The 24th Annual Halo Awards

Celebrating the Best in Corporate Social Impact

The Halo Awards are a prestigious and coveted honor given to corporate social impact partnerships. These partnerships demonstrate an exceptional commitment to collaboration that achieve significant results for both the cause and the business.

This year, The Halo Awards are expanding their reach to recognize not only groundbreaking initiatives and impactful corporate-nonprofit partnerships but also the teams, organizations, and individuals who are leading the charge. These are the changemakers who are fearlessly weaving together business acumen and social purpose to improve the lives of millions of people.

A diverse group of established social impact leaders from leading corporations and nonprofits judges the applications. After the EFG team reviews all applications, the judges review up to six applications that stand out in each category to select the Gold and Silver Halo Award Winners.

For 24 years, The Halo Awards have stood as a testament to the power of doing well by doing good. They inspire us all to reach higher, dream bigger, and create a world where business is a force for positive change. Be seen. Be celebrated. Belong.

PAST WINNERS

More Than Just a Trophy:
The Value of The Halo Awards

The Halo Awards are the highest honor in corporate-nonprofit partnerships, celebrating the campaigns, collaborations, and commitments that prove doing good is good business.

Winning isn’t just about a trophy (though it is a very nice trophy). It’s about earning your place among the most innovative brands and changemakers shaping the future of social impact. 

What sets The Halo Awards apart:

Courage Award

Paris Hilton, with support from 11:11 Media and Understood.org

Paris has used her platform to turn her personal pain into a powerful movement of purpose. Her advocacy to protect vulnerable youth in institutional settings has led to the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act bill and the enactment of 12 U.S. state laws safeguarding youth in residential treatment facilities. Through 11:11 Media Impact, the nonprofit she founded that’s dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change worldwide, Paris continues to advocate for issues that are deeply personal. In 2024 Paris partnered with Understood.org on a campaign to raise awareness of ADHD in women. This campaign is a finalist for The Halo Award in the Best Gender Equality Initiative Category.

A Few Simple Steps to Apply

Steps:

  1. Review The Halo Awards Toolkit
  2. Submit your application via our application partner, Submittable
  3. Pay the application fee.
Then what happens?
  1. EFG reviews all entries
  2. Finalists are chosen
  3. Winners are selected by a panel of expert judges
Deadlines and Application Fees:
  • Regular: Nov 21, 2025 – $499 per category
  • Late: Dec 15, 2025 – $599 per category

For nonprofits with annual revenue under $5M, the entry fee is $199 before November 21. The Late Deadline Fee for those with annual revenue under $5M is $249. Our goal is to make it easier for small but mighty organizations to share their impactful work and gain the recognition they deserve

Members receive a 10% discount on the application fee.  

Creator for Change Award

Presented by TikTok

Janette Ok has used her platform to spotlight mental health advocacy, body positivity, support for unhoused communities, and amplify marginalized voices. A Korean American beauty and fashion creator based in Los Angeles, Janette blends her love of style, music, and culture to create content that’s bold, honest, and deeply personal. Her work exemplifies how creators can use digital influence to foster belonging, spark important conversations, and drive meaningful change offline.

THE HALO AWARDS GALA

A Night to Celebrate the Best of Corporate Social Impact

On April 23, 2026, in Palm Springs, CA, The Halo Awards Gala will bring together the people and partnerships shaping the future of good business. 

Join us as we celebrate 16 breakthrough initiatives that are changing the world – one partnership at a time. Expect moving stories, unforgettable moments, and a night where doing good truly looks good: inspiring speakers, live entertainment, meaningful connections, and a dance floor full of changemakers.

Your Engage for Good Conference ticket includes admission to the Gala, or you can snag one of the limited Gala-only tickets available in early 2026. Each ticket includes a festive reception with drinks and activations, the main awards celebration, and exclusive access to the after-party. 

Dress Code: Business chic—or whatever makes you feel like your most confident, joyful, golden self.

Application Process: Get Ready!

Want to set yourself up for success? Check out the Halo Awards Toolkit for tips and insights to make your application stand out!

Deadline: January 31

2024 Golden Halo Award Judges

Bobby Amirshai

Bobby Amirshahi - SVP, Corporate Communications, Macy's, Inc.

“I care deeply about removing barriers and obstacles from whatever can unlock if not unleash a child’s potential in the world – everything from LGTBQ+ bias to food insecurity and access to education and inspiration to young people from all backgrounds. A great nation needs renewed generations of innovators, builders, teachers, artists and more to thrive.”

Bobby Amirshahi - SVP, Corporate Communications, Macy's, Inc.

