C.O.R.E. Assessment and Recognition Program
Celebrating progress, strengthening collaboration, and 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.
In July of 2022, President Biden signed into law the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which also authorized “Community” becoming the seventh category of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards. This bill authorizes American communities to apply for and receive presidential-level recognition for efforts to systematically improve community performance across all sectors and collectively achieve better community outcomes. Communities now join American businesses and nonprofit organizations in applying continuous improvement practices to improve community outcomes related to health and wellness, educational attainment, economic vitality, and quality of life. Read our Press Release about this exciting achievement!
