Meet the 2025 Citizens Awards Finalists

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is spotlighting 29 organizations through its annual Citizens Awards program. From combating food insecurity and responding to natural disasters to advancing civic participation and workforce development, these finalists showcase the transformative power of business to develop solutions that help tackle our most critical societal challenges.

This year's finalists span nine categories and represent businesses of all sizes—from local chambers of commerce to Fortune 500 companies—each demonstrating that purpose-driven leadership can create meaningful change in communities across the nation.

Best Corporate Steward: Large Business 

Chick-fil-A, Inc. 

With over 3,000 restaurants and more than 200,000 Team Members, Chick-fil-A prioritizes care for people, communities, food, and the planet. The company invests in its Team Members through scholarships and leadership development, awarding over $215 million to more than 122,000 Team Members to date. Chick-fil-A restaurants have donated nearly 30 million meals through its Chick-fil-A Shared Table^®food donation program and helped divert more than 38.6 million pounds of food waste from landfills. Local Owner-Operators lead community programs that fight hunger, support education, and foster youth leadership.  

Hy-Vee, Inc.   

In 2023, Hy-Vee set a mission to provide 100 million meals to feed people in need. The company partnered with Feeding America to help distribute meals raised through its network of food banks. What started as an ambitious goal morphed into a multipronged campaign that united Hy-Vee customers, employees, and supplier partners around one cause: fighting hunger. Through a combination of in-store register roundups, food rescue efforts, meal giveaway events, supplier donations and hyperlocal campaigns, Hy-Vee not only reached its goal, but surpassed it. By end of 2024, Hy-Vee raised 102 million meals. 

Mattel Inc. 

Mattel Play it Forward partners with Save the Children to expand play, education, and emergency support for children in the U.S. and around the world. Over 20 years, this initiative has reached millions across more than 12 countries through toy donations, employee volunteerism, and cause marketing. Mattel employees contribute thousands of hours annually building libraries, distributing learning kits, and supporting disaster relief. The partnership integrates philanthropy with brand storytelling, enhances employee engagement, and leverages retail collaborations for amplified impact. By aligning corporate purpose with community needs, Mattel fosters resilience, literacy, and emotional well-being among underserved children worldwide. 

Best Corporate Steward: Small and Middle-Market Business 

Deaf Services Unlimited

Deaf Services Unlimited (DSU) is a woman-owned agency that connects Deaf and hearing communities through American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and real-time captioning services. Founded by a hearing child of Deaf parents (CODA), DSU operates nationwide to make conversations between Deaf and hearing individuals accessible. The company is revolutionizing access in the digital age by adding ASL interpretation and captions to existing videos and content, ensuring communication access for everyone, everywhere. 

Mission Mobile Medical Group 

Mission Mobile Medical partners with healthcare organizations and public agencies to deliver primary, dental, behavioral, and maternal care to underserved communities through more than 250 programs across North America. Their mobile clinics are locally rooted and quickly deployable, breaking down barriers to care for families. By providing timely services that prevent costly emergencies, this innovative model combines financial impact with life-changing access, building healthier communities. 

SprintRay, Inc

SprintRay is transforming global dental care through 3D printing technology that enables fast, affordable, and accessible treatments, such as same-day crowns, prosthetics, and surgical guides, reducing wait times from weeks to hours. Operating in over 15 countries, the company partners with local organizations to train professionals, ensuring sustainable healthcare solutions. In 2024, SprintRay produced over two million dental appliances and trained more than 9,000 professionals globally. SprintRay’s model demonstrates how business success aligned with societal impact can deliver scalable, meaningful results worldwide. 

Best Civic Engagement Program 

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 

A Civic Event is the Gilbert Chamber Foundation's free bi-monthly gathering where neighbors come together to break bread, share music, art, and poetry, while discussing vital topics like voting and civic responsibility. These themed events create safe spaces for meaningful dialogue in polarized times, and participants leave feeling connected and ready to contribute to a healthier, more engaged Gilbert. Nationally recognized for its impact, this program preserves democracy by inspiring informed, compassionate civic action with the belief that strong businesses grow from strong, connected citizens.  

Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce

The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute (ACEI) prepares emerging leaders to strengthen Arlington’s civic and economic future through six half-day sessions. Participants explore leadership purpose, local government structures, neighborhood engagement, nonprofit board service, and running for office. Each member completes a CliftonStrengths assessment and receives tools to support their development. ACEI's structured curriculum fosters deep engagement and prepares participants to serve on boards, lead grassroots initiatives, and pursue public office— amplifying the business community’s voice and helping shape Arlington’s long-term prosperity. 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company 

Civics@Liberty educates and engages Liberty Mutual's more than 32,000 U.S. employees in civic participation through a technology platform featuring animated videos and articles about elections and legislation. Employees can also identify elected officials and (in their personal capacity) contact them on important issues. Company leaders and employee resource groups actively promote the program through team communications. By supporting diverse viewpoints and encouraging civic engagement, Civics@Liberty fosters an inclusive workplace while empowering employees to participate meaningfully in democracy. 

