveness of marketing efforts, understanding where site traffic is coming from (emails, other websites, etc.), learning what users do or don’t like about your website, and getting to know site visitors via details such as operating system and browser, geographic location and behavior on your site. 

Videos and Media
Include relevant videos. ICF's YouTube page has many videos that can be embedded on chapter websites.

Satellite or Sub-chapters

As ICF Chapters grow, they may have a need to create satellite or sub-chapters to accommodate their members. Here are a few best practices:

Logos
Satellite or sub-chapters may not have their own logo. They are to use the ICF-approved Chapter logo of the ICF Global recognized chapter that they are part of.

Websites
Satellite or sub-chapters should not have their own websites.  

Social Media
Satellite or sub-chapters should not have their own social media pages. They should utilize the ICF Global recognized chapter's social media channels.

Names
Satellite or sub-chapters may refer to themselves in-text as the Chapter Name followed by the location of the satellite. No abbreviations for locations should be used.
ICF [LOCATION] Chapter — [Sub-location]