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Eligibility for the award
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes. Accreditation is not required, and there is no cost to apply. Eligible organizations meet these criteria:
How the process works
2027 program timeline
Key dates and deadlines
Applications Open
November 1, 2026
Online applications begin.
Applications Close
February 1, 2027
Application deadline.
Awards Celebration
May 18, 2027
In-person event announcing the winning organizations.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor businesses and non-profits that demonstrate high ethical standards and build marketplace trust. Built on the 4 C's: Character, Culture, Customers, and Community.
BBB Serving Wisconsin has awarded Torch Awards to over 100 businesses and 20 non-profits in Wisconsin for their ethical practices in the marketplace.
Click here to view all past Torch Awards for Ethics recipients
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is open to for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) non-profit organizations of all sizes.
BBB Accreditation is not required;
For-profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have a “B” rating with BBB;
For-profit organizations must qualify for BBB Accreditation;
501(c)(3) non-profit applicants must complete the Charitable Standards Evaluation process and meet all BBB Standards for Charity Accountability;
Organizations must have been in business for three years;
All financial obligations must be met;
Applicants are not eligible if they have received the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in the past three years;
Government agencies are not eligible to submit an application.
No. Awards are not contingent on accreditation, donations, or any purchase or sponsorship. No purchase is necessary to enter or to win.
Yes. BBB Accreditation is not required to apply. All eligible businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to participate.
Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organization’s focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.
Winners will be notified in March and celebrated at the BBB Ethics Awards Luncheon held in May.
Winners receive a trophy, a recipient media kit, a press-release template, a social media feature, and use of the official Torch Awards Winner logo, subject to BBB's advertising guidelines.