American Heritage Awards

About the Awards

The American Heritage Awards celebrate the NSCDA’s ideals while supporting Dames' involvement in their local communities. The Awards recognize non-profit organizations or groups that show dedication to patriotism and American heritage. The recipient or recipients must use this financial Award to promote these ideals through community work, programs, or special projects.

Each year, four Corporate Societies from different Groups across the country, known as “Spotlight Societies,” select the recipient or recipients of the Award. Each Corporate Society takes a turn as the “Spotlight Society” according to a rotating schedule. So, every Corporate Society has the opportunity to choose a worthy organization to support, with that amount of support able to grow thanks to help from Supporting Societies and the NSCDA as well.

The total amount of an Award is determined by contributions from the Spotlight Societies, all of the Supporting Societies in the same Group, and a $1000 contribution from the NSCDA Scholarship, Grants and Awards Committee.
As we celebrate the fifth year of the American Heritage Awards, we expect that each Corporate Society will support the Awards chosen by the Spotlight Societies. In this way, every Corporate Society is taking part in supporting Dames involvement in their local communities.

All About American Heritage Awards
Past Recipients

Past Recipients

The Nebraska Memorial Forest

2024-2025 Recipient The Nebraska Memorial Forest is a project to plant 7,500 trees for military or first responder fallen heroes, with over 2500 trees planted to date. Selected by the Nebraska Society.

William Henry Harrison Riverfront Park

2024-2025 Recipient The Park, located in North Bend, Ohio, is working on a project to transform the 14-acre site to include trails, a play area, an interpretive center, and a riverfront pavilion. Selected by the Ohio Society.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island

2024-2025 Recipient OSDRI provides Veterans permanent and transitional housing assistance as well as help with job placement, legal assistance, and basic necessities. Selected by the Rhode Island Society

Memorial Park, Jacksonville

2024-2025 Recipient The historic park, dedicated to Jacksonville veterans who did in World War I, is being refurbished to celebrate its 100th year. This park was laid out by the Olmsted brothers, sons of the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Selected by the Florida Society.