ASBO International's Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) checklist is a comprehensive guide designed to help school districts create exemplary budget documents. The checklist emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and transparency, ensuring that budgets are well-prepared, logically presented, and free of errors.
Download the checklist to see the full criteria, section-by-section expectations, and preparation guidance for a complete MBA submission.
What You’ll Find in the Checklist
- An MBA Essentials overview with tips for preparing a stronger submission
- Guidance for cover letters and responses to previous reviewer comments
- Required document structure, including Executive Summary, Organizational, Financial, and Informational sections
- General requirements such as cover details, bookmarks, and table of contents
- Detailed financial criteria, including multi-year data, forecasts, and explanations of major shifts
What the Checklist Helps You Accomplish
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Organize your budget document around MBA requirements
- Identify missing information before you begin the application
- Strengthen clarity, transparency, and overall presentation
- Prepare supporting items such as your cover letter and prior-review responses
- Reduce the chance of delays caused by incomplete submission materials
Need More Guidance?
Explore MBA resources for additional support, including awarded budget examples, webinars, and other tools to help you prepare your submission.