FAQs
Torch Awards for Ethics
What are the Torch Awards?
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is an annual celebration to honor exceptional businesses and nonprofits in the community. The Torch Awards recognizes local organizations' outstanding ethical practices and commitment to character, culture, customers, and community.
Visit our Torch Awards page to learn how to get involved, see past winners, and help us celebrate the outstanding recipients.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Torch Awards?
The eligibility requirements for the Torch Awards are as follows:
The competition is only open to eligible businesses and nonprofits located in the following states: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Eligible counties in Iowa include: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Taylor
Eligible counties in Missouri include: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Vernon, Worth
All counties in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota are eligible.
Entry is open to businesses and nonprofit organizations that apply during the eligibility period from March 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027.
Businesses and nonprofits are not eligible if they have received a Torch Award in the past five years in a specific service area (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026). For example, if your business or nonprofit won a Torch Award in 2022 for Omaha & SW Iowa region, you are eligible to apply in 2027 in a different service area if you have a location in a separate region.
Applicants must have at least a “B” rating in the BBB database. The BBB reviews both accredited and non-accredited businesses. BBB ratings range from A+ to F. No less than a “B” rating is required for acceptance into the Torch Awards.
Businesses or nonprofits must be located and have a physical presence within the service area of BBB Midwest Plains: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or South Dakota.
Business must be in operation for at least three years as of April 30, 2027.
How do I enter my organization for the Torch Awards?
All businesses and nonprofits must complete the Torch Awards online application to be considered.
What are the criteria used to judge Torch Awards applications?
Submissions are evaluated based on the eligibility of the applicant and their commitment to character, culture, customers, and community.
These criteria are explained in more detail below:
Eligibility of the application: The submission has been submitted online before the deadline with the required documentation and complies with the Terms and Conditions.
Response criteria | Character, culture, customers, and community: Applicants should respond to the question in each category, clearly illustrating real-life examples that address each prompt. Applications will be scored based on how well the applicant exemplifies and demonstrates commitment to each criterion.
Additionally...
Entrants must address all questions in a concise narrative that explains how their business or nonprofit exemplifies the given criteria in daily operations. Submissions should provide a robust and accurate description of general business operations and culture. Providing examples and quantifying impact when possible is always a good idea!
The judges will be asked to score finalist submissions that best meet the scope of the application requirements.
Who selects the Torch Awards winners?
An independent, voluntary panel of judges will take on the responsibility of reviewing, evaluating, and selecting winners of the Torch Awards. The judges are comprised of business and community leaders, many of whom have previously won Torch Awards.
Torch Awards winners will be notified via email in June 2027 to the contact indicated in the online application form and subsequently announced on various BBB platforms, including the competition website.
An in-person event will be held in September 2027 to honor the winning organizations.
What are the advertising guidelines for Torch Awards recipients?
BBB asks that all recipients consider the following advertising guidelines when promoting their award.
By submitting the application, the entrant agrees to abide by these guidelines if they choose to promote the award status in any of the following ways:
Recipient is permitted to use the approved Torch Awards for Ethics Winner logo provided the graphic standards indicated below (in section 10) are followed.
Recipient is permitted to promote the achievement in text as follows: Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains Torch Awards for Ethics – [Year Received] Winner.
Recipient is permitted to promote the achievement on their company website, in social media, email, and digital newsletters.
Recipient is permitted to promote the award within BBB Midwest Plains' service area using these methods: newspapers, periodicals, directories, direct mail, billboards, company vehicles, annual reports, posters, fliers, interviews, and television and radio spots.
Recipient is permitted to reproduce a copy of the statutory award, which must include the year of receipt.
Recipient is permitted to issue announcements and press releases about receipt of the award within the year of its receipt.
Recipient is permitted to make a brief factual statement about the award and the required business qualifications.
Recipient is permitted to advertise the award indefinitely, but only as long as they maintain at least a B rating from BBB and is not the subject of pending or final government or regulatory actions, BBB investigation, or any other activity that may poorly reflect upon BBB.
In all advertisements, the award recipient must indicate the year the award was given.
Graphic Standards for the BBB Torch Awards Winner logo use:
The logo may be resized as needed but must retain all proportions. Do not skew, stretch, or distort the logo in any way. Elements of the logo may not be rearranged, added to, or taken away from.
The logo may only be used in the original formats provided (full color, single color, black and white). Do not change the colors of the logo.
There should be sufficient clear space around the entire logo.
Solid background colors should be used when necessary. Do not use a textured or similar colored background behind the logo.
The BBB logo is federally trademarked property of BBB. This policy is an extension of the BBB’s Agreement for BBB Accreditation and Participation in BBB Advertising Programs.
FAQs
Students of Integrity Scholarships
How many scholarships are awarded through BBB's SOI scholarship program?
The BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship program awards a total of $40,000 in scholarships each year, offering 20 scholarships to students across its service areas. Four scholarships are awarded in each of the following five regions: Omaha & Southwest Iowa, Lincoln & Greater Nebraska, Kansas Plains, Kansas City & Western Missouri, and South Dakota.
Do I need to be nominated to apply for a scholarship?
You do not need to be nominated to apply for the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship. While nominations are accepted, they are not required.
Qualifies as a high school senior
Plans to continue education after high school graduation
Special consideration will be given to students who demonstrate financial need and who plan to attend an institution within the BBB service area
Resides in BBB’s service area - Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota.
Eligible counties in Iowa include: Adair, Audubon, Cass, Crawford, Fremont, Greene, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Taylor.
Eligible counties in Missouri include: Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Morgan, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Putnam, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Sullivan, Vernon, Worth.
All counties in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota are eligible.
FAQs
Community Champion Award
What is the BBB Community Champion Award?
The BBB Community Champion Award was started in 2024 and recognizes community members who have gone above and beyond to advance BBB’s core mission—building trust in the marketplace.
How can I apply for the BBB Community Champion Award?
There is no formal application for this award. Instead, nominations are accepted, and an independent panel of judges determines if a nominee is deserving of the recognition.