ESRAG INITIATIVE
Rotary Solar Leaders Prizes
The Rotary Solar Leaders Prize is designed to support Rotary Members in implementing solar energy projects prioritizing underserved communities.
WHAT IS IT?
$1000 prizes for Rotary Solar projects
ESRAG is offering $1000 USD support towards solar energy projects. Underserved community projects will be prioritzied.
SOLAR PROJECT SUPPORT
Eligibility Criteria
- Rotary Membership:
- Applicants must be active Rotary Members.
- Membership in the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) is required.
- Prize Application:
- Rotary Club must be approved by RI to receive district or global grant funds.
- Applicants must have a draft or pending application for a Rotary District Grant or a Global Grant or a CSR grant. If a Rotary Grant has already been approved applicants must show how the prize money will be used to deploy additional solar panels.
- A copy of a Rotary grant application must be included with the prize application.
- Project Focus:
- Projects must involve the installation or expansion of solar energy systems designed to benefit underserved communities.
- Budget Requirements:
- A detailed budget and comprehensive plan for the maintenance of the system over time, ensuring its sustainability.
- Alignment with Rotary Values:
- Projects should meet the 4 way test
FAQ
Apply for $1000
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide the following:
- Completed Application Form:
- Personal and club details, including Rotary membership ID.
- Copy of a Rotary District or Global Grant application.
- If global or district grant has been approved but money is needed to deploy additional solar panels then a detailed explanation is required
- Project Proposal:
- Description of the project,
- Details of the solar system (type, capacity, and projected output) including the output of the solar system (e.g., kW or kWh capacity and expected performance metrics).
- Explanation of how the project will address the needs of the underserved and how many people will be impacted.
- Budget and Maintenance Plan:
- Detailed budget with cost breakdown, including installation and ongoing maintenance.
- Plans for maintaining and sustaining the system, including community involvement if applicable.
- Grant Application Submission:
- A copy of the submitted Rotary District or Global Grant application.
- Impact Metrics:
- Amount of carbon offset
- Endorsement:
- A letter of support from the applicant’s Rotary club president or district governor.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on the following:
- Impact on Underserved Communities (30%)
- Degree to which the project will address the energy needs of underserved populations.
- Sustainability (35%)
- Maintenance plan to ensure long-term system functionality.
- Community involvement in project execution and upkeep.
- Alignment with Rotary Goals (10%)
- Consistency with Rotary’s mission and the 7th areas of focus.
- Innovation and Scalability (15%)
- Use of innovative approaches or technologies in the project.
- Potential for the project to be scaled or replicated in other communities.
- Budget and Grant Application Quality (10%)
Award Disbursement
- Prize money of $1,000 will be awarded to successful applicants after verification of all application details.
- MSPC committee will review applications and make the final prize winner determination
- Funds must be used exclusively for the approved project and specifically solar installation..
- Award money will be disbursed once we receive notifications from you that the grant has been approved by your district or by Rotary International.
- Winning projects will be featured on the ESRAG website
Submission Instructions
- Applications must be submitted via the designated ESRAG platform by the stated deadline.
- Incomplete applications or those missing required documents will not be considered.
- Follow up documentation demonstrating appropriate use of funds will be required
Apply for $1000
Need support for a solar project in an underserved community?
