The America’s Most Admired™ Culture Award Winners

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DRiWaterstone Announces Winners of the Inaugural America’s Most Admired Culture Award

DRiWaterstone Human Capital is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural America’s Most Admired Culture Awards, recognizing the highest level of leadership excellence, organizational integrity, and mission-driven impact across the nonprofit sector.

The inaugural awards celebration will take place on April 22, at the White House Historical Society in Washington, DC, from 5:00–7:30 PM. The event is free to attend, with advance registration required.

Established to honor extraordinary nonprofit organizations and leaders, the America’s Most Admired Culture Awards represent the industry’s most prestigious recognition for those who exemplify the powerful connection between organizational culture, measurable outcomes, and lasting community impact. These awards celebrate institutions that have demonstrated—consistently and convincingly—that strong values, engaged teams, and purpose-driven leadership are essential drivers of sustainable results.

This year’s honorees reflect the very best of the nonprofit sector: organizations and leaders who have built cultures rooted in accountability, collaboration, equity, and excellence—while delivering meaningful, measurable change for the communities they serve. Their work stands as a model for what is possible when mission, strategy, and people are aligned.

Through this awards program, DRiWaterstone affirms its longstanding commitment to advancing leadership and organizational effectiveness across nonprofits, associations, foundations, and higher education institutions nationwide. The America’s Most Admired Culture Awards highlight those who are not only achieving exceptional results today, but who are shaping the future of the sector.


Winners of the 2025 America’s Most Admired Culture Awards

  • American Rivers (Washington, DC)
  • Charles E. Smith Life Communities (Rockville, MD)
  • Covenant House International (New York, NY)
  • College of Adaptive Arts (Saratoga, CA)
  • HealthWorks for Northern Virginia (Leesburg, VA)
  • Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area (Salt Lake City, UT)
  • The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (Palm Springs and Coachella, CA)
  • NOVA ScriptsCentral (Falls Church, VA)
  • Sacramento LGBT Community Center (Sacramento, CA)
  • Jazz at Lincoln Center (New York, NY)

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence

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On behalf of DRiWaterstone Human Capital, I am pleased to announce that the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), CFRE International, and BetterWorld will serve as presenting sponsors of the inaugural America’s Most Admired Cultures Award, taking place on April 22 in Washington, DC.

We are deeply grateful for their partnership and proud to align this important initiative with three organizations that represent the very best of the nonprofit sector. Each of these institutions brings a distinguished history of leadership, a steadfast commitment to advancing impact, and a forward-thinking perspective that continues to shape the future of philanthropy and mission-driven work.

From the outset, our intention was to partner with organizations whose credibility and influence reflect the spirit of this award—one that recognizes nonprofit cultures where leadership, values, and measurable outcomes intersect to drive meaningful change. AFP, CFRE International, and BetterWorld embody these principles in both their work and their leadership across the sector.

As we prepare to celebrate the inaugural class of honorees, we are honored to do so alongside partners who elevate the standards of excellence and inspire organizations nationwide.

Doug Trout, CEO of DRiWaterstone, shared:

“We were intentional in seeking partners whose leadership and credibility are synonymous with excellence in the nonprofit sector. AFP, CFRE International, and BetterWorld each represent a distinct and powerful force for good—organizations that not only understand the importance of culture but actively shape it in ways that drive impact. Their partnership in launching America’s Most Admired Cultures Award reinforces the significance of this moment for our field.”

We look forward to celebrating with many of you on April 22.

With appreciation,

Doug Trout
Chief Executive Officer
DRiWaterstone Human Capital

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