serving the needs of its member societies, libraries, archives, and other member organizations,
providing products and services needed by member societies, and
marshaling the resources of its member organizations.

FGS was founded in 1976 and represents the members of hundreds of genealogical societies.

FGS links the genealogical community by helping genealogical societies strengthen and grow. To do this, FGS publishes FORUM magazine, filled with articles pertaining to society management and genealogical news. The FGS Voice blog and the monthly Voice newsletter provide time-sensitive information. FGS also publishes an extensive series of Society Strategy Series Papers, covering topics about effectively organizing and operating a genealogical society.

FGS also links the genealogical community through its annual conference - four days of excellent lectures, including one full day devoted to society management topics.