Signal Map by Consciously®Brand Trust Signals.

Purpose-focused awards at the Cannes Lions festival, such as Glass: The Lion for Change and the Sustainable Development Goals Lions. A win means the advertising industry's top juries judged the work to drive real social or environmental progress.

Awards from the creators of the Webby Awards that honor purpose and mission-driven work by companies, nonprofits and individuals. Entries are judged within causes such as climate, diversity and health, so a win points to credible impact work.

An annual Real Leaders list of companies recognized for their positive social and environmental impact. Companies are assessed on impact alongside business performance, so the list pairs purpose with growth.

B Lab's certification for companies that meet verified standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Companies are independently verified, write stakeholder consideration into their governance and recertify every three years.

A global network that sets the principles and standards for measuring and accounting for social value. Membership or accredited reporting shows a company measures its impact on people with a recognized method.

The United Nations' corporate sustainability initiative, built on ten principles covering human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Participants publish a yearly Communication on Progress, which makes the commitment public and checkable.

A community of purpose-led companies, started by Dr. Bronner's, Lift Economy and One Step Closer, that commit to ten business commitments. Members publish three-year commitment plans and track their progress publicly.

A legal structure that requires a company to consider its impact on workers, communities and the environment, not only shareholders. Purpose is written into the company's charter, so it holds through leadership changes and sales.

A US stock exchange whose listed companies adopt policies that favor long-term thinking and stakeholder consideration. Listing signals that a public company has committed to long-term decisions over short-term results.

A nonprofit network of students and professionals who use business to drive social and environmental change. Company involvement through chapters, events or recruiting signals a commitment to purpose-driven talent.

Ad Age's annual awards recognizing the best small and independent agencies. Winners are judged by the industry's leading trade publication on creative work, growth and culture.

The leading international awards for excellence on the internet, from websites and apps to video, podcasts and AI. Winners are chosen by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, with a separate public People's Voice vote.

Fast Company's annual list of the companies making the biggest impact through innovation. Honorees are selected by editors, so inclusion is independent recognition of new ideas in a sector.

Inc. magazine's annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, with regional lists. Rankings are based on verified revenue growth, so they signal momentum and market demand.

A Gartner-owned site where people compare business software and read verified user reviews. Strong ratings and badges show that real customers recommend the product.

A B2B ratings and reviews platform for agencies and service providers. Reviews are verified, often through interviews with clients, and top-rated firms earn yearly Clutch awards.

A B2B marketplace that lists and ranks agencies by specialty and location. Placement in its curated rankings helps buyers find and compare agencies with proven work.

A platform that publishes customer success content and ratings for B2B software and services. Its reports rank vendors on customer references, case studies and reviews.

The largest software review marketplace, where business buyers compare products using verified user reviews. Quarterly badges such as Leader and High Performer are based on review data and market presence.

Gartner's platform for verified reviews of enterprise technology by IT and business professionals. Customers' Choice distinctions go to vendors that are highly rated by their own users.

A B2B software review site known for detailed, verified user reviews. Its Top Rated awards are based only on customer feedback and can't be bought.

A business media brand covering startups and growing companies, with annual lists and a contributor network. Being featured or ranked by Entrepreneur gives third-party press credibility.

Coverage in Forbes, plus the Forbes Agency Council, a vetted membership for leaders of established agencies. Council members are screened on agency size and track record and can publish expert content on Forbes.com.

A global startup accelerator that invests in early-stage companies through mentorship-driven programs. Acceptance is competitive, so participation shows experienced investors backed the team.

The Silicon Valley accelerator behind companies such as Airbnb, Stripe and DoorDash. Its acceptance rate is famously low, so YC backing is a strong signal to customers and investors.

An independent audit, based on AICPA criteria, of how a company protects customer data. A SOC 2 Type II report shows security, availability and privacy controls worked over a period of time.

TrustArc, formerly TRUSTe, certifies that a company's privacy practices meet its privacy standards. Certification reviews how a company collects and handles data against frameworks such as GDPR and the CCPA.

The international standard for information security management systems. Certification by an accredited auditor shows a company manages security risks in a structured, tested way.

A site seal showing a website uses a DigiCert TLS/SSL certificate and its owner's identity has been checked. It replaced the Norton Secured seal, long one of the most recognized trust marks online.

Showing the Mastercard mark tells customers they can pay through a familiar, secure card network. Card networks offer fraud protection and chargebacks, which lowers the risk of buying from a new company.

