About the Awards

The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Awards for Distinguished DC Government Employees is an annual program designed to recognize and reward outstanding performance and exemplary service by DC Government employees. Established in 2000, the Awards are presented to five individuals who play a critical, yet in many cases, unseen role of providing outstanding service to the citizens of Washington, DC. The Awards honor individuals whose contributions have been exceptional and whose commitment and professionalism demonstrate the best in public service.

Winners receive a $7,500 cash prize and a trophy.

Any full-time employee of the District of Columbia government not in higher-level management is eligible for an award. The employee must have at least five years of continuous employment with the government of the District of Columbia. Volunteers, temporary, or contract workers are not eligible to participate. Teachers and principals are also not eligible. Anyone may submit nominations.

The Awards program is made possible by a grant from the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. It was created by DC Agenda and the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (formerly the Center for Excellence in Municipal Management). It is now managed by the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership at The George Washington University.