The Corporate Citizenship Awards (Citizens Awards) recognize businesses that demonstrate leadership in addressing global challenges through impactful corporate citizenship initiatives. For more than 25 years, the programme has highlighted the role of businesses as a force for good by showcasing initiatives that create meaningful change across society. The awards celebrate how companies contribute beyond profit-making by investing in community development and sustainable progress.

Overview

The Citizens Awards focus on recognizing innovative and impactful corporate citizenship initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise, improve communities, expand opportunity, drive societal progress, and strengthen communities in the United States and around the world. The programme is administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness by harnessing the power of business to solve societal challenges.

Eligibility

Businesses of all sizes, as well as chambers of commerce and trade associations, are eligible to participate in the awards. Entities may either nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party, provided that the nominated organization is aware of the submission and prepared to engage in the awards process. Organizations can also apply as part of a partnership, though a single primary entity must be identified as the main point of contact and potential finalist.

Submissions are accepted across multiple categories, with separate applications required for each. While a single initiative may be submitted to more than one category, it can only be selected as a finalist in one, based on evaluation scores. Past winners are required to wait two years before reapplying in the same category, although they may submit entries in new categories during that period. There is no fee to submit nominations, and organizations may submit multiple entries across categories each year.

Application Process

Applicants must ensure that their work can be publicly shared, and finalists are expected to provide high-quality multimedia materials to support recognition efforts. Winners are also required to contribute as judges in the following year’s evaluation process. Entities may apply directly via the application page on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation website.

Deadline and Timeline

Closing Date: 18 June 2026

Contact Information

For further details and to submit an application, visit the official Citizens Awards page at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.