Stronger communities by design.
Our Story
We began as Communities of Excellence 2026, a national nonprofit inspired by the Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence. Our goal was ambitious but clear: to bring the principles that drive excellence in organizations to the broader systems that shape community life.
Over time, the work evolved and so did we. Communities weren’t just striving for excellence; they were building resilience. They were learning how to adapt, align, and lead together through change.
In 2025, we embraced that evolution with a new name and identity: C.O.R.E. — Communities of Resilience & Excellence.
Our new name reflects both our roots and our future - a recognition that thriving communities aren’t built by chance. They’re built by design, through collaboration, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to improving quality of life for all.
Our Vision
A network of thriving, resilient communities where every resident can live well and feel they belong.
Our Mission
Partnering with communities to align people around shared purpose, collaborate across sectors, and improve the conditions that shape quality of life for all.
Our Values
- Collaboration – We bring people and sectors together to solve complex challenges that no one can tackle alone.
- Continuous Learning – We embrace feedback, adapt to change, and continually improve to achieve lasting results.
- Impact – We focus on measurable, meaningful change that improves quality of life for all residents.
- Inclusion – We ensure all voices are heard and valued, especially those historically and currently excluded from decision-making.
- Transparency – We share information openly, communicate honestly, and model the trust we expect in community partnerships.
Our Approach
C.O.R.E. partners with communities to build cross-sector teams, align around shared priorities, and use evidence-based tools to drive measurable progress. We help communities:
- Develop shared purpose and strong cross sector teams
- Understand and take action together on system-level challenges and opportunities
- Use data to inform decisions and measure impact
- Build resilience that sustains progress over time
Our Network
Since 2015, more than 35 communities across the country have engaged in our programs, from early adopters to national leaders shaping the future of community transformation. Together, they’re building a movement for resilient, equitable, high-performing communities.
Our Future
As C.O.R.E., we’re expanding beyond frameworks and recognition to deliver next-generation tools and pathways - helping communities move from learning to measurable impact.
Our work today connects people, data, and purpose in new ways by ensuring that every community, no matter its size or starting point, has what it needs to see the forest and the trees.
