Round 2 Begins

5 Finalists Selected!

The final 5 nonprofit organizations have been determined for the Prior Lake Rotary’s Signature Project and will have one last opportunity to present their case in a “Shark Tank” like setting. This event will take place May 23 at Shepherd of the Lake Church in Prior Lake (complete details below). Prior Lake Rotary members will vote following the event, with the winner to be announced prior to Lakefront Music Fest July 12-13, 2024.

Signature Project Finalist Presentations

WHEN:

May 23rd @ 6:30pm

WHERE:

Shepherd of the Lake Church

3611 N Berens Rd NW Prior Lake, MN 55379

Project Requirements

The Signature Project identified specific areas of focus which set the standard for the organizations that
are finalists. Organizations were required to provide detailed proposals that outlined how funding would
be utilized, share long term goals and include specific positive impacts to the community.

“Each of the finalists we have selected would bring a positive impact to our community,” said Laurie
Hartmann, Signature Project Chairperson. “We have been thoroughly impressed and touched with the
passion and commitment these organizations have shown through this process.”

Round 2:
Full Project Breakdowns

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.

Round 2 Key Points:

  • one project will receive funding of up to $1 million

  • funding comes from the great support we have received from the community for Lakefront Music Fest both in terms of attendance and volunteerism

  • May 23 event is open to the public to learn more about the 5 great finalist projects

  • PL Rotarians will vote on which project will receive the award

  • Winner will be announced in June

 

Signature Project Finalists

Finalists

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.

Lakefront Park Destination Playground

In 2021-2022, the City of Prior Lake completed its master plan for Lakefront Park which identified and recommended future improvements. Existing play structures and equipment are now outdated and more than 20 years old. An updated destination playground was cited as one of the most popular features in the park plan, based on public outreach from the City of Prior Lake and feedback from residents. The new playground would serve toddler-age children through teenage youth, and serve community members with disabilities since the new park design would encourage accessibility and inclusion for all users. The structures and new features would be separated by age and offer challenges and activities for families, parents and grandparents.

PLAY Miracle Field

The proposed project aims to construct a state-of-the-art Miracle League Field accompanied by an innovative and adaptive playground to create an inclusive and accessible space for children and adults with disabilities. The Miracle League field would offer a safe and accommodating environment for individuals with physical and cognitive challenges to participate in baseball, fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for social engagement. The project would create a supportive environment that embraces diversity and ensures all participants can engage in the sport regardless of their ability. The adaptive playground would complement the field by offering a wide range of play structures designed to cater to various disabilities.

Prior Lake Pickleball Courts

Pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in the country due to its simplicity, short learning curve and suitability for people of all ages. Currently, court availability is limited due to the large number of participants who wish to play throughout the day. The proposal would expand existing pickleball courts located at Spring Lake Park with eight more built. Project would include addition of lights for nighttime play on the new courts, expanded parking with paving, water and electricity added at the complex. Key attributes include increased aerobic activity and socialization for seniors, along with the opportunity for children and teens to learn and participate in a new sport.

Spot's Last Stop Canine Rescue

The Prior Lake area does not currently have a local animal control shelter. Having a permanent facility would greatly improve handling of animal welfare cases, those involving neglect, strays and lost pets. Building a permanent facility would benefit local residents by allowing them to meet and receive resources in training and socialization of surrendered animals, along with being assured that lost pets would receive humane care. Started in 2015, Spot’s Last Stop has a proven track record having coordinated the adoption of approximately 8,000 animals locally and in surrounding communities.

The Sunshine Social Club

The Sunshine Social Club’s mission is to provide a safe and structured setting where local young adults can socialize with their peers, continue as life-long learners, and contribute toward making the community a better place. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive support services from area school districts until they reach age 21, after which they are oftentimes left without a plan and unsure about what’s next. There is a frequent need to help fill the gap left after previous support services end. The Sunshine Social Club encourages participation in a community-based day program and coordinates partnerships with local businesses that present new learning and volunteer opportunities.

Rotary's Areas of Focus

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.

Application Review
and Approval Process

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.

  1. August 1st (Round 1) Submissions Collected
  2. (Round 1) Qualitative Assessment by Board
  3. (Round 1) Selections Notified
  4. (Round 2) Full Detail Criteria Forms Sent to Participants
  5. (Round 2) Detailed Plans Reviewed by Board
  6. Final Project Selection
  7. Winning Project Announcement
  8. Onboarding and Funding Disbursement

FAQ

MOST COMMON QUESTIONS

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

Winning Projects receive funding and support!

Project selected will be awarded a grant totaling $750,000 to
$1 million to be paid out based on its completion schedule.