Pursuit of Excellence Award

The program's principal recognition, the Pursuit of Excellence Award, is awarded to NFDA-member funeral homes that fulfill required criteria in all six categories of achievement: Basic Requirements; Continuing Education and Staff Development; Family Outreach, Support and Services; Community Service and Education; Professional Service and Participation; and Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations.

In addition to a certificate of achievement and a brass date plate, award recipients will receive a suite of promotional materials to help them publicize their award.

Click here to view the 2011 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients.

Best of the Best

As part of the entry process, all program participants are required to submit an essay describing the development and execution of a program or service that had a positive impact on those served. Participants have the option of submitting this essay for Best of the Best consideration – a program recognition in addition to the Pursuit of Excellence Award.

Each year, up to 10 Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients will also be recognized with a Best of the Best Award. Essays are judged on the uniqueness of the idea on a national level, quality of implementation, overall benefit to those served, overall benefit to the funeral home and how easily the idea can be replicated or modified by another funeral home.

To be considered for Best of the Best, funeral homes must include documentation with their essay. Examples of documentation include photographs, advertisements, newspaper clippings, etc.

If your firm has an innovative program or service you would like considered for Best of the Best, please check the appropriate box on the registration form found in this booklet or within the online application. Visit www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence to view essays of previous Best of the Best Award recipients.

Best of the Best Award recipients will receive a framed certificate of achievement and access to special promotional materials to help them publicize their award.

Click here to view Best of the Best recipients and their innovative essays.

Hall of Excellence

Created to recognize long-term participation in the Pursuit of Excellence program and a consistent display of service excellence, NFDA-member funeral homes will be inducted into the Hall of Excellence upon receiving their 10th Pursuit of Excellence Award.

All inductees will receive a complimentary distinguished medallion on a neck ribbon, a framed certificate, a "brick" on the official Hall of Excellence wall at NFDA headquarters in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and access to special promotional materials to help them publicize their award.

Click here to view Hall of Excellence inductees.