F.A.Q.

Why did the Awards Program leave the University of Maryland?
The University made a strategic decision in 2008, to focus its resources more directly on its core business of education and research. As a result, it no longer houses the program on its campus nor provides staffing and resources to support it. In addition, the U.S. Senate Productivity Awards, that provided the initial impetus for the program in 1983, is no longer awarded after the 2008 program cycle.

Will the Senators continue to support the Program?
Maryland’s U.S. Senators have sponsored the awards program since its founding at the University of Maryland in 1983. However, since the program is no longer affiliated with the University of Maryland (a public institution) and is managed by the Maryland Performance Excellence Foundation, the Senators no longer sponsor the program. However, we are working on other potential high-level supporters and that will be in place for the next awards cycle.

Does the Foundation have a business plan?
The Foundation has a draft business plan which includes an overview of the new structure, organizational history, market opportunity, business model, strategic partnerships, leadership, implementation plan, budget, names of participating organizations, strategic objectives and more. If you are interested in reviewing it, contact our Executive Director for a copy.

What is the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence?
The Baldrige Criteria is a management tool for high-performing organizations which provides a comprehensive approach to leadership; strategic planning; customer/market focus; measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus; and the management of processes—all with a goal for data-driven results. The tool/management tool is non-prescriptive and adaptive, and can be used by large and small organizations, manufacturers and service providers, health care and educational institutions, and private and public sector organizations. The Criteria are reviewed and updated annually by the Baldrige National Quality Program to address a dynamic environment.

Do other states have similar programs?
There are nearly 40 state and local awards programs affiliated with the Baldrige National Quality Program and the Alliance for Performance Excellence, a network of state and local awards programs. Maryland’s awards program was founded by Senator Mathias in 1983 as the U.S. Senate Productivity Award program. It preceded the Baldrige National Quality Program, which was created by an act of Congress is 1987. Maryland adopted the Baldrige Criteria in 1997.

Where is the Foundation located?
The goal is to locate the awards Foundation office in a convenient location in central Maryland, so that it is accessible to stakeholders from throughout the state. Initially, the administrative office will be maintained at our Executive Director’s home office, but meetings and training sessions will be conducted at facilities in central Maryland. We are currently looking for a host site and hope to find a permanent home in 2009.

What is your budget?
The projected annual budget is approximately $275,000 plus startup costs of $40,000. Income will be derived from contributions, grants, program fees and the annual conference. Expenses include staff, office, operations, training, marketing, professional fees, awards process, and the conference. We anticipate that some of the expenses may be covered with in-kind services provided by partnering organizations.

How do you expect to raise money to support an ongoing program?
This is a major challenge in the current economic environment; however, we have a large network of individuals and organizations who have been involved with the awards program for several years and we anticipate receiving contributions from many of those stakeholders. We have established award levels from under $100 to over $10,000 and will recognize donors for their annual contributions. We will also be contacting private industry, foundations, trade organizations, and government agencies for support. In addition, program fees will be assessed for workshops and award applications; and the annual conference is designed to generate revenue with registration fees, advertising, exhibits, and sponsorships. A membership program may be considered at a later point in time.

What type of in-kind contributions are you looking for?
Some examples include office space/facilities and services such as copy service, computers, and IT support; meeting rooms and training facilities; website development, maintenance and hosting; marketing support; legal, accounting and other professional services; conference hosting, and more.

How many organizations / individuals are involved in the awards program each year?
Since the founding of the awards program in 1983, nearly 200 award applications have been assessed and feedback provided to those organizations. Annually, 70 to 100 volunteers participate in the awards process as Examiners, Mentors, Trainers and Executive Guidance Board members; 6 to 12+ organizations submit award applications; 40 to 70 individuals participate in workshops; and 200 to 300 persons attend the annual conference. A Performance Excellence Users Group was established in 2008 and attendance at those bi-monthly meetings averages 20 to 25.

Is a contribution to the Foundation/awards program tax deductible?
The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and contributions are tax deductible. The Secretary will send an acknowledgement letter to each donor which should be maintained with the donor’s tax records.

Who is serving on your board?
The initial Board is comprised of current and former members of the MPEA Executive Guidance Board who are leading edge thinkers, experienced practitioners of the concepts of integrated management systems, and are knowledgeable of the Baldrige Criteria and the Maryland Performance Excellence Awards program.
We will be bringing on new Board members with name recognition and well-established networks in manufacturing, service, small business, education, health care, nonprofit and government. We are also looking for Board members with experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations, and community leadership; professional skills in accounting and legal services; and business management skills and experience. The Board has 8 members plus the Executive Director, as a non-voting member.

Will there be an awards program in 2009?
The goal is to get the Foundation established, an office set up, and fundraising well underway in 2009 and kickoff the next awards cycle in October 2009 with examiner applications and applicant eligibility forms due at that time. Award applications will be due in early December; examiner orientation and training will be scheduled in December and January; independent review, consensus review and site visits will occur from January through April; and, the awards conference will be held in June 2010.

What happens to my donation if the Foundation is not successful in raising adequate funds to support the program and when would that decision be made?
The Board of Directors and Transition Leadership Team members are doing all that they can as volunteers to raise adequate funds to support the program. Whether the program continues is determined by the success of the fundraising efforts in raising the funds needed to administer the program. If the board determines that the Foundation is not feasible, all unused portions of the funds raised will be returned to the donors. The Foundation will be very good stewards of the funds. It is too early in our planning to know when that decision will be made, as we are very early in our fundraising campaign.