The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor organizations in our 24-county region that lead with integrity, build trust, and serve their communities. Open to for-profits and nonprofits. Apply or nominate by Sept. 2, 2025: bbb.org/local/1156/torchawards (Getty)
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is our annual recognition of organizations in our 24-county region whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; have organizational practices that meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community.
The Torch Awards are open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes located within BBB of Northeast California’s 24-county service areas: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba, Siskiyou.
To be eligible for consideration:
- BBB Accreditation is not required;
- For profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have a “B” or better rating with BBB;
- 501(c)(3) non-profit applicants must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation process and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability;
- Torch Award only: Organizations must have been in business for three years;
- Spark Award only: Business owners are 35 years old and under, or business owners have been operating for less than three years (as of September 2, 2025);
- All financial obligations must be met;
- Applicants are not eligible if they have received the Torch Award in the past five years;
- Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.
A company is not eligible if any of the following conditions apply:
- It has been in business for less than three years
- It has earned less than a "B" rating from BBB
- There are indications that the company has not met its financial obligations
- It has been the recipient of a Torch Award within the past five years
- It is a government agency. Government contractors can confirm their eligibility by contacting their local BBB.
Judging Criteria for Honorees & Award Winners:
Award selection for BBB Torch Award for Ethics is based on the following four criteria:
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Criteria 1: Character
As CEO, President, Owner or Executive Director your leadership character sets the tone for your entire organization. As a leader, explain how you behave intentionally and communicate with your leadership team, employees, customers and stakeholders in a way that is consistent with your beliefs.
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Criteria 2: Culture
Illustrate how your organization works toward a culture of trust through clarity of purpose, empowering employees, and opportunities for growth.
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Criteria 3: Customers
Give examples of internal practices your organization uses to build better customer relationships.
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Criteria 4: Community
Display organizational programs, contribution and activities that return value to and support your community.
Learn more by visiting our Torch Awards page at: https://www.bbb.org/local/1156/torchawards
Ready to apply or nominate a business you know? Start your application or nomination here.