The FY 2026–2027 MBA Application Term is Now Open!

Apply for the Meritorious Budget Award

Find everything you need to prepare for MBA, including application steps, required materials, deadlines, fees, and support resources.

Begin Your Application

Not Sure Where to Begin?

Whether you are applying for the first time, returning, or taking over the process from a colleague, this page will help you get oriented. Start by reviewing the checklist, confirming your deadline, and gathering the supporting materials you will need before beginning the application.

Quick Links

• Review the Checklist
• Confirm Your Deadline
• See What You’ll Need
• Learn How to Apply
• Read the FAQs
• Contact the MBA Team

How to apply

Step 1: Log In or Create Your Account

Log in using your ASBO International username and password. If you have updated your email address or cannot access your account, contact [email protected] for assistance.

Note: Membership is not required to apply; however, first-time users must create an account. When entering your information, be sure to select or enter your school district under the Organization drop-down menu to ensure eligibility for member discounts. If your district is not listed, enter it manually and contact [email protected] to confirm your member status.

Step 2: Select the Current MBA Application

Choose the current application cycle and confirm your district information so your submission is tied to the correct organization.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Fill in all required fields in the application form and confirm that your district and contact information are accurate.

Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required application materials through the portal, including your completed MBA Criteria Checklist and supporting documents. The MBA Criteria Checklist can be downloaded from ASBO’s website, completed offline, and uploaded directly into the application.

Step 5: Select Your Payment Method

Choose whether to pay online at the time of submission or pay by check. Invoices are available on the left menu of your dashboard when you log in.

Step 6: Submit for Review

Once submitted, your application will move into the review process. You will be notified after the evaluation is complete. Applicants may also receive feedback that can support future improvements in budget presentation and communication.

START YOUR MBA APPLICATION

Notes:

• Any school system in the U.S. and Canada, charter school, educational service unit, college, or university that incorporates the MBA criteria into its budget development process is eligible to apply.
• ASBO International no longer accepts email or hard copy submissions of MBA documents, i.e. books, CDs, flash drives, or paper.

Materials You’ll Need to Apply

Before you begin, review and prepare the required materials below. Use the MBA Checklist, FAQs, and other MBA resources to better understand what reviewers look for and how to prepare a complete submission.

Supporting Documentation Requirements:

✓ Completed MBA Criteria Checklist

✓ Completed Budget document or a link to your budget document 

✓ Cover letter specifying any MBA criteria that do not apply to your school district

✓ Reviewer comments from the previous year, if applicable

✓ Your district’s responses to prior reviewer comments, if applicable

DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST

Deadline and Extensions

MBA applications are due within 90 days (3 months) of a district’s budget’s legal approval and ASBO uses the following deadlines for extensions: 

2026–2027

Legal Budget Approved in 2026	Application Due	Extension Deadline
June	October 1, 2026	December 1, 2026
August	December 1, 2026	February 1, 2027

Extensions are also available online if a district is unable to submit its application within the submission timeframe. Select extension application under the "Category" section after providing the submitting officials' contact details.

The deadline allows reviewers sufficient time to assess and respond to your submission. Once the submission process is closed, applicants must apply when the next award period commences. If you encounter difficulties meeting the respective extension deadline, please contact [email protected]. 

Fees

Application fees are based on your district’s total revenue. 

Total Revenue, All Funds	ASBO International Member	Non-Member
< $50 million	$710	$1,070
$50 million – < $200 million	$1,130	$1,475
$200 million – < $1 billion	$1,190	$1,530
> $1 billion	$1,250	$1,580

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Review the FAQs for answers to common questions about the application process, required materials, deadlines, and payment. If you need additional support, contact the MBA team for assistance.

CONTACT THE MBA TEAM