Fast Company is excited to expand Brands That Matter, the world’s leading program for showcasing brands that communicate and demonstrate brand purpose. Brands That Matter honorees don’t just recite corporate vision statements or management talking points; they have achieved relevance through cultural impact and social engagement, and their branding authentically communicates a brand’s current mission and ideals. Brands from around the world—including the largest multinational conglomerates and small-but-mighty companies—are encouraged to apply.

Every application will be reviewed by a member of the Fast Company editorial team, and submissions will be judged on timeliness, relevance, cultural and business impact, clarity, and ingenuity. Our editors may also choose to recognize corporations or large organizations that demonstrate purpose across their portfolio of brands.

The entry period for the 2022 Brands That Matter Awards is now closed. Please click here to sign up for future award notifications.

WHY APPLY

Brand Exposure

Every application is seen and evaluated by Fast Company editors and reporters

Opportunities

Applicants are often considered for speaking engagements at Fast Company events and exclusive invitations to influencer-only programs

Credibility

Gain the Fast Company stamp of approval as an exemplar for an innovative workplace

Break News

Gain the Fast Company stamp of approval as an exemplar for an innovative workplace

Visibility and Media Exposure

Winners will appear in the November issue of Fast Company and all honorees will appear on Fastcompany.com

CATEGORIES

While every application submitted must be considered for the Brands That Matter list, you may also choose to apply to any of these new categories for an additional fee, increasing your odds of being recognized by Fast Company. Multiple honorees will be named in each category.

Our editors may also choose to recognize corporations or large organizations that demonstrate purpose across their portfolio of brands. There is no additional fee to be considered for this “Family of Brands” honor; however, entering multiple brands owned by the same parent company also can increase the odds of being considered for this special commendation.

AI and Data (New)

Tech in the artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning spaces highlighting and communicating brand purpose

Current Events

Special recognition for brands that initiated a high-impact response to major news and significant events in 2021 such as pandemic effects, climate change, voting rights, and more

Energy (New)

Brands in the power, fuel, and renewables ecosystem that demonstrate impact and purpose

Fashion (New)

Brands in the apparel, beauty, accessories, textiles and related businesses that show cultural impact and purpose

Food (New)

Agribusinesses, restaurants, consumer goods, and other brands serving up purpose and broad cultural relevance

Media (New)

Traditional and new media brands that articulate and demonstrate purpose in their branding

Public Service (New)

Brands whose messages raise public awareness or offer educational information for the betterment of society

Security (New)

Brands that show purpose and differentiation as they help protect companies and consumers from digital warfare and privacy threats

Brands That Matter United States

Brands based in the United States that have achieved relevance in their home markets through cultural impact and social engagement

Small Business (Fewer than 100 Employees)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have fewer than 100 employees

Large Business (1,000+ Employees)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have more than 1,000 employees

Established Excellence: 5–14 Years in Business

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business between 5 and 14 years

Consumer (Business-to-Consumer)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes brands that provide products and services to consumers

Education (New)

Brands demonstrating purpose and elevating the learning space

Finance (New)

Banking, fintech, and financial services whose brands are about more than the bottom line

Health and Wellness (New)

Brands in fitness, self-care, medicine, and pharmaceuticals that improve body and mind

Nonprofit (Not-for-Profit or Philanthropic)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes brands in the nonprofit, philanthropic, or NGO (nongovernmental organization) space

Retail (New)

Brands showing purpose beyond the digital or physical storefront

Sports (New)

Purpose-driven brands scoring in the world of professional and recreational sports

Workplace (New)

Enterprise software, design, real estate, and related brands elevating engagement with the physical and virtual office

Brands That Matter International

Brands based outside of the United States that have achieved relevance in their home markets through cultural impact and social engagement

Midsize Business (100 – 999 Employees)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have between 100 and 999 employees

On The Rise: 0–4 Years in Business

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business less than 4 years

Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business more than 15 years