Offering PayPal lets customers pay without sharing their card details with the merchant. PayPal's Purchase Protection gives buyers added confidence when trying a new company.

A trust seal showing a website passes regular security scans and business verification checks. It is commonly shown at checkout to reassure first-time buyers that the site is safe.

Showing the Visa mark tells customers they can pay through one of the world's most widely used payment networks. Visa's fraud protections and dispute rights lower the risk of a first purchase.

IDEO U is the design firm IDEO's online school for design thinking, and IDEO CoLab is its collaborative innovation network. Team credentials or participation show training in a well-known human-centered design approach.

Better Business Bureau accreditation for businesses that commit to its Standards for Trust. Accredited businesses agree to answer and resolve customer complaints, and they display a public BBB rating.

Credentials such as CPACC and WAS from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. They show a team is trained to build digital products that people with disabilities can use.

The Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. PMP holders have passed a rigorous exam and documented their project leadership experience.

Credentials from Scrum Alliance, such as Certified ScrumMaster, that show training in agile methods. They tell clients a team knows how to run work in short, transparent cycles.

The international standard for innovation management systems, published in 2024. Certification shows a company has a structured, repeatable process for developing new ideas.

The world's most widely used standard for quality management systems. Certification shows independently audited processes for consistent quality and continuous improvement.

Google's badge for advertising agencies that meet its requirements for Google Ads performance, spend and certification. It shows an agency runs campaigns to Google's standards and has certified staff.

HubSpot's program for agencies that sell, implement and support its software. Partner tiers are based on client results and certifications, so higher tiers show proven experience.

The national trade association for US advertising agencies, founded in 1917. Membership signals an agency follows established industry standards and practices.

The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer credential. It shows a marketer has passed an exam on core marketing knowledge and keeps up continuing education.

An article about the company on Wikipedia. Wikipedia requires significant coverage in independent, reliable sources, so an entry signals real notability.

A press release distribution service that sends company news to media, investors and search engines. Wire distribution creates a public, time-stamped record of a company's announcements.

A press release distribution service from Cision that reaches newsrooms and news sites. Using a major wire shows announcements are official and publicly on record.

Fast Company's annual festival in New York, with talks and visits to innovative companies. Speaking or hosting puts a company among the brands Fast Company features for innovation.

The annual conference and festivals in Austin, Texas, covering technology, film, music and culture. Speaking or showcasing at SXSW signals relevance in culture and innovation.

One of the world's largest technology conferences, held each year in Lisbon with editions in other cities. Speaking or exhibiting signals presence in the global tech and startup community.

The national arts advocacy organization, whose business programs connect companies with the arts. Its BCA 10 awards recognize businesses that make the arts part of their workplace and community.

Glassdoor's annual Best Places to Work awards, based entirely on anonymous employee reviews. Companies can't apply, so winners reflect what employees say about working there.

Employer recognition based on Energage's confidential employee engagement survey. Awards are given nationally, regionally and by industry, based only on employee feedback.

MIT Sloan Management Review research that rates the culture of large companies using employee reviews. It shows how employees rate a company on values such as integrity, agility and respect.

Certification based on an anonymous employee survey about trust, fairness and workplace experience. Certified companies can qualify for its Best Workplaces lists, including those published with Fortune.

A global emotional intelligence network that certifies practitioners and measures EQ in people and organizations. Training or assessment through Six Seconds shows investment in how people lead and work together.

A certification for companies that are broadly owned by their employees through ESOPs, cooperatives or trusts. It tells customers and recruits that employees share in the company's success.

The International WELL Building Institute's certification for spaces designed to support health and well-being. It covers air, water, light, comfort and mental health, verified through on-site testing.

B Lab's standards cover how a company treats its workers, including pay, benefits, training and ownership.

It sets requirements for a company's own workplace, including health and safety, working hours, pay and the right to organize.

Certification covers pay for every employee, a direct measure of how a company supports its own people.

A global network of businesses committed to higher purpose, stakeholder orientation, conscious leadership and conscious culture. Membership or chapter involvement signals leaders who put people and purpose alongside profit.

A nonprofit that provides research, training and resources on employee ownership. Membership shows a company invests in ownership practices such as ESOPs and equity sharing.

An accelerator from Accenture and the World Economic Forum's UpLink for startups building circular economy businesses. Selection signals a business model that reduces waste and keeps materials in use.

A product standard covering material health, product circularity, clean air and climate, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Products are assessed independently and certified at levels from Bronze to Platinum.

GBCI's certification for facilities that keep at least 90% of their waste out of landfills and incinerators. It requires a year of tracked results and zero waste policies across the operation.

