The Yellow Pages Group believes it is essential to recognize the important role that many small businesses play in their communities and with that in mind Yellow Pages Group has established the Make It Real program.

This unique grassroots program rewards local businesses that demonstrate their  commitment to improving their respective communities.

Businesses that are selected as leaders in making an outstanding community contribution are eligible to win a cash prize that goes to both the winning businesses and the winners’ charity of choice. 

Examples of community-based work by businesses that could be recognized by the Make It Real program include fundraising for charitable or non-profit organizations, volunteering devoted to a cause, providing gifts-in-kind to a charitable or non-profit organization, and/or implementing environmentally friendly business practices, employment and personnel practices, etc.

The Make It Real program relies on the creation of local judging panels composed of business and community leaders who work together to select a winner each year in their respective communities. The prizes awarded to each winning business include a Yellow Pages Group “Community Investment Prize” of $6,500, with $5,000 going to the winning businesses and $1,500 going to each winners’ selected beneficiary organization.

In addition to the cash awards, Yellow Pages Group publicizes the name of each winning business in the Community Guide of local Yellow Pages™ directories.