Allstate, Marriott, Micron Technology, and Subaru of America among organizations recognized for their innovative efforts to expand opportunity and strengthen communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the winners of its annual Citizens Awards—nine organizations whose programs are helping tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing communities.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation also presented its inaugural Business and Civic Leadership Award to former Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson, recognizing his decades of work to advance civic education and create employment opportunities for veterans and military families.
From preparing workers for in-demand careers and supporting disaster recovery to strengthening civic participation and improving health outcomes, this year's honorees demonstrate the many ways organizations and individuals are creating lasting impact.
"These winners didn't set out to do good in the abstract—they looked at what their business does best and applied it to solve a problem that matters," said Michael Carney, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. "That purpose-driven approach is what makes their impact sustainable."
The U.S. Chamber Foundation presented the Citizens Awards across nine categories:
Best Corporate Steward – Large Business: Micron Technology
As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced memory, Micron Technology connects business growth with community impact. Its shared-value approach invests in the AI-ready workforce, resilient communities, and employee-led engagement, helping build the talent, trust, and opportunity needed for the future of innovation.
Best Corporate Steward – Small and Middle-Market Business: The Connor Group
Through its nonprofit arm, The Connor Group expands opportunities for under-resourced students, adults with cognitive differences, and young people through programs like Greater Schools, Colin's Lodge, and Connor Kids Academy. Each initiative is managed with the same accountability and long-term vision that guide the company's business.
Best Civic Engagement Program: Allstate
Allstate's Trust in Practice Awards support nonprofit-led initiatives that build trust and strengthen civic participation. In partnership with the Aspen Institute's Alliance for Social Trust, the program funds collaborative efforts that foster local leadership, community engagement, and collective problem-solving, while sharing successful models across communities nationwide.
Best Community Improvement Program: Chicago Fire Football Club
Since 2013, Chicago Fire's P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program uses soccer to strengthen underserved communities across Chicago public schools. Combining a sports-based curriculum with social-emotional learning, P.L.A.Y.S. builds skills, including self-awareness, teamwork, and respect that transfer from the field to the classroom.
Best Disaster Response and Community Resilience Program: Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org is an independent nonprofit founded by Airbnb that provides free emergency housing in times of crisis. Partnering with local nonprofits and governments, Airbnb.org has provided more than 1.6 million nights of free stays in nearly 140 countries since 2020.
Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program: Marriott International
Future in Training (or FiT) is Marriott International's trauma-informed job readiness curriculum for survivors of human trafficking. Developed with anti-trafficking experts and survivor leaders, the program builds workplace skills, confidence, and career readiness through hospitality-focused training. Since 2022, FiT has supported more than 900 survivors on their path to economic empowerment.
Best Education and Workforce Program: Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Sarasota Chamber's CareerEdge initiative strengthens the regional workforce by investing in employer-led training and tuition-free FastTrack programs that launch individuals into high-demand careers. Since 2010, CareerEdge has invested more than $20 million and trained 8,500 workers.
Best Health and Wellness Program: Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru Loves to Care® is a partnership between Subaru of America and Blood Cancer United that supports cancer patients and families through emotional and financial assistance. In 2025, Subaru retailers delivered more than 57,000 blankets and 10,000 care kits, while helping provide financial assistance to more than 2,300 families nationwide.
Best Sustainability Program: Allagash Brewing Company
For nearly a decade, Allagash has invested in Maine-grown grain, helping strengthen the region's agricultural supply chain and support a local grain economy. In 2025, Allagash brewed with more than two million pounds of Maine-grown and processed grain, benefiting brewers, bakers, and restaurateurs across Maine and New England.
Additionally, the U.S. Chamber Foundation honored (RED) and its longest-standing partners with the Solve Together Award for their shared commitment to advancing global health. Honorees included Apple, Bank of America, Clear Channel, Merck, Piaggio, Roche, Salesforce, and Stellantis.
"This year's award recipients show that community impact takes many forms," said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. "Whether they're expanding economic opportunity, investing in workforce development, supporting families during crises, or strengthening local communities, each of them is leveraging their unique strengths to drive measurable results."
The Citizens Awards, Solve Together Award, and Business and Civic Leadership Award were announced throughout the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Solves Conference and Business and Civic Leadership Gala on Oct. 27-28. These events brought together leaders from business, government, and the nonprofit sector to celebrate the power of private sector leadership and civic engagement.
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.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
