Applications Open
March 1, 2027
Online applications and nominations begin.
2026 program timeline
Key dates and deadlines
Mark these milestones for the 2026 cycle. Each date is an editable field — refresh it when the program reruns.
Application Deadline
April 30, 2027
Deadline - submit by this date
Winners Announced
June 2027
Recipients notified by email and on BBB platforms.
Awards Celebration
September 2027
In-person event honoring the winning organizations.
About the awards
Recognizing integrity put into action
The Torch Awards for Ethics are an annual celebration honoring exceptional businesses and nonprofits in our community. They recognize organizations for outstanding ethical practices and a real commitment to four enduring values — character, culture, customers and community.
Made possible by the BBB Education Foundation, the awards celebrate organizations across BBB Midwest Plains' service area: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. There is no limit on how many organizations can be honored each year — recipients are chosen on merit against a benchmark, not ranked against one another.
Is this for you?
Eligibility and how it works
Accreditation is not required, and there is no cost to apply. Eligible organizations meet these criteria:
Located in BBB Midwest Plains' service area: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, or South Dakota.
In operation for at least three years as of April 30, 2027.
Holds at least a "B" rating with BBB (accredited or not).
Has not received a Torch Award in the past five years in the same service area.
See full eligibility details in the FAQHow the process works
1
Apply or nominate online
Complete the online application between March 1 and April 30, 2027. You can save your progress and return later.
2
Independent judging
A volunteer panel scores each submission on character, culture, customers, and community against a published benchmark.
3
Winners notified
Recipients are notified by email in June 2027 and announced across BBB platforms.
4
Celebrated in person
Winning organizations are honored at an in-person awards event in September 2027.
Past recipients
In the words of our winners
Recent Torch Award recipients across BBB Midwest Plains, in their own words.
High integrity is a key part of Omaha Steaks' 100+ year legacy and, as stewards of that legacy, we hold ourselves accountable to maintaining high ethical standards, every day. We are tremendously honored to be recognized by the BBB.
This award reflects our commitment to ethical practices, integrity, and community service. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve and are proud of our employees' efforts. We are incredibly honored to receive the BBB Torch Award for Ethics.
It is a gold star of acknowledgment.
Being recognized by the BBB Torch Awards significantly enhances our reputation, validating commitment to ethical business practices.
This is like an Oscar in our industry.
Receiving this award is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our entire team. This accolade inspires us to continue raising the bar and serving as a beacon of trust for our clients and partners.
Why the recognition carries weight
A fair, independent process
Judged independently
An independent, voluntary panel of business and community leaders — many of them past Torch Award winners — reviews and selects every recipient.
Scored on merit
Submissions are measured against a published benchmark for character, culture, customers and community — not ranked against one another.
Backed by BBB's mission
Made possible by the BBB Education Foundation and built on more than a century of work toward a trustworthy marketplace.
Ways to take part
Choose how you want to take part
Whether you're ready to apply, want to nominate an organization, or just have questions — there's a clear next step.
Start Here
Apply for the Torch Awards
Complete the online application by April 30, 2027. Free to enter; save and return anytime
Nominate an organization
Shine a light on a business or nonprofit that demonstrates integrity-driven best practices.
Attend the celebration
Join the in-person awards event in September 2027 to honor this year's recipients.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is an annual celebration honoring exceptional businesses and nonprofits. It recognizes outstanding ethical practices and a commitment to character, culture, customers and community.
Organizations must be located in BBB Midwest Plains' service area (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska or South Dakota), have been in operation at least three years as of April 30, 2027, and hold at least a “B” rating with BBB. Organizations that won a Torch Award in the same service area within the past five years are not eligible.
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.
An independent, voluntary panel of business and community leaders — many of them previous Torch Award winners — reviews, evaluates and selects the recipients.
Recipients are notified by email and announced in June 2027, then celebrated at an in-person awards event in September 2027.
Winners receive a trophy and certificate, 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.