Only governmental entities are eligible for award. Anyone is eligible to nominate a governmental entity for consideration. GFOA membership is a requirement to participate. Non-members may also submit entries, but their applications must be sponsored by an active GFOA member. Applicants can also join in conjunction with submitting an entry.

Any innovative or well-implemented project or program that takes the practice of government finance to a higher level is appropriate for submission. Each application must specify the category in which it will be judged (Creative Solution or Best Practice) as identified on the application.

GFOA will review all applications to make sure they are categorized appropriately. GFOA reserves the right to reassign submissions to a more appropriate category. Applications should be submitted for programs or projects that have been recently implemented or where program/project benefits have been recently achieved (within the past two (2) years).

Previously submitted entries cannot be re-submitted.