#USA #Kansas City #nonprofit #American Public Works Association #Best Nonprofits

APWA Achieves Landmark Recognition as One of the Best Nonprofits to Work For

The American Public Works Association (APWA) has achieved a significant milestone by being recognized as one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2026. This esteemed acknowledgment comes from The NonProfit Times, a well-respected publication focusing exclusively on the nonprofit sector. Remarkably, this is the first year that APWA has made its debut on this prestigious list, landing at an impressive 11th place among medium-sized nonprofits and 23rd overall out of all participating organizations.

Remarkable Achievement for APWA

APWA's recognition is not just a testament to its commitment to public service but also a reflection of its internal culture and employee satisfaction. CEO Scott D. Grayson expressed his pride in this achievement, attributing it to the dedication and passion of the organization’s staff, along with strong partnerships with the APWA Board of Directors and its vast membership base of over 30,000 individuals. Grayson praised his team's entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, indicating that such recognition wouldn't have been feasible without their collective efforts.

How the Rankings Were Determined

To qualify for this honor, organizations must meet specific criteria, including being a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with at least 15 employees and a minimum operational history of one year. The selection process involves a two-part evaluation: a comprehensive review of workplace policies and practices (25% of the total score) paired with an employee survey that assesses the overall workplace experience (75% of the total score). These rankings were established based on the combined results of both evaluations.

The survey, managed by Workforce Research, collected data from both staff and management through 77 questions across nine critical categories. These categories include: Core Employee Experience, Your Job, Communication and Workplace Culture, Relationship with Your Manager, Training, Technology and Professional Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership of This Organization, Employee Benefits, and Work-Life Balance. Each response was scored on a scale of 0 to 100%.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey revealed ten common themes shared among organizations that made it to this year’s list:

1. Feeling Valued: Employees expressed that they feel valued by the organization.
2. Leadership Confidence: There is a high level of trust in the organization's leadership.
3. Job Satisfaction: Employees reported enjoyment in the work they do.
4. Progress Recognition: A majority feel that they achieve progress daily in their roles.
5. Trust in Communication: The organization maintains transparency in its communications.
6. Workplace Enjoyment: Employees noted that there is a fun atmosphere at work.
7. Team Spirit: A sense of teamwork exists, driving individuals toward shared objectives.
8. Fair Compensation: Employees feel that their pay is fair relative to their contributions.
9. Personal Treatment: The organization treats employees as individuals, not just numbers.
10. Ongoing Training: Employees have access to adequate training resources, supporting their professional growth.

The Impact of the Recognition

This recognition showcases APWA's commitment not only to public works but also to fostering a positive work environment. It underlines the notion that successful nonprofits prioritize their employees’ well-being, satisfaction, and professional development. By focusing on these areas, APWA sets an example for other organizations in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the need for strong internal cultures that value every member of the team.

For further insights into the Best Nonprofits to Work For program by The NonProfit Times, visit their website. This acknowledgment paves the way for APWA to continue its mission in shaping the future of public works, enhancing the value they provide both to their members and the communities they serve.

For more information about APWA, you can visit their official website at apwa.org, where they highlight their ongoing initiatives and commitment to public service.

Conclusion

The American Public Works Association's recognition as a leading nonprofit employer emphasizes the importance of workplace culture and employee satisfaction. With a focus on leadership, innovation, and employee value, APWA continues to set benchmarks in the nonprofit sector while remaining committed to its mission of promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education and advocacy.