Kelda Group, owner of Yorkshire Water; Bradford & Bingley; and Provident Financial have been ranked joint 43, joint 57 and joint 69 respectively in Business in the Community's third annual corporate responsibility index.
The index, which lists the top 100 performers, is regarded as the most comprehensive measure of a company's total contribution to society.
Kelda Group, whose activities include a pioneering Cool Schools campaign that has donated more than 700 free water coolers to primary schools over the last three years, has climbed from 86 to 43.
Almost 250,000 children are so far estimated to have benefited from the initiative, with teachers reporting a significant improvement in their behaviour, physical and academic performance.
Bradford & Bingley's work in funding Shelterline - a freephone housing advice line - was also recognised by Business in the Community's Awards for Excellence this year.
Doorstep lender Provident Financial's "commitment to responsible business practice" includes the launch of a green travel plan and the extension of its activities to suppliers and international companies.
Business in the Community's regional director, Pam Lee, said: "It's great that their truly responsible approach to customers, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders is reflected in the index."