Awards

Founding Forward recognizes citizens and organizations as community leaders through the National Awards and Distinguished Citizen Awards programs. Over 57,000 citizens have been honored since 1949 as champions of the ideals in the Bill of Responsibilities.

National Awards

The National Awards are presented to nominees who exemplify being an engaged citizen through their committed efforts to improving our country. Since General Dwight D. Eisenhower handed out the first awards in 1949, tens of thousands of awards have been presented to Americans; from business owners, elementary students, teachers, and military personnel.

National Awards Categories

The awards span seven categories, including:

Community

Those who continuously serve their local and regional communities.

School

Those who demonstrate patriotism and character in a classroom setting

Educators

Those who instill in their students a sense of civic responsibility and pride

Public Communications

Those who deliver significant addresses, sermons, editorials, books, articles, and beyond

Special Events

Those that significantly impact the community, state, or nation, and advance public understanding of the American way of life

Youth Essay

Those who submit exceptional work on the annual youth essay topic.

Military Essay

Those that submit exceptional work on the specified military topic; open to personnel of the Armed Forces on active or reserve duty, members of the National Guard, ROTC, JROTC, NSCC, and NLCC

Chapter Awards

In addition to the National Awards, the Sacramento Chapter has recognized students, teachers and community members with the awards listed below.

Chapter Essay Contest

Our chapter essay contest is part of the National Essay Contest. Chapter winners in each of the divisions receive cash prizes. Their essays are then submitted to the national contest. See previous winners.

Teacher of the Year

Each year the Sacramento Chapter recognizes an outstanding teacher and presents this award at the annual Awards Banquet.

Senior Scholarships

Each year graduating seniors are awarded scholarships based on their academic performance as well as community service and involvement with Freedoms Foundation programs.

Awards History

The Sacramento Chapter has a 13-year history of providing opportunities for individuals to win awards. Please take a moment and look at the Sacramento Chapter Award Winners from 2010 to 2025.

Sacramento Volunteer Chapter Donations

Donations of any amount help us fulfill our mission and send teachers and students to attend civic education programs at Founding Forward.