This guide walks you through the annual Benchmark data submission process. If you've submitted before, see the Returning Users Quick Guide instead.
1. Identify Your Deadline
Submissions are due 60 days after your fiscal year end. Government entities have 90 days. The final deadline for all submissions is the last day of February.
Fiscal Year End | Submission Deadline |
June 30 | August 31 |
July 31 | September 30 |
August 31 | October 31 |
October 31 | December 31 |
December 31 | February 28 (29 in leap years) |
👉 A note on financial reporting: After discussions with performing arts CFOs, we recommend using trial balances when reporting values on the Benchmark P&L. If your organization consistently sees material adjustments to the operating financials during the audit process, contact us to discuss.
2. Assemble Your Team
Benchmark data spans multiple systems of record. Involve the right people early:
Finance — P&L, balance sheet, Form 990 indicators
Event Operations / Box Office — attendance, utilization, ticket sales
Human Resources — staffing headcount and expenses
Education — program engagement figures on Page 1a
3. Organize Your Data
Download the Excel workbook to collect and organize data before entering it into the platform. Each tab corresponds to an input page, and you can distribute sections to the relevant departments to work in parallel.
If you need help getting data from your systems of record, see Two ways to ready your data for input.
4. Enter Your Data
Work through the input pages in order. Each page has a How-To guide and a Fields Guide in the Fields Catalog if you need field-level detail.
5. Review and Submit
When all pages are complete, follow the Review & Submit Process guide to verify and submit your data.