Make a Difference in Your Community
The first Meridian Awards were presented in spring 2004. Since then, the Meridian Society annually provides financial awards to fund outstanding community outreach programs and projects which are supported through SIUE departments and services. A committee comprised of Meridian Society members reviews award applications and presents recommendations to the larger membership. Annual membership dues make the awards possible.
Apply for a 2023 Meridian Society Award
Watch these short videos to learn more about some of our award recipients and partners!
Meridian Award Requirements
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In order to be considered, complete the Meridian Awards Application/Proposal Form and all components.
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Use either Arial or Times New Roman in 12 pt. font on all documents submitted.
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Two letters of support are required, one of which must come from the partnership organization. The other must come from the applicant's department chair, dean or vice chancellor.
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Indicate the project timeline. Projects should begin by May 30 and be completed by June 1 of the following year.
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Submit an end of project summary by June 1. The project period may be extended three months to September 1, by request. The project summary must include outcomes and goals achieved, as well as a listing of all activities or events, and an itemized report of project expenses.
Evaluation Process
The Meridian Awards Committee and review panel of evaluators will read each proposal. Award applications will be evaluated as follows:
- Only complete applications with all required attachments that are received by February 1 will be reviewed
- Application benchmarks will be judged as they relate to:
- SIUE Long-term Goal 5: Active Community Engagement—achieve an integral and indispensable relationship with Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area; work cooperatively within SIU to make the whole greater than the parts.
- SIUE Long-term Goal 7: Excellent Reputation—participate and excel in actions that earn national recognition for quality.
- Feasibility of the application’s budget and timeline
- Need for the project and whether or not the project assures long-term benefits
- Letters of support, including confirmation of participation from the community organization which will benefit from the project
- Be prepared, if invited to do so, to present a 7-10 minute synopsis of your proposal, including a question and answer opportunity. Some applicants will be asked to present in-person to clarify application issues. If you are not asked to present to the evaluators, your application will continue to be under consideration until final selections are made.