Tugboat Institute's recognition for privately held companies that follow its seven Evergreen principles for building to last. It signals a company puts long-term health, independence and purpose ahead of exit-driven growth.

B Corps write stakeholder consideration into their legal governance, which supports business models built on less extraction.

A global network of businesses that give at least 1% of annual sales to environmental nonprofits. Giving is certified every year, so membership is a verified, ongoing commitment.

An ownership model where control stays with people tied to the company and profits serve its purpose, not outside shareholders. Purpose Foundation helps companies adopt it, often through a trust or foundation that locks in the mission.

A community of leaders of companies that choose to be great rather than just big. Membership signals values-driven leadership focused on culture, community and craft.

The leading circular economy charity's network of businesses, governments and universities. Members work with the foundation to design out waste and keep products and materials in use.

A member-owned cooperative for founders building companies that are both profitable and good for society. It offers an alternative to the 'unicorn' model of growth at all costs.

The Urban Land Institute's awards for real estate and land-use projects that set a high bar for design and community benefit. Winners are chosen by industry experts, so the award signals responsible development.

An award for travel and hospitality businesses that consistently earn great reviews from Tripadvisor travelers. It's based on a full year of reviews and ratings, so it reflects sustained guest satisfaction.

A program from the Pratt Center for Community Development that identifies products made in New York City. The mark tells buyers a product supports local manufacturing jobs.

A national nonprofit network that helps revitalize historic downtowns and neighborhood business districts. Participation shows a business invests in its local commercial district.

The US Treasury's CDFI Fund certifies lenders and financial institutions that serve low-income and underserved communities. Certification shows community development is the institution's primary mission.

A peer-reviewed certification for small farms using organic practices, designed as an affordable alternative to USDA Organic. Farmers inspect one another, which keeps it local and transparent.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture's mark for produce and products grown in the state. It tells buyers the food is local and meets state quality grading standards.

A label from Shorefast, the Fogo Island social enterprise, that shows where the money from a purchase goes. Like a nutrition label, it shows how much of the price goes to labor, materials, business costs and surplus.

The American Independent Business Alliance helps communities run Local First campaigns that support independent businesses. Membership in a local alliance signals a business is locally owned and invested in its community.

The trade association for independent bookstores in the US. Membership signals an independent bookstore rooted in its community.

Local groups of B Corps and supporters, such as B Local NYC, that work together on community issues. Involvement shows a company puts its B Corp values to work in its own city.

A global movement for good, clean and fair food that protects local food traditions. Membership or participation signals support for local producers and food culture.

A free listing that shows a business on Google Search and Maps with its location, hours and reviews. A complete, verified profile with reviews is often the first trust check for local customers.

American Express's annual campaign, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, that encourages shopping at small businesses. Taking part signals a business is independent and part of its local economy.

A widely used rating of company sustainability across environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. Top performers earn medals, and many large buyers ask suppliers for an EcoVadis score.

MSCI rates companies from AAA to CCC on how they manage financially relevant environmental, social and governance risks. Investors use the ratings to compare companies within an industry.

A rating of how exposed a company is to ESG risks and how well it manages them. Lower scores mean less unmanaged risk, and investors use the rating to screen companies.

Climate Impact Partners' certification for companies and products that measure, reduce and offset their emissions. It follows The CarbonNeutral Protocol and is renewed each year.

The US Green Building Council's rating system for green buildings, from Certified to Platinum. Buildings earn points for energy, water, materials and indoor environment, verified by GBCI.

A sustainability certification that measures a business's carbon footprint and supports year-on-year reductions. Certified businesses report their emissions every year and commit to cutting them.

The Change Climate Project's label, formerly Climate Neutral Certified, for brands that measure and act on their emissions. Brands measure their footprint, fund climate projects and set plans to reduce emissions each year.

The US EPA's label for energy-efficient products, homes, buildings and plants. Products are independently certified to use less energy than standard models.

The US EPA's label for cleaning and household products made with safer chemical ingredients. Every ingredient is reviewed against EPA safety criteria.

A certification that wood, paper and other forest products come from responsibly managed forests. FSC tracks certified material through the supply chain to the final product.

The leading standard for organic textiles, covering organic fiber content and social and environmental criteria through production. Certification is checked at every stage, from raw fiber to finished product.

Green America's certification for businesses that meet social and environmental standards across their operations. Businesses are screened for practices that are good for workers, communities and the planet.

A nonprofit ecolabel for products and services that meet science-based health and sustainability standards. Its standards cover a product's life cycle, from ingredients to packaging.