Odessa Chamber of Commerce 

The Odessa Chamber's inaugural Odessa Cares Day united businesses and organizations to tackle the city's litter problem, with employers allowing employees to make it a part of their workday. This community cleanup initiative boosted morale and civic pride, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Residents developed greater respect for their surroundings and a stronger sense of community engagement. The result: improved quality of life, a more robust economy, and a thriving city—demonstrating how one collaborative effort can transform an entire community. 

Best Community Improvement Program 

athenahealth 

The athenaGives Free Clinic Partnership Program expands healthcare access for underserved populations by providing free and charitable clinics with athenahealth's electronic health record (EHR) services and comprehensive support. This initiative addresses healthcare barriers by equipping clinics with tools to deliver high-quality care more efficiently. Through EHR technology, the program aims to increase patients served, improve quality of care, and reduce healthcare disparities—ultimately creating better health outcomes for vulnerable communities. 

Chicago Fire FC

The Chicago Fire Foundation’s  P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program combines soccer with social-emotional learning to support academic and personal growth for underserved students in Chicago. Through structured activities that build confidence, resilience, and leadership, students not only improve their performance on the field but also in the classroom. Since 2013, the Foundation has invested over 436,320 hours in local communities. By 2026, P.L.A.Y.S. will reach 70 Chicago Public Schools and nearly 1,680 students, ensuring more children have access to positive mentors and tools to thrive. 

FedEx Corporation

With support from FedEx, Feed the Children's Food and Essentials Hub program partners with school districts to provide students and families with food, personal care items, school supplies, and books through the schools they trust. This relieves hunger so students can focus on learning, while helping families maintain food-secure households. The program operates nine hubs nationwide in Memphis, Tennessee, Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Florida, Phoenix, and Paramount, California, expanding access to essential resources for vulnerable communities. 

Grand Rapids Chamber

Kent County’s "100 in 100" initiative provides housing solutions to address homelessness outcomes, initially housing 100 chronically homeless individuals within 100 days and has since housed many more. Led by the Grand Rapids Chamber and its Foundation, for less than $500 per person, the program connects participants to tailored permanent housing solutions with wrap-around services for long-term stability. 

Best Disaster Response and Community Resilience Program 

Ford  

As the number of disasters increase, communities often lack sustained support for long-term recovery. To address this gap, Ford and Team Rubicon partnered to provide a dedicated fleet of 17 vehicles, philanthropic funding, and employee volunteer support over five years. This strategic partnership fundamentally shifts disaster response from temporary aid to proactive community resilience building, demonstrating a scalable model for impactful, sustained recovery. 

Hilton  

In response to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, Hilton partnered with American Express and 211 LA to provide more than 20,000 complimentary hotel nights to displaced families. Within days, over 7,000 people were placed across 160+ Hilton hotels in California. The program distributed more than 650 welcome kits, created pet-friendly spaces, and converted meeting rooms into comfort zones. Hilton's reservations team contributed 2,000 hours of outreach. This initiative demonstrated how a hospitality company can rapidly mobilize its infrastructure to deliver safety, stability, and compassion during disasters. 

United Airlines

United Airlines lives its mission of connecting people and serving communities through disaster relief efforts. Partnering with Airlink, United leverages its global network, cargo capacity, and Miles on a Mission platform to provide free, rapid airlift for responders and supplies. Since 2010, this initiative has delivered aid to over 14 million people in 53 countries.  

Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program 

The Allstate Foundation

The Allstate Foundation Economic Empowerment Grant Program supports the financial empowerment of domestic violence survivors by addressing their #1 barrier to safety: access to financial resources. Since 2023, the program has distributed over $6 million in grants supporting emergency needs, financial education, housing advocacy, and staff wellness. Designed to minimize administrative burden and foster trust-based philanthropy, this approach helps organizations better meet survivors’ evolving needs. By investing in economic empowerment, The Allstate Foundation enables survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity, safety, and financial independence. 

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

Minding Your Money: Skills for Life™, developed by Guardian and EVERFI, blends financial education with social-emotional learning to help high school students build lifelong financial habits and emotional resilience. Developed through a digital curriculum and supported by Guardian’s volunteer program, it equips students to make informed financial decisions and manage stress. Since 2023, it has reached over 100,000 students across nearly 2,500 schools, with 66% serving Title I populations. Early results show significant gains in financial knowledge, confidence, and mental wellness, positioning students to thrive financially and emotionally in adulthood. 

