National Awards

Through our National Awards program, we search for those doing good work in their communities, people or organizations bringing about the best in the spirit of America.

The George Washington Honor Medal

The George Washington Honor Medal is bestowed upon nominees who exemplify civic responsibility and whose efforts bring out the best of the American spirit. Since General Dwight D. Eisenhower presented the first award in 1949, we have honored over 57,000 individuals and organizations from across the country, including the famous and unsung from all walks of life and businesses and organizations large and small. There is an open nomination process to identify potential honorees. Deadline to submit nominations is June 1, 2025.

National awards categories

The awards span seven categories, including:

Community

Adult and Youth

For programs by groups or individuals who go above and beyond on a local, regional, or national level to promote good works and serve their communities on an ongoing, day-to-day basis. Programs or projects should have been conducted for at least one year or longer and be a series of works.

School

Elementary Through College/University

Honoring activities by a school or classroom. Focus should be placed on students’ community involvement in action, with emphasis on patriotism, individual character, and responsible citizenship.

Educators

Elementary Through College/University

Honoring teachers and administrators who go above and beyond for their students and America’s youth. These educators also instill in their students a sense of the importance of community involvement, responsible citizenship, and patriotism.

Public Communications

Recognizes the most significant dynamic addresses, sermons, editorials, letters to the editor, books, articles, or television and radio programs that increase the understanding of our American Way of Life. These communications may be a one-time work or a series of works.

Special Events

Awards are given for significant events that impact the community, state, and/or nation while increasing an understanding of our American way of life. These can be single- or multi-day events.

Youth Essay

Founding Forward collects compelling essays submitted by students from across the country on an annually-selected topic. The essay contest is open to K-12 students.

Military Essay

Open to personnel of the Armed Forces on active or reserve duty, members of the National Guard, ROTC, JROTC, NSCC and NLCC. The essay should focus on service to country, must be doubled space, and contain 750-1,000 words.

Award submission process

Entry format

Entries should consist of a one-page summary and no more than 10 supporting documents. Supporting documents include letters of commendation, project-in-action photographs, news clippings, program outlines, and/or a supporting video. Entries must be submitted online.

Selection process

Award selections are determined in accordance with non-partisan guidelines established by Founding Forward and are reviewed by a distinguished independent National Awards jury panel comprised of officers from national service, civic, veterans, and educational organizations.

Awards

Recipients receive the George Washington Honor Medal.

Award Announcement

Recipients will be notified by September 30, 2024. Ceremonies honoring the award recipients are conducted nationwide by Founding Forward volunteer chapters.

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Upcoming Programs

Spirit of America IX

Library Hour: The Partnership: The Partnership that Won World War II with author Ted Aldrich