History

The Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was created to provide the private sector a means of accomplishing the following Award objectives: a) raise sufficient funds to establish an endowment which, when supplemented by fees from Award applicants, would permanently fund the Program; b) oversee the investment of endowment funds; c) review Program accomplishments; d) disburse required funds to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); and e) 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. Finally, in 2006 the President and the U.S. Congress approved legislation that made non-profit organizations (including charities, trade and professional associations, 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 provides financial support to the Foundation.

For information regarding the Baldrige Foundation, please contact Thom Schamberger, Executive Director of The Foundation at ed@baldrigefoundation.org.