“I care deeply about removing barriers and obstacles from whatever can unlock if not unleash a child’s potential in the world – everything from LGTBQ+ bias to food insecurity and access to education and inspiration to young people from all backgrounds. A great nation needs renewed generations of innovators, builders, teachers, artists and more to thrive.”

Bobby Amirshai

Expanded Categories for Greater Impact

16 categories celebrating innovation across diverse causes. Select categories are open to initiatives without a corporate/nonprofit partnership.

Eligibility: Can be just one corporation or one nonprofit (does not require a nonprofit partner).

Recognizes initiatives that influence public opinion, shape legislation, or drive systemic change on social impact-related issues. Strong entries demonstrate measurable outcomes, such as policy wins, shifts in public awareness, or changes in industry practices, and show how these outcomes benefit the intended communities or causes. Judges will look for strategic leverage of the organization’s expertise and platform, thoughtful stakeholder engagement, evidence of impact, and a clear tie between the organization and the policy change goal.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

This award recognizes initiatives that use marketing, communications, and storytelling to drive measurable social or environmental impact. Strong entries show how creative campaigns, activations, or calls to action engaged audiences, inspired participation, and produced tangible results, such as funds raised, awareness built, or behavior change. Judges will look for entries that integrate purpose into the campaign authentically, demonstrate creative, innovative approaches to reach and motivate audiences, and show evidence of long-term impact or the potential to serve as a model for similar efforts.

Eligibility: Can be just one Nonprofit or Corporation (without a nonprofit partner).

Recognizes products designed to create measurable social impact or support a cause. A cause product is something sold to support a cause, create social or environmental impact, or raise money for communities. Strong entries will clearly demonstrate the connection between the product and its social impact, showing quantifiable outcomes such as funds raised or people helped. Judges will look for initiatives where the product itself drives impact—whether through sustainable design, innovative giving models, or programs that directly connect consumer use to social change—and where that impact is central to the product’s purpose and shows potential for scale or influence.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

Recognizes initiatives that make giving simple, accessible, and impactful by engaging consumers to support a cause through point-of-sale transactions. Examples include in-store, online, or mobile activations such as round-up donations or consumer actions that trigger corporate financial contributions. Judges will look for initiatives where the point-of-sale approach directly drives social impact and exemplifies best practices, such as leveraging both partners’ strengths and designing campaigns that are easy for consumers to engage with. Submissions should demonstrate measurable results such as total funds raised and participation rates, as well as evidence of thoughtful engagement with a variety of stakeholders. Initiatives should be sustainable, scalable, and innovative in how they mobilize generosity and build meaningful connections between brands, causes, and consumers.

Eligibility: Can be just one Nonprofit or Corporation (without a nonprofit partner).

Recognizes initiatives that embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into a company, campaign, or partnership. Eligible entries may include programs that expand opportunities for equity-seeking communities, internal culture or policy shifts that advance inclusion, or creative DEIB-focused approaches to longstanding social challenges. Strong submissions will provide measurable, numerical evidence of progress, such as increased representation, improved employee engagement, or positive outcomes for the communities served.  Judges will look for initiatives that reflect DEIB principles in action—for example, creating policies or programs that address systemic inequities, designing inclusive workplace practices, amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering belonging for all employees, or developing products or campaigns that intentionally serve diverse communities. Entries that demonstrate leadership commitment, long-term sustainability, and fresh, innovative thinking that drives systemic change will be most competitive.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

This award recognizes initiatives that provide direct support to address pressing social issues, such as access to basic needs, workforce development, or inclusive community programs, in ways that align with the company’s values and business goals. Strong entries clearly define the problem being addressed, describe the services delivered, and show measurable outcomes, such as the number of people served, skills gained, or improvements in well-being. Judges will look for initiatives where direct service is central to the strategy, demonstrates meaningful and tangible impact for beneficiaries, and leverages partner strengths. Entries should show innovative approaches to delivering services, foster inclusion and accessibility, engage communities thoughtfully, and have the potential for sustainable, long-term impact.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

Recognizes initiatives that provide support and opportunities for people in the disability community through programs, services, or campaigns. Strong entries demonstrate measurable outcomes, such as increased access to resources, improved employment or education opportunities, policy or system changes, or heightened public awareness of disability-related issues. Judges will look for initiatives that actively engage and include people with disabilities in the design and implementation of programs, integrate accessibility and inclusion into all aspects of the initiative, and leverage the partnership to maximize impact. Entries should show innovative approaches to removing barriers and demonstrate sustainable change with the potential to serve as a model for others.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

Recognizes initiatives that expand access to education, address inequities, and support innovative approaches to learning for individuals and communities of all ages. Strong entries demonstrate measurable outcomes, such as improved student performance, increased access to educational resources, or greater engagement of learners and educators. Judges will look for initiatives that actively involve students, teachers, or community members in shaping programs, leverage the unique strengths of both partners, and integrate educational goals into the core strategy.

