Citizens Awards Finalist Toolkit

Please note: The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s official announcement of this year’s finalists will occur on September 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET. Please do not release any of this finalist information before that time.  

Announcement Timeline  

Each week leading up to Business Solves, we will showcase finalist categories across our digital channels. We encourage you to review the promotion schedule below and join us in sharing your story on social media using the hashtag #BusinessSolves.   

September 15:  
U.S. Chamber Foundation publishes official press release announcing all finalists. 
 
September 15-18:  
Spotlight on the following categories: Best Education and Workforce Program, Best Community Improvement Program, and Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program.  
 
September 21-25:  
Spotlight on the following categories: Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program, Best Health and Wellness Program, and Best Sustainability Program. 
 
September 28-October 2: 
Spotlight on the following categories: Best Civic Engagement Program, Best Corporate Steward: Large Business, and Best Corporate Steward: Small and Middle Market Business. 

Winner Announcement:  
Winners will be announced throughout the Business Solves Conference on October 27-28, 2026. A detailed agenda will be added here in the coming weeks.

About the Citizens Awards 

This language is ideal for use on a web page, article/blog post, or briefing document. Feel free to adjust the copy to align with your brand voice.  

We are thrilled to announce that [Company] has been named a finalist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards. This prestigious program honors businesses for their exceptional leadership in addressing the world’s biggest challenges. [Company] is proud to be nominated in the [insert category] category for our efforts to [insert program details].  

The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Citizens Awards recognize the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities. 

To learn more, visit uschamberfoundation.org/citizens-awards.

Social Media Content

For all social posts, please tag @USCCFoundation, include the hashtag #BusinessSolves and this tagged link:https://uscc.foundation/42QaYyd  

• [Company] is proud to be listed among some of the best in corporate citizenship. Check out all of this year’s @USCCFoundation Citizens Awards finalists: https://uscc.foundation/42QaYyd#BusinessSolves 
• [Company] is honored to be named a finalist for the @USCCFoundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards! Join us on Oct. 27-28 as we celebrate the power of business as a force for good. https://uscc.foundation/42QaYyd#BusinessSolves 
• We’re proud to be a @USCCFoundation Citizens Awards finalist for [insert finalist category]. Read our story here: https://uscc.foundation/42QaYyd#BusinessSolves 
• Excited to share that [Company] has been selected as a Citizens Awards finalist for [insert finalist category]. Join us in celebrating and find out who the winners are at #BusinessSolves on Oct. 27-28. https://uscc.foundation/42QaYyd 

For Executive Leadership 

• It is an honor to be recognized by the @USCCFoundation as a Citizens Awards finalist for [Company’s] efforts to [insert program details]. For more than two decades, the Citizens Awards have placed a spotlight on the power of business to create solutions for the world’s biggest challenges. Read our story and join me in celebrating all the finalists at the Business Solves Conference on Oct. 27-28: https://uscc.foundation/42QaYyd#BusinessSolves 

Graphics

Please see below for a collection of graphics you can use to amplify through your organization's social media or other channels.

General Category Promotion Graphics

Custom Category With Logo Graphics

Press Release 

Use your company’s letterhead and press release distribution process after customizing this template. Keep in mind that this information is under embargo until [September 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET].  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – [Insert date of release] 

[Insert contact from your company]  

[COMPANY] Named a Finalist for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Citizens Awards  

DATELINE—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation named [Company] a finalist in the 2026 Citizens Awards, a long-standing program that honors businesses for their leadership in solving the world’s biggest challenges. [Company] was nominated for the [insert category] for its efforts to [insert program details].  

[INSERT QUOTE FROM ONE OF YOUR CORPORATE EXECUTIVES]  

This prestigious program recognizes the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities.  

[INSERT DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM OR INITIATIVE BEING HONORED]  

The winners of the 2026 Citizens Awards will be announced during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on October 27-28. Learn more about the awards program and register to attend the event here.  

# # #  

[COMPANY BOILERPLATE]  

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.