The Citizens Awards are given in nine categories. There is no fee to nominate and no limit on the number of nominations an organization can submit.
Best Civic Engagement Program
The Citizen Award for this category will recognize an outstanding business or chamber of commerce that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to elevating civics as a top priority.
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to those that have created and implemented innovative civics programs and/or resources that empower their employees and communities to gain knowledge, skills, and disposition vital to participating in civic life. By actively promoting the importance of civics, these applicants are making a significant and lasting impact on their communities and fostering informed and engaged citizens poised to shape the future of their communities and society.
Best Commitment to Education Program
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to a single strategic initiative focused on improving educational outcomes for students. Eligible initiatives could focus on a number of global or domestic topics including (but not limited to): STEM, soft skills, early education, teacher training, access to technology and resources.
Best Community Improvement Program
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to a single strategic initiative focused on community improvement. Eligible initiatives could focus on global or domestic topics including (but not limited to): housing, poverty, economic development, community safety, green space, arts and culture, youth development, nonprofit capacity building, or infrastructural improvement.
Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to a single strategic initiative focused on community resilience and disaster response. Eligible initiatives could focus on global or domestic topics including (but not limited to): individual and community preparedness, pre-disaster mitigation, immediate response (especially for those most vulnerable), or long-term recovery.
Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to a single strategic initiative focused on economic empowerment. Eligible initiatives could focus on global or domestic topics including (but not limited to): financial inclusion and literacy, entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and workforce development.
Best Health and Wellness Program
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to a single strategic initiative focused on health and wellness. Eligible initiatives could focus on global or domestic topics including (but not limited to): workplace wellness, community wellness, nutrition and obesity prevention, food security, disease prevention, and improved access to health care services.
Best Sustainability Program
The Citizen Award for this category is dedicated to a single strategic initiative focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the circular economy. Eligible initiatives could focus on global or domestic topics including (but not limited to): climate solutions, circular economy, conservation, energy efficiency and clean energy, fleet and transportation, manufacturing design and innovation, resource stewardship, sustainable procurement, sustainable supply chain, or waste and materials management.
Best Corporate Steward
A corporate steward is a company that conducts its business in a way that creates “shared value.” This means creating value for shareholders, delivering high quality products and services to customers, providing a great place to work for employees, supporting the wellbeing and development of communities near and far, reducing environmental footprint, and helping suppliers to deliver shared value too. A corporate steward follows the letter and spirit of the law and goes well beyond this to contribute actively to enhancing the communities in which it operates and care for the environment in a way that supports the long-term success of business.
The Best Corporate Steward award recognizes companies that are responsive and responsible members of society, whose overall values, operational practices, and decision-making exemplify “shared value."
This year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation will present two Best Corporate Steward awards:
- Best Corporate Steward: Small and Middle-Market Business—Companies with revenue of $1 billion or less will be eligible for the Best Corporate Steward: Small and Middle-Market Business award.
- Best Corporate Steward: Large Business—Companies with revenue more than $1 billion will be eligible for the Best Corporate Steward: Large Business award.