Eligibility: Can be just one corporation (without a nonprofit partner).

Recognizes initiatives that respond to or prepare for crises with speed, effectiveness, and measurable impact. Strong entries demonstrate how the organization mobilized resources, supported affected communities, or implemented preventative strategies, with clear metrics such as aid delivered, people assisted, or improvements in resilience. Judges will look for initiatives that combine immediate action with thoughtful planning for long-term recovery, leverage the company’s strengths to maximize impact, and demonstrate innovation and adaptability in addressing urgent needs. Submissions should show both operational excellence and meaningful, lasting benefits for the communities served.

Eligibility: Can be just one corporation (without a nonprofit partner).

Recognizes corporate initiatives that meaningfully and measurably engage a company’s employees in a cause-focused initiative to achieve both social and business impact. Submissions should detail the ways employees are engaged (e.g., skills-based volunteerism, pro bono work, fundraising campaigns, employee resource groups), and demonstrate measurable benefits for both communities and the business (e.g., hours served, retention, satisfaction). Judges will look for initiatives that align employee engagement with meaningful community impact, leverage corporate resources and expertise effectively, and foster a culture of purpose within the organization. Submissions should show creativity, measurable social outcomes, and sustainable engagement practices.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

Recognizes initiatives that address hunger and food access challenges. Strong entries will demonstrate how partnerships combine their expertise and resources to deliver measurable outcomes — such as meals provided, communities reached, or long-term improvements in food access. Judges will look for initiatives that balance immediate relief with sustainable solutions, integrate community voices, and address the root causes of food insecurity.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

Recognizes initiatives that advance equity, representation, and belonging for people of all genders and sexual orientations. Strong entries demonstrate clear results, such as improved LGBTQ workplace inclusion, expanded access to resources, or shifts in public awareness and policy. Judges will look for initiatives that go beyond visibility to create tangible change — whether through equitable hiring practices, inclusive product design, education, advocacy, or community investment. Submissions should show how authenticity and allyship are embedded into partnerships, driving measurable progress toward gender and LGBTQ+ equality.

Eligibility: Can be just one corporation (without a nonprofit partner).

This award celebrates initiatives that create measurable impact within a defined local or regional community, such as an HQ’s city or activating local franchises or affiliates. Entries should demonstrate a deep understanding of the community’s needs and show how the initiative strengthened local relationships, supported grassroots partners, or improved quality of life. Judges will look for programs that reflect genuine place-based engagement — where impact is driven by local voices, informed by on-the-ground collaboration, and sustained through community collaboration.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

This award recognizes initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of individuals and communities by addressing mental or physical health challenges. This includes providing access to care, supporting research and innovation, addressing health disparities,  and developing innovative solutions to improve overall health outcomes. Judges will look for programs with measurable outcomes — such as improved health indicators, increased access to services, or reductions in inequities — and for approaches that meaningfully engage the communities they serve.

Eligibility: Can be just one Nonprofit or Corporation (without a nonprofit partner).

Recognizes initiatives that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, or resource conservation. Entries may showcase how organizations work to reduce environmental harm, restore ecosystems, or inspire behavior change toward a more sustainable future. Judges will look for initiatives that go beyond compliance to drive innovation, empower communities, and integrate sustainability into the organization’s core mission.

Eligibility: At least one corporation AND one nonprofit partner.

Recognizes innovative uses of technology that address social challenges or scale nonprofit impact. Entries should explain the problem, how tech offered a unique solution, and measurable reach or effectiveness. Clear metrics demonstrating the technological solution’s reach, effectiveness, and scalability in achieving social impact will be key.  Judges will look for initiatives that show how the technology was designed or adapted with community needs in mind.

Chosen from across the full spectrum of The Halo Award winners, this award is category-agnostic and recognizes an initiative that best demonstrates outstanding execution of an initiative that engages multiple stakeholders, has a clear impact on business and community, and is innovative in its approach. This award does not require an application.

The Halo Awards Application is powered by Submittable,  a leading social impact platform. Their user-friendly platform ensures you can focus on what matters most: showcasing the incredible impact of your work. Thousands of foundations, governments, and corporations use Submittable to run grants, volunteering, and giving programs that meet people where they are and change their lives.

