Getting Involved in GFOA
Below are volunteer opportunities to enhance your membership and career.
GFOA exists to advance excellence in public finance, support the thousands of individuals who work in the profession, and provide leadership in building thriving communities. GFOA relies on hundreds of practitioner volunteers to support programs and services. This page provides an overview of volunteer opportunities available within GFOA.
Leadership Opportunities
Learn More & Apply for One of GFOA's Awards
Award Programs
GFOA offers a number of award programs that recognize excellence in government finance, including Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program, the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program, the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Awards Program, Canadian Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program, and GFOA's Awards for Excellence in Government Finance.
GFOA Recognition for Outstanding Public Service
GFOA Recognition for Outstanding Public Service honors individual GFOA members for their dedication to the profession, their colleagues, their organizations, and their communities. Nominations for 2025 will open in January 2025.
Join One of GFOA's Nine Affinity Groups
Alliance for Smarter School Spending
The Alliance for Smarter School Spending is a diverse group of school districts working on implementing GFOA's Best Practices in School Budgeting. Member districts range in size from several hundred students to several hundred thousand students, representing a broad range of student performance and other key demographics as well.
Black Caucus of the GFOA
Established in 1991, our mission is to diligently support the aspirations and achievements of African American public finance officers; to pursue professional development opportunities for our members; and to sponsor projects to assist African Americans seeking careers in government finance.
Community for Canadian Issues
The Community for Canadian Issues (CCI) was created to allow local governments from across Canada the opportunity to network, discuss current issues, and share best practices. CCI also exists to provide easier access to relevant GFOA resources for Canadian members, improve member engagement and growth, and work to develop partnerships with peer organizations in Canada.
LGBTQIA+ Caucus
In May 2023, GFOA's LGBTQIA+ Caucus officially launched. Through networking and education, this caucus will advocate for LGBTQIA+ members within the profession and work to increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+ people within GFOA and the profession as a whole.
Small Government Forum
Created in 2015, the Small Government Forum held its first meeting at GFOA’s Annual Conference in May of 2016. The SGF provides an opportunity for members of small governments to network and exchange information on topics unique to the demands of managing small government.
Urban Forum
The Urban Forum was created in 2006 and held its initial meeting at GFOA's Montreal conference in May 2006. The forum provides an opportunity for members of large governments to network and exchange information on topics unique to the demands of managing their large and complex entities.
Utility Finance Forum
The Utility Finance Forum is composed of GFOA members from utility organizations and municipalities that operate utilities. The Utility Finance Forum allows members to engage in topics like rate setting, enterprise accounting, asset management, and understanding regulations.
Women's Public Finance Network
Established in 1990, the Women's Public Finance Network (WPFN) is a voluntary association of women, elected and appointed officials, and other women finance professionals, formed within the GFOA of the United States and Canada.
Young Professionals Network
GFOA’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) encourages and promotes young professionals’ careers in public finance through education, networking, and mentoring opportunities. YPN is open to any active GFOA member under 40 years old.
Join GFOA
Membership in GFOA comes with benefits that help you advance your career and move your government forward.