Distinguished Budget Presentation Award - Revised Criteria (2026)

Applicants have the option to provide Submission Materials that satisfy any of the available criteria. It is not required to submit materials for each category. Applicants have the opportunity to earn points for each category. Applicants earning more than a total of 100 points overall will receive GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. 

GFOA will also recognize applicants for outstanding presentation within each category and for governments achieving high overall scores. 

Categories are organized by the following:  

• Content: The focus of the content is on the information being communicated and the ability to deliver a clear budget message. Criteria are identified as questions that a public stakeholder would have about the budget and the government should answer in presenting key budget information. 
• Material Type: The focus is on the tools used to communicate budget information and its organization, layout, and ability to meet generally accepted accessibility standards. Criteria are identified as requirements the government should include within each type of material.