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A Year-Round Experience

Winning a Halo Award isn’t just a moment. It’s the start of a journey. The Halo Award winners:

  • Gain priority access to speaking opportunities, networking, and content across Engage for Good.
  • Join a community of like-minded leaders, sharing insights and best practices all year long.
  • Contribute to a movement that shapes corporate behavior, proving that purpose-driven companies can—and do—succeed.

Sponsor The Halo Awards
Put Your Brand Where Impact is CelebrateD

As a partner of The Halo Awards and The Halo Awards Gala, you’re not just supporting an evening—you’re aligning your brand with the most trusted and prestigious recognition in corporate social impact.

This is where the leaders of business and purpose meet, and where your brand can be part of the stories shaping what comes next.

Sponsorship offers:

  • Unparalleled Visibility: Be front and center in front of senior decision makers from the world’s top companies, nonprofits, and agencies, driving the future of corporate social impact.
  • Tailored Opportunities: From exclusive award category sponsorship to Gala experiences – the reception, stage moments, or after-party – your brand will shine through this celebration of purpose.
  • Association with Excellence: Position your organization alongside the partnerships setting the bar for innovation, collaboration, and measurable change.

PAST WINNERS

Past winners show what’s possible when companies and nonprofits come together with creativity, courage, and a shared mission. Their work isn’t just inspiring; it’s a blueprint for how cross-sector collaboration can drive real, lasting impact.

As we prepare to honor the 2026 winners, take a look back at the trailblazers who are reshaping the future of social impact.

Got Questions?

Regular pricing (until November 21, 2026) is $499 per category. Late pricing (until December 15, 2026) is $599 per category.

For nonprofits with annual revenue under $5M, the entry fee is $199. This ensures that organizations with limited resources still have the opportunity to be recognized with this prestigious award.

We offer a discounted price of $199 to nonprofits whose revenue is under $5M to ensure organizations with limited resources still have the opportunity to be recognized with this prestigious award. This discount can be applied directly within the application. Engage for Good Members are eligible for a 10% discount. Only one discount can be applied per application.

  • The regular deadline is November 21 at 8 pm EST.
  • The late deadline is December 15 at 8 pm EST (fee included).

Entries must be for campaigns that occurred in whole or in part during 2025. Campaigns may take place domestically or internationally, but the applying organization must have a US or Canadian footprint. Campaigns qualify if they are designed to measurably advance the interests of both a business and cause. Each campaign needs a business involved; please check the full list of categories carefully for eligibility. Applications without a nonprofit partner (where required) will be disqualified. Previous Halo Award-winning campaigns are not eligible for re-entry in the category in which they’ve previously won. A past winning campaign can be entered into a different category where it hasn’t previously won as long as it still has a US footprint and was run in 2025. Most categories require campaigns to involve at least one company and one nonprofit or cause partner.

No. EFG Members and Non-Members are welcome to apply to The Halo Awards. Members receive a 10% discount on application fees. If you’re interested in becoming an EFG Member and joining a vibrant community of social impact pros, learn more here.

Every Halo Award entry is evaluated with care, rigor, and integrity.

Applications are reviewed by a diverse panel of senior social impact leaders representing major corporations, nonprofits, and agencies. Judges are hand-selected each year based on strict criteria that include:

  • Proven expertise in business–cause partnerships
  • A strong record of driving measurable social impact
  • Senior-level leadership and peer recognition within the field
  • Previous Halo Winners and/or Finalists

Past Halo Award winners are given priority consideration for judging roles, ensuring that those who’ve achieved excellence help define it for others.

After an initial review by the Engage for Good team to confirm eligibility and completeness, each category’s judges evaluate the top submissions, scoring them on innovation, results, and partnership quality to determine Gold and Silver Halo Award winners.

Engage for Good reserves the right to reassign an entry to a more appropriate category when necessary. All judging decisions are final and made independently by the judging panel with no influence from EFG.

  • Engage for Good will inform all applicants of their status once the finalists for each category are selected.
  • After the judging ceremony, the winners in each category will be informed of their win but will not be told whether they’ve won the Gold Halo or Silver Halo award.
  • The Gold and Silver Halo Winners are announced live at The Halo Awards Gala at the Engage for Good conference in Palm Springs, CA.
  • We will be in touch to let you know whether your campaign was selected as a finalist. Each category typically has three to four finalists. The finalists will be notified via email with the plan for announcing the winners.

Ready to Be Recognized Among the Best in Social Impact?

Apply for The 2026 Halo Awards today and showcase your impact.

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