A certification for cosmetics, personal care and household products made without animal testing at any stage. Companies must monitor their suppliers and agree to independent audits.

The International Living Future Institute's certification for regenerative buildings. Buildings must prove net-positive energy and water performance over a year of operation.

The blue fish label for wild seafood from fisheries certified as sustainable. Fisheries are independently assessed on fish stocks, ecosystem impact and management.

A widely recognized North American verification for products made without genetically modified ingredients. Products are tested and verified by independent technical administrators.

A family of textile labels, including STANDARD 100 for products tested for harmful substances and MADE IN GREEN for responsible production. Testing is done by independent institutes and renewed every year.

The green frog seal for farm and forest products produced under standards for nature, climate and people. Farms and companies are audited against the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard.

A certification that builds on organic with requirements for soil health, animal welfare and social fairness. Products must already be certified organic before meeting its extra regenerative standards.

The US government label for food and farm products grown and processed under national organic standards. Certified operations are inspected every year by USDA-accredited certifiers.

A system for the textile industry that certifies chemicals, manufacturers and products for safe, responsible production. It focuses on keeping harmful substances out of the supply chain from the start.

The international standard for environmental management systems. Certification shows a company tracks and reduces its environmental impact through audited processes.

The international standard for managing events sustainably. It covers an event's environmental, social and economic impact, from planning to wrap-up.

B Lab's standards cover environmental performance, including climate action, waste and resource use.

Its assessment categories include clean air and climate protection, and water and soil stewardship.

A benchmark from the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre that ranks large companies on how they address forced labor in their supply chains. Scores are public, so a strong ranking shows accountability for supplier conditions.

A global disclosure system where companies report on climate, water and forests. CDP scores disclosures from A to D-, and many investors and buyers request them.

A commitment by small and medium businesses to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. It is recognized by the UN's Race to Zero, which ties small businesses to a global climate target.

A commitment, co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Signatories agree to measure and report their emissions regularly and to decarbonize.

The most widely used framework for sustainability reporting, covering a company's impacts on the economy, environment and people. Reporting with GRI makes disclosures comparable and easier for stakeholders to check.

Industry-specific standards for disclosing the sustainability issues that matter most to investors, now maintained by the IFRS Foundation. They underpin the ISSB's global sustainability disclosure standards.

An organization that validates corporate emissions-reduction targets against climate science. A validated target shows a company's climate goals are in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C.

A free tool from Mightybytes that scores a website's sustainability and performance. A strong score points to a lighter, faster and more efficient website.

Three of its ten principles cover the environment, including a precautionary approach and cleaner technologies.

A Canadian nonprofit that supports Indigenous leadership and partnerships in clean energy. Involvement signals a company's clean energy work includes Indigenous communities as partners.

The largest annual climate event in the world, held in New York alongside the UN General Assembly and run by Climate Group. Speaking or hosting events signals active leadership on climate.

The largest annual conference and expo dedicated to green building. Participation signals expertise in sustainable building and design.

A global community and conference series for brands working on sustainability and purpose. Speaking or membership signals a company is active in the sustainable business community.

Trellis, formerly GreenBiz, runs leading conferences on corporate sustainability, including Trellis Impact. Speaking or attending signals engagement with sustainability professionals and practice.

The annual UN climate summit where countries negotiate global climate action. Businesses attend to share commitments and solutions with governments and civil society.

JUST Capital ranks large US public companies on how they treat workers, customers, communities, the environment and shareholders. Its criteria come from national polling on what Americans think makes a company just.

Fair360, formerly DiversityInc, ranks the top companies for workplace fairness and inclusion each year. Rankings are based on a detailed survey of company data and practices.

A nonprofit that runs the Disability Equality Index for companies and certifies Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBE). A strong index score or DOBE certification shows real commitment to disability inclusion.

The Human Rights Campaign's benchmark of corporate policies, benefits and practices for LGBTQ+ employees. Companies scoring 100 are named among the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council certifies businesses owned and run by minority entrepreneurs. Certification is verified through review and site visits and opens access to corporate supplier programs.

A UN Development Programme certification for companies and public institutions that meet gender equality standards. Organizations are assessed on areas such as equal pay, women in leadership, harassment prevention and work-life balance.

Fair Trade USA's label for products made under standards that protect workers and the environment. Each purchase also pays a premium that workers and farmers invest in their communities.

A certification for fair trade and responsible supply chains, run by Ecocert. It covers fair prices, working conditions and community development across a supply chain.

