Belonging 100 Belonging 50

The Belonging 100 Belonging 50 Award honors organizations and leaders who are setting the national standard for cultivating cultures of belonging. This award recognizes those who go beyond inclusion initiatives to embed belonging into leadership practices, workplace culture, policies, and everyday experiences.

Honorees exemplify a deep commitment to creating environments where individuals feel valued, respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. Through intentional leadership, innovative programs, and measurable impact, Belonging 100 and Belonging 50 recipients are shaping the future of work and community by proving that belonging drives engagement, performance, and long-term success.

Presented by the Belonging Institute, the Belonging 100 Award honors 100 trailblazers who are shaping the future of belonging in workplaces and communities. This prestigious recognition celebrates leaders who champion inclusive cultures, foster psychological safety, and drive meaningful change to ensure that everyone—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience—feels valued and empowered.

Award recipients represent corporate executives, DEI practitioners, community leaders, and advocates who go beyond traditional diversity efforts to create environments where all individuals truly belong. Through their work, they set a new standard for inclusion, equity, and belonging, inspiring organizations and society at large.

Award Distinctions

• Belonging 100 recognizes 100 organizations or leaders demonstrating strong, scalable, and sustained belonging practices.
• Belonging 50 represents an elite subset of honorees whose work reflects exceptional innovation, influence, and measurable impact in advancing belonging.

Eligibility

The award is open to:

• Organizations of any size or sector
• Executives, senior leaders, and people leaders
• DEI, HR, culture, and organizational development professionals
• Nonprofit, corporate, public, and healthcare organizations

Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by peers, colleagues, or community members.

Selection Criteria

Nominations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Leadership Commitment
Demonstrated leadership accountability and visible commitment to fostering belonging at all levels of the organization.

2. Culture & Practices
Implementation of policies, programs, or practices that create inclusive, supportive, and psychologically safe environments.

3. Impact & Outcomes
Evidence of measurable outcomes such as improved engagement, retention, employee well-being, collaboration, or organizational performance.

4. Innovation & Strategy
Creative or forward-thinking approaches to embedding belonging into organizational systems, leadership development, or workforce strategy.

5. Sustainability & Scalability
Long-term commitment to belonging with practices that are sustainable and capable of being scaled or replicated.

6. Community & Industry Influence
Contributions that extend beyond the organization to positively influence communities, industries, or sectors.

Recognition

Belonging 100 | Belonging 50 honorees will receive:

• National recognition as a leader in belonging
• Inclusion in official award announcements and digital features
• Use of the Belonging 100 or Belonging 50 award mark for marketing and communications
• Recognition at an official awards ceremony or affiliated event

Nomination Timeline

• Nominations Open: Now
• Nomination Deadline: May 1, 2026

We invite you to nominate organizations and leaders who are redefining what it means to lead with belonging—and who are making a meaningful, lasting impact.