Judging
Judging Process
All entries to the Anthem Awards are judged by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Each submission is evaluated against a number of criteria (included below) and undergoes a rigorous review process. Anthem Awards are given to the highest scoring work across the competition.
How Work Is Judged
Members of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences independently evaluate the entries submitted during the Call for Entries. Entries are judged on their own merits based on a standard of excellence for each category as determined by the Academy as well as industry leaders from non-profits, foundations and purpose-driven brands.
Each entry is evaluated by multiple Academy Members who provide scores based on the appropriate criteria. The top scoring entries are determined to be Winners. A category may have multiple Winners, or none at all, depending on relevant scoring.
IADAS MEMBERS
Associate Academy Members are former award recipients and other industry experts. As such, they have demonstrable expertise in the categories they review. In order to be accepted to the Academy, members must first submit applications and be verified as experts and leaders in their peer groups. If accepted, Academy members are then tasked with reviewing a specific set of entries that is germane to their expertise.
Executive Members of The Academy are visionaries, evangelists and luminaries who have catalyzed great achievements in their areas of focus. These experts faithfully represent and provide a voice for purpose & mission-driven work across key sectors within Anthem honored causes: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Education, Art & Culture, Health, Human & Civil Rights, Humanitarian Action & Services, Responsible Technology and Sustainability, Environment & Climate.
The Academy regularly reviews the work of each Academy Member for fairness and accuracy, and verifies Members’ qualifications and level of expertise for judging.
DISCLOSURE
We understand that conflicts of interest are a potential threat, and we take these conflicts very seriously. All members are barred from judging any entry with which they have a personal or professional affiliation or any other conflict of interest. We do everything in our power to minimize occurrences of conflicts while ensuring that the best work is recognized.
The Anthem Awards does not influence the judges in any way. We select a diverse body of judges who we feel are objective, respected, and knowledgeable in their category. The Winners are entirely in the hands of these Academy Members, who select and vote on the entries through an independent process.
Judging Criteria
Concept
The clarity of an idea, and its response to a real need. Good impact work begins with a clear, well-defined intention and understanding of context.
Execution
The craft and strategic rigor with which it was brought to life. Good work is produced with care, operationally sound, and is produced at a high standard relative to an organization’s resources.
Impact & Engagement
The demonstrable, measurable change it made in the world. This is the heart of what we recognize at the Anthem Awards. Good work can be tracked—behaviors shifted, funds raised, policies changed, or needs met.
Inclusivity
The intentionality of who was served or represented. Across any cause, good work treats inclusion as a necessity and not an afterthought. It asks: who is present, who is missing, and who needs to be brought in, at every stage.
Capacity Building
The infrastructure or long-term potential for growth. Good work compounds to build something that is durable—systems changed, community growth, widespread adoption, or funds raised.