Since 2013 we have brought communities across the nation together to participate in a pilot program using an adapted version of the evidence-based Baldrige Excellence Framework. We were inspired by the success of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program and the benefits generated for organizations using the Framework.
We are proud to be a part of the Baldrige Enterprise, which consists of five, independent, mutually supporting entities. Together we form the most unique and successful Public-Private Partnership in the U.S. Government. We are close partners with each member of the Enterprise. The Baldrige Program, the Baldrige Foundation, and the Alliance for Performance Excellence all contribute their time and talent to support our continued success.
In addition to Communities of Excellence, the entities are:
- The Baldrige Performance Excellence Program (BPEP). BPEP is the “public partner” designed to recognize and improve performance of the nation’s businesses, health care organizations, educational systems, and non-profit organizations and government agencies through defining, recognizing, and fostering quality and performance excellence.
- The Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, Inc., also known as the Baldrige Foundation, was created as the private partner to the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program in 1988. Its mission is to ensure the long-term financial viability of the Baldrige Program and to support organizational performance excellence throughout the United States and the world.
- The Alliance for Performance Excellence, a nonprofit national network that aims to enhance the success and sustainability of 28 state, local and sector Baldrige-based programs. Alliance members cover all 50 states and provide Baldrige-based assessments, recognition, and other offerings.
- The American Society for Quality (ASQ), which assists in the administration of the award program under a contract with NIST. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. ASQ champions people passionate about quality in more than 150 countries.
