Innovation Awards

Anyone can submit an innovative CSR program on behalf of a company that was involved. This includes consultants, nonprofit partners, agencies, service providers, vendors, etc. However, only for-profit companies can win the awards. (When completing the form, please note the company representative who would accept if selected as a winner.) Please also note that BCCCC corporate members can submit their entries for free; non-members must provide a $500 entry fee along with their submission.

Although submitting in multiple categories is permissible, each entry must represent a separate program example. Multiple entries from a non-member would also require separate entry fees. We recommend focusing on a single, well-developed entry rather than multiple submissions.

Innovation is the process that an individual or organization undertakes to conceptualize new products, programs, processes, and ideas, or to approach existing products, programs, processes, and ideas in new ways. Companies may submit any CSR effort the nominee deems innovative. These efforts may involve partnerships (both nonprofit and/or cross sector) or may be solo corporate ventures. They may target internal audiences, external audiences, or both. 

Not sure if your program fits this description? We're happy to answer any questions at ccc@bc.edu.

SOCIAL IMPACT CHANGEMAKER

Recognizes companies that have developed unique and differentiated approaches employing multiple company assets (i.e., more than one of the following—philanthropy, volunteering, expertise, know-how) with solutions to create positive social, environmental, and/or economic impact, and shared purpose in helping the world run better and improving people’s lives.

TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIP

Recognizes corporate citizenship programs that result from dynamic partnerships with nonprofit ESG and community organizations. The nominated company should demonstrate that they have gone above and beyond to develop problem-solving and operational capacity within their partner organization while working in tandem to address an important social or environmental challenge.

ECO-INNOVATOR

Recognizes a company that has marshalled the financial and human resources at its disposal to address an environmental issue affecting or relating to that company’s core competencies. Innovations may occur within internal processes/programs, external products/efforts, or both. The company should demonstrate how the effort benefits specific aspects of the environment in tangible/measurable ways AND how it translates to broader global efforts.

INNOVATION AMPLIFIER

Recognizes a company that has elevated a social and/or environmental program or issue to ensure greater understanding by a wider array of stakeholders, and covers efforts such as corporate advocacy, strategic reporting, internal engagement, corporate communication efforts, and public policy engagement. Companies should outline which groups were integral to the effort’s success as well as which audiences were targeted.

The selection committee is comprised of members of BCCCC's Advisory Boards (i.e. your corporate citizenship peers), and usually a representative from among the previous year’s winners.

Each submission will be scored by a selection committee, on a 1-to-5 scale, based on the following criteria:

Program Design & Creativity: How compelling and disruptive is the program described in the entry? Does the program involve a big idea, innovative approaches, or both? Can it drive significant change in other companies or communities?

Tangible Outcomes: What was the result of the project? What is the magnitude of the outcome? What is the environmental or social outcome(s) achieved? What is the impact on communities? On individuals? How compelling are the quantified results? Does the program deliver business value as well as social or environmental results?

Citizenship: How well does the entry demonstrate the company’s journey to becoming a great corporate citizen leading positive change? Is the company effectively using the assets of its business to help make itself and the communities in which it operates resilient, profitable, and sustainable?

Disruption Potential: Can this idea be adapted and used by others to drive more systemic change? Does it translate to broader progress or address more specialized concerns? What is the company doing to make the effort available to those who want to make use of it?

Although submitting in multiple categories is permissible, each entry must represent a separate program example. Multiple entries from a non-member would also require separate entry fees. We recommend focusing on a single, well-developed entry rather than multiple submissions.

BCCCC member companies may enter for free. Non-member companies must pay $500 with each entry. (Multiple entries from a non-member would also require separate entry fees.) 

The 2026 Innovation Awards have not opened yet. Check back in December 2025 for updated info, including deadlines and submission materials.