The Meier Achievement Award provides a cash award to Chicago-area artists in music, theater, visual arts, literature and dance who are in mid-career and have demonstrated both talent and persistence in pursuing their craft. Special emphasis is placed on overlooked or under publicized talent who are “pushing the envelope,” that is, continuing to innovate, as well as community involvement. The awards are decided by anonymous nominators and selected by the Board of the Foundation.

The awards, which are made around Thanksgiving each year, are in gratitude and appreciation for work already done. There are no strings attached to the award, and applications are not accepted.