About the Award

The Excellence Award in Social Responsibility recognizes organizations that demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating positive societal impact through intentional, mission-aligned systems and practices. These organizations have established structured approaches for understanding stakeholder and community needs, identifying opportunities to contribute, and delivering meaningful outcomes that benefit society while supporting organizational purpose.

Rather than relying on isolated charitable activities or one-time initiatives, recipients demonstrate a systematic approach to social responsibility that is integrated into strategy, operations, partnerships, and decision-making. Their efforts produce measurable and sustainable benefits for communities, stakeholders, and society while strengthening trust, engagement, and long-term organizational success.

This award recognizes a systematic and sustained approach to social responsibility that creates meaningful and measurable societal impact over time. It does not recognize isolated acts of philanthropy, charitable donations, or one-time community events. 

Who May Be Nominated

Any individual or organization may either self-nominate or be nominated for this award.

Strong Nominees Demonstrate

• A structured approach to identifying community priorities 
• Alignment between community initiatives and organizational mission 
• Consistent execution of community programs or partnerships 
• Measurable or observable outcomes that demonstrate real impact 
• Sustained engagement over time 
• Evidence of learning and refinement 

Role of Examples

Nominators must include at least one community initiative that shows:

• The need addressed 
• How the system guided the response 
• The resulting impact 

Award Limits

• Up to one recipient may be recognized each year
• Award is not guaranteed and may be withheld

Ready to Nominate an Organization

• Learn more about How to Apply and Key Dates. 
• Prepare the required submission information listed below. 
• When ready to nominate a leader, select the "APPLY NOW" button, located at the top.

Submission Requirements

1. Online Award Nomination Form
   Fill out the nomination form in the online application.  
    
2. Business Overview
   Nomination must include a business overview of the organization. 
    
3. Nomination Essay (1,200 word limit) 
   The essay must address your organization’s approach to community impact, including how community needs are identified, how initiatives are designed and prioritized, and how impact is measured over time. Include one specific example of a community initiative and explain the need that was addressed, how your system guided the effort, and what measurable or observable impact was achieved.
    

Questions and Online Application Help
awards@baldrigefoundation.org | 202.559.9195 | M-F, 9 AM–5 PM (ET)