2026 Award Process Fees
Based on market feedback – and reflecting our desire to make the Baldrige Award more accessible to more organizations and communities – we are continuing the practice started with Baldrige Reimagine of lowering investment/pricing levels for 2026. The following represents the fee schedule for this year’s cycle:
| 0-249 FTE | 250-499 FTE | 500-2499 FTE | 2500+ FTE | |
| Intent Fee Pathways 1-2 Pathway 3 | $500 $2500 | $500 $2500 | $500 $2500 | $500 $2500 |
| Application Fee | $5000 | $10,000 | $17,500 | $25,000 |
| Site Visit Fees | $19,500 | |||
| Total Investment Pathways 1-2 Pathway 3 | $25,000 $27,000 | $30,000 $32,000 | $37,500 $39,500 | $45,000 $47,000 |
The Intent to Apply Fee is a non-refundable deposit required whether or not an applicant is determined eligible to apply for further evaluation and recognition consideration. Is it due by April 15 at 8:00pm ET. The balance (total investment minus Intent to Apply Fees) is due July 1 at 8:00pm ET. Payment not received by the deadlines will render an applicant ineligible to apply for this year’s Award.
Changes in 2026
Here are the main changes and rationale regarding this year’s pricing:
- Based on feedback, there are now four tiers in the pricing model (increased from two), enabling reduced rates for smaller organizations. (Very small “microbusinesses” inquire about further discounts if needed.)
- K12 and nonprofits (that are not healthcare or higher education) pay 25% lower total fees ($18,750-35,250, depending on size and Eligibility Pathway).
- Communities inquire about investment schedule.
- The Intent to Apply fee for Eligibility Pathway 3 is larger because 1) more program resources are required to determine eligibility, and 2) these applicants bypassed Alliance member programs, so most of the additional fees are transferred as a grant to the affected Alliance member to partially replace lost revenue. As Pathway 3 is an alternative method to gain eligibility for Award, the Alliance is committed to supporting our Alliance members as the critical “feeder system” to the national Baldrige Award.
- Site Visit Fees are for one geographic location (an applicant with all locations within 50 square miles). Applicants with multiple locations outside of a 50-mile radius pay $19,500 plus actual additional expenses plus a 25% administrative fee.
- The base Site Visit Fees of $19,500 are calculated based on actual direct expenses of site visits the last two years, prorated and adjusted for slightly larger examiner teams in 2026 (which will require more travel expenses).
In every price tier, fees have been reduced in 2026. Fees range from $18,750 (for small K12 or nonprofits) to $47,000 (for large organizations) in 2026, down from a range of $35,500-59,800 in 2025 (and from $90,000 in 2019). This is a continuation of the effort started with Baldrige Reimagined to reduce prices and improve access to the Baldrige Award process.
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