2027 CECP Goldies Award

Corporate Social Investment
Summit 2027

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants will be recognized for their achievements on CECP's LinkedIn page leading up to the 2027 Summit. By submitting your application, you agree that your work may be used for publicly acknowledged content.

Judging Criteria
Each criterion is scored 1–10 (10 = exemplary; 1 = needs significant improvement). Judges will assess the totality of evidence provided across the nomination form and supporting materials.

Criterion	What Judges Look For
Strategic Alignment & Business Integration	Demonstrates a clear and compelling link between the social investment initiative and the company's core purpose, business model, and long-term strategy — not just a philanthropic add-on but embedded in how the company operates.
Community Impact & Outcomes	Delivers measurable, meaningful improvements for communities. Whether in economic mobility, education, health, climate resilience, or equity — with evidence that shows real change in people's lives.
Employee Engagement & Culture of Purpose	Activates employees as genuine participants — through volunteering, co-design, advocacy, or skills-based service — in ways that reflect and strengthen a company-wide culture of purpose.
Partnership Quality & Ecosystem Building	Builds authentic, strategic collaborations with nonprofits, government agencies, peer companies, or community organizations that go beyond transactional giving to co-create durable solutions.
Innovation & Adaptive Practice	Demonstrates fresh thinking — whether through new delivery models, tech-enabled approaches, or learning-driven adaptation — to address pressing social challenges more effectively.
Measurement, Transparency & Accountability	Employs rigorous, honest reporting on both successes and shortcomings, using data and community feedback to drive continuous improvement and build trust.
Belonging-Centered Design	Centers belonging not just as a value statement but as an operational practice — intentionally reaching underserved populations and co-designing solutions with communities.
Scalability, Replication & Long-Term Vision	Shows a credible path toward lasting impact — whether through expanding reach, embedding within core business operations, influencing policy, or inspiring replication across industries.
Leadership Commitment & Accountability	Reflects authentic, visible championing from senior leadership — with executives who are personally accountable and publicly vocal about the company's social investment commitments.
Stakeholder Trust & Reputational Integrity	Earns the confidence of communities, partners, and the public through ethical conduct, honest communication, and a track record of following through on commitments.

Nomination Form

This award honors a team or initiative that exemplifies excellence in corporate social investment — demonstrating how business can be a genuine force for good in local communities. Nominees should illustrate how their efforts create meaningful, measurable impact for communities while advancing long-term business strategy.

Overview
Complete all questions below. Responses should be clear, evidence-based, and honest — including about what didn't go as planned. Strong nominations tell a compelling story backed by data.

Deadline
August 30, 2026

1. Please provide your contact information. *This question is required.

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

2. 1. Initiative Overview: Briefly describe the corporate social investment initiative—its goals, timeline, target communities, and what makes it stand out from conventional approaches.
(What problem were you solving, who was affected, and why did your approach represent a genuine departure from business as usual?)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

3.

2. Strategic Connection: How does this initiative connect to your company's core business strategy, purpose, and long-term goals?
(Explain how social investment is embedded in your business model.)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

4.

3. Community Impact: What measurable outcomes did the initiative achieve for communities?
(Share quantitative results and qualitative stories. How do you know the initiative made a real difference?)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

5.

4. Employee Engagement: How were employees meaningfully involved in this initiative?
(Beyond writing a check, describe co-design, skills-based volunteering, advocacy, or how the initiative helped to shape part of your internal culture.)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

6.

5. Partnership Ecosystem: What partnerships were central to this initiative's success, and how did you structure them?
(Describe the nature of your collaborations. What each partner brought, how power was shared, and how relationships evolved over time.)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

7.

6. Belonging in Practice: How did the initiative actively prioritize belonging in its design and delivery?
(Go beyond intentions. What specific decisions ensured underserved communities were centered, heard, and genuinely served?)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

8.

7. Executive Leadership & Accountability: How did senior executives visibly champion this initiative and hold the company accountable?
(Provide concrete examples of leadership advocacy, resource commitment, or public accountability.)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

9.

8. Learning, Evolution & Future Plans: What did you learn — including what didn't work — and how will this initiative grow or evolve?
(Share honest reflections on challenges, pivots, and your plans for scaling, replicating, or deepening impact this year, in 2027, and beyond.)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

10.

9. Systems Change & Broader Influence: Did this initiative contribute to broader systemic change — in policy, industry norms, or community infrastructure?
(Describe any ripple effects beyond your company: peer companies inspired, policy shifts influenced, or community systems strengthened.)

RESPONSE (maximum 250-300 words)*

*This question is required.

11.

10. Supporting Materials (Optional)
Attach any materials that strengthen your nomination. These may include:

Data visualizations, dashboards, or impact reports
Video testimonials or community stories
Partner letters of support
Press coverage or third-party recognition
Internal communications reflecting leadership commitment

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Questions? Contact Katie Leasor, Director of Marketing at CECP at kleasor@cecp.co