Methodology for Change the World

How we choose the companies:

The Change the World list recognizes companies that have had a positive social impact through activities that are part of their core business strategy. The 2024 edition, our 10th, showcases 52 businesses that continue that legacy, selected by our reporters and editors from a short list of about 250.

The companies broadly fall into four categories (and some fall into more than one):
* Environmental Impact
* Economic Opportunity
* Public Health
* Human Rights

As we assess nominees, among the factors that matter most are:

1. Measurable social impact

We consider the reach, nature, and durability of the company’s impact on one or more specific societal problems. Companies should be able to quantify in specific terms their positive impact on people and the planet (e.g. number of patients treated with a new medication; tons of pollution removed from the atmosphere).

2. Business results

We consider the benefit the socially impactful work brings to the company. Profitability and contribution to shareholder value outweigh benefits to the company’s reputation. Companies that earn a profit through their impactful work receive additional consideration. Companies should be able to quantify revenues and/or profits from the activity.

3. Degree of innovation

We consider how innovative the company’s effort is relative to that of others in its industry and whether other companies have followed its example or partnered with it. Companies that can show that their socially impactful activities have adapted successfully to changing circumstances are given additional consideration.

---

Head Writer

Matt Heimer

Contributors

Nina Ajemian, Diane Brady, Jenn Brice, Emma Burleigh, Will Daniel, Michael del Castillo, Ani Freedman, Beth Greenfield, Lionel Lim, Lila MacLellan, Greg McKenna, Imani Racine, Sasha Rogelberg, Kristin Stoller, and Phil Wahba