To qualify for the Buy Forward list, a company must:

• Contribute 5% or more of its pre-tax profits to worthy causes. A cause is considered worthy if more than 85% of a random sample surveyed would agree that it is worthy.
• Compete in a traditionally for-profit industry.
• Be a credible company donating to a credible cause.

Confirmation of giving and cause worthiness are made by a board of advisors using an informal submission and assessment process. We hope that in time a more rigorous vetting process will become possible and necessary. We also hope to be able to consider adherence to “spirit of giving” measures like excessive executive salaries which would artificially reduce profits available for giving.