Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

The Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was created to provide the private sector a means of accomplishing the following Award objectives: raise sufficient funds to establish an endowment which, when supplemented by fees from Award applicants, would permanently fund the Program; oversee the investment of endowment funds; review Program accomplishments; disburse required funds to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); and review the plan and approve associated funds requirements for subsequent years to ensure a successful Award program.

The Foundation has no oversight of the Baldrige program and has no involvement in the award process.

Originally, three types of organizations were eligible: manufacturers, service companies and small businesses. In 1998, the President and the U.S. Congress approved legislation that made education and health care organizations eligible to participate in the Award Program in 1999. In 2006 the President and the U.S. Congress approved legislation that made nonprofit organizations (including charities, trade and professional organizations, and government agencies) eligible to participate in the Award Program in 2007. The Award promotes excellence in organizational performance, recognizes the achievements and results of U.S. organizations, and publicizes successful performance strategies. The Award is not given for specific products or services.

Leaders of prominent organizations have been selected to serve as Foundation Trustees to ensure that the Foundation's objectives of supporting the Award process are accomplished. In addition, a broad cross-section of organizations from throughout the United States provide financial support to the Foundation.

For information regarding the Baldrige Foundation, visit The Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award Inc. where you can also view the Board of Directors. 

For more information about the Baldrige Program, contact Baldrige Customer Service: baldrige@nist.gov; or 301-975-2036.