The Woodmark Group traces its origins to April 1991 when the chief development officers of 15 prominent children’s hospitals in the United States and Canada convened at the then newly opened Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland, Washington, to discuss fundraising challenges and opportunities. They dubbed this first gathering, "The Woodmark Forum." They settled on the name, "The Woodmark Group" – a sentimental favorite – when it came time to incorporate as a non-profit organization in 2000.

The Woodmark Group is a volunteer-driven organization. It is funded primarily through hospitals' membership fees. The organization is governed by a board of up to nine chief development officers from among the member hospitals, who are elected by their peers. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a full-time executive director and part-time administrative staff based in Seattle.