In June 1992, the Palisades Institute announced an annual Quality Award for organizations which have made significant and sustainable improvements in customers satisfaction.

On April 6, 1993, three organizations were granted the 1993 Palisades Institute Quality Improvement Award: Anytime Plumbing of West Nyack, NY; Materials Research Corporation of Congers, NY; and Xerox Distribution Center of Blauvelt, NY.

Subsequent winners of the Award were: Pearl River School District (1994); Laboratory Users Group of Nyack Hospital (1994); TKR Cable Company of Rockland and Bergen (1995); Rockland County Department of Mental Health (1997); Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co. Inc. of Long Island City, NY (1998); Perioperative Services Unit of Good Samaritan Hospital (1999); Admissions Office & Admissions Task Force of Summit Park Hospital of Rockland County  Department of Hospitals (2000); Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program (ASAS) of Yonkers General Hospital (2000).

A team of evaluators and judges with extensive management experience evaluate the criteria for each entry in the competition: (1) documentation of a client need or expectation not being met; (2) client measurement to show that the need had not been met, (3) written evidence of the different aspects of the quality process that were used toward improvement, and finally, (4) a second client measure to show improved satisfaction.

The Award is announced at a special ceremony and the winner(s) are presented with a distinctive, optical crystal, designed by Steven V. Correia. At the ceremony, the winner(s) present the story of how they won the Award.

Funding is provided through seminars, workshops, and the generosity of the Palisades Institute Founders, Patrons, Benefactors and Associates.