The PepsiCo Foundation 

The PepsiCo Foundation partnered with CARE in 2019 to launch She Feeds the World to empower small-scale farmers. As one of the world's leading food and beverage companies rooted in agriculture, PepsiCo recognized its role in driving positive change. She Feeds the World provides resources and training to farmers and communities, advancing PepsiCo's goal of improving the livelihoods of 250,000 people by 2030. By equipping farmers with tools, training, and resources, She Feeds the World addresses immediate challenges while building resilient local food systems.  

Best Education and Workforce Program 

Ascent Funding 

Ascent and The Forward Fund have partnered to deliver a $7 million impact loan program in North Carolina, providing learners with zero-interest, outcomes-based loans, and expanding access to training for in-demand careers like electrical linework and commercial driving. Ascent originates and services the loans, with repayments tied to career outcomes and recycled to support future learners. This self-sustaining model combines philanthropic investment, private funding, and public partnerships to expand access to livable-wage careers, address workforce shortages, and drive economic mobility for North Carolinians through innovative financial solutions. 

CSX 

CSX and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) partnered to address veteran underemployment—a challenge facing more than half of post-9/11 wounded warriors—through a Drone Training Program offering no-cost instruction, mentorship, and FAA certification. Leveraging WWP's national reach and CSX's operational expertise, the program provides technical training tailored to military strengths. Since 2023, over 50 veterans completed training, with 33 earning FAA certification and many securing jobs or starting businesses. This innovative partnership demonstrates how collaboration creates meaningful employment pathways. 

Dollar General 

Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) and Save the Children are transforming early childhood education in rural America through data-driven solutions. Made possible with the support of DGLF, the Rural Child Well-Being Dashboards provide localized insights on child poverty, education, and childcare access, shaping programs in more than 250 communities across 14 states. With $10.3 million invested since 2018, the partnership has reached nearly 1 million children annually, supporting kindergarten readiness, literacy and math proficiency, workforce development, and food security. This strategic collaboration is building resilient communities, helping underserved children thrive as learners and in life. 

Best Health and Wellness Program 

Edward Jones 

Edward Jones partners for positive impact, raising over $55 million for the Alzheimer's Association since 2016—marking the Association's largest corporate pledge. This funding supports vital programs, education, and groundbreaking research. Through volunteer engagement, including over 130,000 participants in the Walk to End Alzheimer's nationwide, Edward Jones has broadened awareness of the disease’s far-reaching effects. The partnership reflects the firm's dedication to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of individuals and families facing Alzheimer's, creating hope and positive change. 

Novo Nordisk 

Addressing rising rates of obesity and diabetes requires examining all the factors that determine human health—food, healthcare, physical activity, safe streets, and employment. Novo Nordisk launched The Interrupt to unite businesses and communities to reduce the burden of serious chronic diseases. Operating in D.C. and Alabama with plans to expand, The Interrupt pools expertise and promotes local engagement for sustainable solutions no single business could achieve alone. From enhancing park lighting to encourage evening exercise to providing free transportation for medical appointments and grocery store visits, to connecting people with construction jobs, these collaborative efforts are transforming communities and creating healthier futures for all. 

Pfizer

The Pfizer Foundation and Save the Children partnered to reduce child mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia, where vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, cholera, malaria, and dengue fever, threaten children under five. The two organizations launched the Pneumonia and Child Immunization Project in underserved districts of the Sidama and Somali regions to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children. By improving immunization delivery, strengthening health systems, and mobilizing communities, the partnership is reducing child mortality and building healthier, more resilient communities where children can thrive. 

The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions. 

Best Sustainability Program 

Dow

Launched in 2016, the Dow Business Impact Fund is a global accelerator grant initiative that uses Dow's science, scale, and relationships across the value chain to create shared value and address social challenges through innovation. Supporting 65 projects across 23 countries, the program has helped create 2,000 jobs, improved health for 304,500 people, recycled 13,600 metric tons of materials, and diverted 10,000 metric tons of plastic from landfills.  

Johnson Outdoors

Johnson Outdoors and the National Wildlife Federation launched the Clean Earth Challenge to transform eco-anxiety—the fear one’s actions can’t do enough to improve environmental conditions—into action. This global movement engaged more than 350,000 participants who removed over 11 million pieces of litter—10 times the original target—while generating 1.5 billion media impressions through hashtag #ComeCleanForEarth. The initiative united employees, schools, partners, and communities under a shared goal. When surveyed, 82% of participants felt more connected to nature, 87% more hopeful, and 95% eager to do more. 

Norfolk Southern 

For 30 years, shoreline erosion at Norfolk Southern's Lamberts Point terminal in Virginia threatened land, wildlife, and water. To address this issue, the company built a living shoreline using native plants and sustainable grading that naturally filters pollutants before they reach the Chesapeake Bay. This has generated Virginia's largest-ever nutrient credit deposit, earning Norfolk Southern credits that companies and municipalities can purchase to offset their own environmental impacts. This innovative approach has supported economic growth for the company, 1,500 feet of restored shoreline, and critical habitat recovery.