C.O.R.E. Assessment and Recognition Program
Celebrating progress, strengthening collaboration, and building stronger communities
Our Assessment and Recognition Program celebrates communities that are working together across sectors to improve quality of life. Whether you're just getting started or already demonstrating measurable results, our tiered recognition levels are designed to support and highlight your progress.
Why Participate?
This program is designed to help communities:
- Celebrate progress toward their shared goals
- Receive meaningful, actionable feedback to improve
- Strengthen their use of the C.O.R.E. Guide
- Inspire other communities by sharing what works
Timeline:
- Level 1 assessments are accepted year-round
- Levels 2–3 assessments are due July 1st annually
- See level-specific details and deadlines
Background on this Program:
The program was first launched in 2017 in partnership with the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. In parallel with Baldrige Program’s mission, the purpose of the program is threefold:
- To develop a nationally recognized standard of community resilience and excellence.
- To establish role models of that standard through the Recognition Program.
- To encourage continuous improvement through sharing of best practices and provision of feedback to communities on their journeys that will lead to better outcomes for the residents they serve.
Beginning in 2026, communities can apply for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award—the nation's highest recognition for performance excellence and the only presidential-level award recognizing organizational and community achievement.
Authorized by Congress in 2022, the new Community category recognizes geographic communities that demonstrate role-model performance in collaboration, leadership, and improving quality of life and outcomes for residents. The criteria for the Community category are based on the C.O.R.E. Guide, developed by Communities of Resilience & Excellence (C.O.R.E.), making it the foundation for this historic national recognition. Review the Community Award Criteria here.
