Take the quality journey! When you submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) for a 2026 National Quality Award, you will not only save on your overall application fee, you’ll get access to exclusive resources to help you during the application process.

• As an added bonus, you’ll receive important deadline reminders and learn about application best practices.

If you plan to apply for a 2026 Quality Award go to the Quality Award Portal to submit an ITA before November 13, 2025 at 8:00 pm.

What is the submission process?

1. Visit the Quality Award Portal.
2. Login using your designated  username and password.
3. Navigate to your center’s dashboard and select Payment to submit your Intent to Apply.

First time applying? AHCA/NCAL is hosting a webinar that will provide an overview of the National Quality Award Program, with a focus on helping first-time applicants understand the structure and purpose of the program.

First-Time Applicant Hour: Intro to the Quality Award Journey
September 25, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET

Why it matters: Applying for a National Quality Award provides a framework that can be used to prepare for and make critical improvements and serves as a team building activity to engage staff across all levels. Additionally, 2026 marks the Program’s 30th anniversary – an exciting celebration of how far we have come in the quality journey!