Since 2010, the Prior Lake Rotary Club has hosted Lakefront Music Fest, which has grown into one of the largest outdoor music festivals in the Twin Cities area. Thousands of local volunteers have stepped up to help, and annually, the club has made substantial financial contributions to organizations throughout the area. As a show of additional thanks and support to Prior Lake, the club has initiated a “Significant Project” fund to support a major endeavor that will have a substantial impact on Prior Lake.
We’re seeking organizations or teams with impactful community project ideas that require funding. If your project has a spending requirement of at least $750,000 and aims to make a positive change in the community, we’re interested in hearing from you.
PROJECTS THAT
Your project must include some aspect of each of these three categories. We are looking for projects that will activate all three.
Community Impact
The project must demonstrate a clear and substantial impact on the Prior Lake community, addressing an important need or challenge.
Areas of Focus Alignment
Submitted project suggestions should align with one or more of the following areas of focus listed below.
Detailed
Execution Plan
Provide a comprehensive execution plan, including strategies, timelines, resources, and budgets for effective project implementation.
Your idea must connect to at least one of the Rotary’s Areas of Focus.
Peacebuilding and
Conflict Prevention
Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect.
Water, Sanitation,
and Hygiene
Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life.
Basic Education
and Literacy
Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
Environment
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.
Community and Economic Development
We support projects that enhance economic and/or community development and create opportunities for productive work and play for young and old.
Maternal and Child Health
Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger.
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Rotary educates and equips communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases.
Assigned after Round 1
A Rotary champion is someone who is a member of the Prior Lake Rotary Club. Every project idea must have a Rotary member alongside the project to act as a mentor who will assist applicants in preparing the project plan for submission to the Rotary Club.
Rotary Champions will be assigned after Round 1 and Round 2 projects will all require a Rotary Champion to move forward.
Applications will be available August 1st. Fill out the email form at the bottom of the page to be notified when submissions are open!
To learn more about our Signature Project come to one of our Townhall meetings scheduled on August 10 and 17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Prior Lake City Hall.
Round one submissions can be submitted by filling out the form at the bottom of the page. Make sure all information is ready and prepared before submitting.
KEY INFORMATION TO HAVE
In Round 1 starting August 1st, submit your project idea for consideration. We will review the submissions and select 3-5 finalists who will move on to Round 2. In Round 2, finalists will provide more detailed information about their projects for the final selection and funding.
To participate, you need to submit your project idea through the submission form on our website.
The Prior Lake Rotary Club will consider single projects requesting funding between $750,000 and $1 million. If the cost is estimated to be over $1 million, additional funding can be solicited from other sources with validation provided to Prior Lake Rotary.
Projects will be evaluated based on their impact on the community, alignment with Rotary’s areas of focus, detailed execution plans, and potential for sustainability.
Yes, individuals and organizations from outside Prior Lake are welcome to submit their project ideas as long as the proposed project is completed within the City of Prior Lake.
Due to the volume of submissions, feedback will not be provided for projects that are not selected for further consideration.
The winning projects will be announced on our website and through our social media channels. Selected participants will also be contacted directly.
The winning projects will receive funding and support from Prior Lake Rotary, including guidance, resources, and assistance in project implementation.
Yes, you can submit multiple project ideas, but each idea should be submitted as a separate entry.
Yes, the deadline for project submissions is October 2023. Make sure to submit your project idea before the deadline to be considered.
For any further questions or clarifications, please reach out to our team at rotarysigproject@gmail.com
Project selected will be awarded a grant totaling $750,000 to
$1 million to be paid out based on its completion schedule.
While all community-focused initiatives are commendable, we are specifically seeking ideas that are ready or have gone through thorough planning and execution strategies.
We are looking for ideas that have had some thought behind them, a full plan will need to be presented in the second round that includes all of the criteria of the project.
What to Expect in Round 2
Idea Eligibility & Submission Criteria
Community Need Detailed Plan:
Full details of community need and the exact steps that will be taking to solve that need.
Impact & Beneficiaries:
Outline the impact and target beneficiaries of your idea who will be impacted or helped by this idea.
Financial Plan:
Detailed budget and fund allocation for the project with specifics connected to dollar amounts.
Sustainability & Impact:
Explain the sustainability of the project idea and analyze the environmental/community effects it will have.
Monitoring & Maintenance:
Describe plans for oversight and upkeep and how the project will look for years down the line.
All entries are required to read the following waiver. There will be a check box that will act as your signature and confirmation that the waiver has been read.
The Rotary Club of Prior Lake is comprised of a diverse cross section of the community, with over 100 engaged, energetic and ethical members who understand what it means to be a Rotarian and are committed to making the world a better place. Prior Lake Rotary is known for its philanthropic giving and service to local and international causes, with a strong emphasis in youth development. Club members create an environment that promotes fun and friendship while encouraging personal and professional development among members.
