7 Reasons CSR Leaders Want to Take The Civic 50® Survey in 2025

In a moment when corporate purpose is under more scrutiny than ever, CSR leaders are being asked a familiar, but increasingly urgent, question: How do we know our social impact strategy is actually working?

That’s where The Civic 50®, an initiative of Points of Light, comes in, supporting corporate social responsibility teams through trusted benchmarking, measurement of key metrics, and connection to other leading CSR teams.

Now in its 14th year, The Civic 50 recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States, setting the standard for what high-quality corporate social impact really looks like. More than an award, it’s a roadmap, a measurement tool, and an annual pulse check for companies that want to lead with purpose.

If you’ve been debating whether to take the survey this year, this list might make the decision much easier.

1. Get Unmatched CSR Benchmarking to Strengthen Your Social Impact Strategy

Keyword focus: CSR benchmarking, corporate social impact strategy

One of the biggest challenges CSR leaders face is proving what’s working and identifying what’s not. Every company that completes The Civic 50 survey receives a complimentary benchmarking scorecard, offering a clear picture of how your programs compare to other purpose-driven companies.

With the latest updates, this year’s scorecard goes deeper than ever, helping CSR teams:

• Identify gaps and growth opportunities
• Strengthen employee volunteering and community engagement strategies
• Set informed priorities for the year ahead
• Demonstrate ROI to executives and stakeholders

Whether you’re refining a mature social impact program or building structure into a growing one, the benchmarking insights serve as a powerful planning and evaluation tool.

2. A Streamlined, More Actionable Survey Experience

CSR leaders don’t exactly have extra hours in their week and this survey gets that. The newly redesigned Civic 50 survey includes simplified questions focused on practical, actionable insights across employee volunteering, giving, and community engagement.

The streamlined approach gives you:

• A faster completion experience
• Questions aligned with the work CSR teams actually manage
• Data you can turn into immediate improvements

It’s not a heavy lift and the return on that investment of time is significant.

3. Gain Access to Expanded Recognition Opportunities

Even if your company doesn’t land in the top 50 (yet!), participating gives you access to more than 10 newly added award categories. These spotlight innovative programs, exceptional CSR leaders, and standout impact practices across the sector.

This means companies at any stage of their journey can be recognized for excellence in corporate citizenship, even if they are not a The Civic 50 honoree.

Recognition matters. It improves visibility, boosts employer brand reputation, and reinforces your company’s commitment to community impact.

4. Elevate Your Company’s Purpose Narrative with Stakeholders

When companies participate in The Civic 50, they’re signaling something important: We take our role in the community seriously.

For senior leaders, communications teams, and external stakeholders, the survey becomes a platform to:

• Demonstrate company-wide commitment to social and community issues
• Showcase leadership in corporate social impact
• Strengthen trust with investors, employees, partners, and consumers

The Civic 50 is widely recognized across the corporate and nonprofit sectors, appearing on this list, or even participating in the process, strengthens your credibility as a purpose-driven brand.

5. Empower HR to Attract and Retain Purpose-Driven Talent

Employee expectations have shifted. Workers, especially younger professionals, want to be part of organizations that live their values. Participation in The Civic 50 helps HR teams:

• Highlight authentic social impact programs during recruitment
• Drive employee pride in the company
• Increase engagement through meaningful volunteering and giving opportunities
• Quantify and communicate the value of purpose at work

CSR and HR are increasingly interconnected. The survey’s insights support both teams in building a workplace where employees feel connected to something bigger.

6. Celebrate and Validate the Work Your Employees Already Do

CSR work is often behind the scenes, powered by internal champions who don’t ask for the spotlight. Participating in The Civic 50 is a moment to celebrate their contributions—whether through volunteering, community partnerships, or innovative impact projects.

Employees love seeing their company recognized for doing good. It reinforces their efforts, builds community pride, and strengthens long-term engagement.

7. It’s Free, Confidential, and Comes With Real Value…Plus a Conference Bonus

A rare combination in the CSR world: there is no cost to participate.

Here’s what you get simply for completing the survey:

• A complimentary benchmarking scorecard
• Eligibility for all awards (not just the top 50)
• A confidential evaluation—only honorees are publicly named
• A discounted registration offer for the 2026 Points of Light Conference in Washington, D.C. (limited to two per company)

For a free resource, the value is unusually high.

Who Should Participate?

The Civic 50 is ideal for companies that want to:

• Improve or scale their CSR and ESG strategies
• Better measure community engagement
• Understand how leading organizations build impactful programs
• Gain recognition for social impact work
• Strengthen their employer brand and stakeholder trust

Whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a rapidly growing organization, the survey is built to meet you where you are.

Final Thoughts: The Civic 50 Is More Than Recognition. It’s a Strategic Advantage

CSR leaders often juggle competing priorities, limited budgets, and soaring expectations. The Civic 50 survey offers a clear, practical way to evaluate your impact, benchmark against national leaders, and showcase meaningful work happening across your company.

If your team is committed to deeper impact, smarter strategy, and stronger community engagement, this is the tool and the moment to take the next step.