Ongoing recognition
Lifetime use of the BBB Torch Awards Seal for advertising, plus permanent placement on the BBB Torch Awards winners circle page, provided you maintain a "B" rating or higher.
About the Torch Awards
The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor organizations whose leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character; ensure that the organization’s practices meet the highest standards of ethics; and consequently generate trust with its customers and the community.
BBB Torch Award recipient benefits:
Trophy presentation
A BBB Torch Awards trophy presentation, offered virtually or in person.
Social media recognition
Announcements and recognition across BBB's social media channels.
International eligibility
Qualification to enter the International Torch Awards for Ethics.
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 within BBB’s 13-county service areas: San Francisco, Alameda, Solano, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Trinity, Humboldt, Del Norte.
For-profit and 501(c)(6) applicants must have a BBB rating of “B” or higher.
Must have been in business for at least three years.
Must not have received a Torch Award in the same service area within the past five years.
Government agencies are not eligible.
See full eligibility details in the FAQHow the process works
1
Apply or nominate online
Complete the online application before the deadline. 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 and announced across BBB platforms.
4
Celebrated in person or online
Winning organizations are honored in person or online.
Need help or have questions? Reach out to Alma Galvan at [email protected].
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.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Lifetime use of the BBB Torch Awards Seal for advertising (as long as a “B” BBB rating is maintained)
Torch Awards trophy presentation by BBB (virtually or in-person)
Perpetual placement on the BBB Torch Awards website (as long as a “B” BBB rating is maintained)
Announcements made on BBB’s social media channels
Entries are evaluated by an independent, voluntary panel of judges comprised of business and community leaders. Your written submission, including examples, stories and documents, should provide a robust and accurate depiction of your organizations focus on character, culture, customers and community. Supporting documents and attachments can range from handbooks, internal documentation, or photos from events.
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.
There is no limit on how many businesses in each category can receive the Torch Award for Ethics each year. By using a benchmark scoring system, recipients are chosen based on whether the company meets certain criteria based on the four C’s. There is no rigid ranking system that only allows for a certain number of businesses to receive the award per category.