WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced the winners of its 25th Annual Citizens Awards—nine companies that have shown remarkable leadership in developing solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. The recipients illustrate the power of business to improve communities by boosting early literacy, enhancing climate resilience, advancing STEM education, and promoting civic engagement, among others.
"The impact and ingenuity of this year's winners demonstrate what's possible when business solves society's most pressing challenges,” said Michael Carney, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “These companies aren't just innovating – they're transforming communities and setting a new standard for corporate citizenship. Their achievements exemplify business leadership at its finest, showing how the private sector can drive meaningful change when guided by purpose."
The U.S. Chamber Foundation presented the Citizens Awards across nine categories:
- Best Corporate Steward – Large Business: Tata Consultancy Services
Through its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) empowers millions of women, youth, and marginalized groups in the digital economy. It has invested $571 million in social impact since 2020, benefiting 15.9 million people with literacy and digital skills. Additionally, TCS has reduced emissions by 80% as part of its net zero by 2030 goal. - Best Corporate Steward – Small and Middle-Market Business: Vector Global Logistics
Vector Global Logistics’ Logistics With Purpose program integrates charity with every shipment, providing meals, medical care, and more, to communities in need. Its Leveraging Logistics for Ukraine initiative has shipped over 1 million pounds of aid. The company also supports unlimited volunteering for its employees and spotlights changemakers on its podcast. - Best Commitment to Education Program: Samsung
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national STEM competition for U.S. public middle and high schools. It inspires students to solve local issues using science, technology, engineering and math skills, fostering innovation and cultivating a skilled workforce. Over 15 years, it has awarded over $27 million in technology and supplies to more than 4,000 schools. - Best Community Improvement Program: Creature Comforts Brewing Company
Creature Comforts’ community giving program, Get Comfortable, is a partnership with businesses, local leadership, the University of Georgia, Clarke County School District, and Books For Keeps, to improve early literacy and third-grade reading proficiency in Athens, Georgia. After three years of significant gains, the program is expanding to additional schools. - Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program: AT&T
AT&T’s Climate Risk and Resilience Portal offers free, localized climate data to aid community planners and disaster mitigation officials in creating informed plans. Additionally, AT&T restores connectivity post-disasters using assets like portable cell sites and satellite solutions. These efforts ensure communities are better prepared for future climate risks. - Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program: Capital One
Capital One partnered with the National College Attainment Network and 15 member organizations to support Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion in 20 cities across the country. The program used Capital One Cafés for free FAFSA workshops and offered 24/7 text message support, guiding students on FAFSA-related topics and automatically answering questions. - Best Health and Wellness Program: Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Inc.
Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care, supported by Teva, Direct Relief, and the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, enhances mental and behavioral health care for underserved populations. This initiative also provides grants and donations of generic medicines to free and charitable clinics, improving access to treatment for depression and anxiety among uninsured patients. - Best Sustainability Program: Southwest Airlines
Through its global sustainability initiative, Repurpose with Purpose, Southwest Airlines® upcycles aircraft seat leather, keeping it out of landfills. Since 2014, the program has donated over $2 million and 1.4 million pounds of leather, providing employment, skills training, and other benefits to communities worldwide, while also enhancing aircraft fuel efficiency by updating its seat design. - Best Civic Engagement Program: MicrosoftMicrosoft’s Democracy Forward Initiative protects democratic processes and information integrity through technology and partnerships. It defends against cyber-attacks and promotes civic engagement. Microsoft partners with organizations like National Voter Registration Day to enhance voter information and registration, as well as helps employees activate around issues that matter to them through the Civic Engagement Hub.
“These companies embody what it means to be a force for good, meeting our biggest challenges with creativity and innovation,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are honored to recognize their unwavering dedication to building a stronger, more resilient future.”
The annual Citizens Awards are announced at the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Solves Conference. More information on this year’s winners is available on the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s website. You can watch the award program and the acceptance speeches in the coming days at this link.