The FAIRTRADE Mark shows products meet Fairtrade standards, including minimum prices and premiums for farmers and workers. It is one of the most recognized ethical labels in the world.

A certification for employers that pay all workers a living wage based on local costs of living. It covers every employee, so it shows pay that meets basic needs where staff live.

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce certifies businesses that are majority owned by LGBT people. Certification gives access to corporate and government supplier diversity programs.

Social Accountability International's audited standard for decent work. It covers child and forced labor, health and safety, working hours, wages and the right to organize.

A fair trade label created and owned by organizations of small farmers. It certifies products made by small producers and the companies that buy from them.

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled and run by women. It is the most widely accepted women-owned business certification in the US.

The World Fair Trade Organization's label for enterprises that practice fair trade across their whole business. Unlike product labels, it verifies the entire organization against the 10 Principles of Fair Trade.

A nonprofit that created Equity-Centered Community Design, a process for designing with the communities most affected. Training in it shows a team designs with communities, not just for them.

B Lab's standards include requirements on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, and on a company's impact on its community.

Its farm standard includes social requirements on human rights, living wages and gender equality.

Social fairness is one of its three pillars, with requirements for fair payments and fair labor practices.

CDFIs focus on low-income and underserved communities that mainstream lenders often overlook.

A multi-stakeholder initiative where clothing brands work to improve conditions in the factories they source from. Member brands are checked every year and their performance results are published.

Greyston's Open Hiring model fills entry-level jobs without résumés, interviews or background checks. Adopting it signals a company is removing barriers for people often shut out of work.

Seven principles from UN Women and the UN Global Compact that guide companies on gender equality. Signing commits the CEO to act on equality in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Buying directly from farmers at published prices, with independent verification, as in Taza Chocolate's program. Verification makes the claim checkable, unlike unverified direct trade marketing.

Six of its ten principles cover human rights and labor, including ending discrimination at work.

The Skoll Foundation's award for social innovators whose work is driving large-scale change. The Skoll World Forum brings together leaders working on the world's most pressing problems.

Fast Company's annual awards for products, projects and companies tackling social and environmental problems. Honorees are chosen by editors and judges across categories such as climate, health and equity.

The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organization of the World Economic Forum, names Social Innovators of the Year. Awardees join a community with access to World Economic Forum events and networks.

Microsoft's program and research lab that applies AI to challenges in health, climate, humanitarian work and more. Participation or grants signal technology put to work for social benefit.

Ashoka selects leading social entrepreneurs as Fellows through a rigorous, multi-stage process. Fellows join a lifelong global network, so the title signals proven, systems-changing work.

The international standard for managing artificial intelligence responsibly within an organization. Certification shows audited controls for AI risk, transparency and oversight.

A UN-endorsed alliance that recognizes open-source software, data and AI models that meet the Digital Public Goods Standard. Recognition shows a tool is open, privacy-conscious and built to help advance the SDGs.

Cisco's program for resellers, integrators and service providers. Partner levels depend on certified staff and customer results.

Microsoft's partner program, with designations that show verified skills and customer success on Microsoft Cloud. Designations require certified staff and proven customer deployments.

Oracle's partner program, including NetSuite partners, for companies that build, sell and implement Oracle solutions. Expertise levels require certified staff and customer references.

Salesforce's consulting partner program, with partners listed on AppExchange. Partner tiers are based on certifications, customer satisfaction and project success.

The UN Sustainable Development Goal for partnerships across government, business and civil society. Aligning with it shows a company works with others to advance the SDGs.

A global movement of social entrepreneurs and changemakers collaborating to advance the UN SDGs. Membership signals a commitment to collaboration over competition in social change.

A global community and learning platform for people working on systems change. Participation shows a team applies systems thinking to complex problems.

A US network of businesses and business associations that advocates for a sustainable economy. Membership signals a company supports policy for people and planet, not just internal practices.

The global membership organization for impact investors. Membership signals use of shared impact-measurement practices such as IRIS+.

A long-running community of founders and leaders building mission-driven businesses. Membership signals ties to a peer network of experienced social entrepreneurs.

A global network of independent marketing and advertising agencies that collaborate across markets. Membership gives clients access to vetted partner agencies around the world.

BSR is a global nonprofit that works with companies on sustainable business, and its annual conference convenes sustainability leaders. Speaking or attending signals engagement with leading corporate sustainability practice.

A conference and community for impact investors, social entrepreneurs and funders, held each year in San Francisco. Participation signals ties to the impact investing and social enterprise community.