2026 Eligibility & Intent
Click here for the Intent to Apply form, due April 15 at 8:00pm ET.
With the 2026 cycle, potential applicants may qualify to apply through one of two standard eligibility pathways:
| Pathway 1 |
|---|
| Receiving the Baldrige-based Top Tier Award of an Alliance Member Program within the last four years (2022–2025) |
| Pathway 2 |
|---|
| Receiving a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) site visit within the last two years (2024–2025). |
| Alternative Pathway 3 |
|---|
| Applicants that do not meet either of these pathways may request consideration through an Alternative Evidence of Eligibility process, which requires submitting evidence of high performance that demonstrates sustained performance and improvement. |
Evidence includes submitting a “pre-application” that includes responses to 18 Organizational/Community Profile questions plus nine Results, which will be evaluated to determine eligibility to apply with a full application. Those questions are listed below. After application submission, additional evaluation will determine if Pathway 3 applicants have earned a site visit.
In addition to the two standard pathways (or the Alternative Evidence of Eligibility pathway), all applicants much also satisfy these six requirements:
- The organization (or organizational entity submitting on behalf of a community) has existed for at least three years.
- The organization or community is headquartered/based in the U.S.
- If selected as a finalist, the organization or community agrees to host a site visit and make available necessary data, information, materials, and personnel.
- If selected as a finalist, the organization or community backbone organization (the organization submitting on behalf of a community) agrees to a background check.
- If selected as an Award recipient, the organization or community agrees to share nonproprietary best practices to help other organizations and communities and the U.S. economy succeed.
- The organization or community backbone organization is not under any current legal or regulatory sanctions that could negatively impact the Baldrige Award brand.
To determine eligibility and begin the Award evaluation process, complete the Intent to Apply form by Wednesday, April 15 at 8:00pm ET. A non-refundable deposit is due at the same time, either by check postmarked by April 15, made payable and mailed to:
The Alliance for Performance Excellence
P.O. Box 14051
Parkville, MO 64152-9998
Or submit payment by ACH/EFT electronically (details and secure link on the Intent form).
If your organization or community is determined eligible to apply, full applications and final payments are due by July 1 at 8:00pm ET; applications will be submitted via online portal like with the 2025 cycle (the portal will be available on or around April 15, but applicants can begin to compile responses to questions now!).
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