The Award of Excellence recognizes community development projects which have significantly improved the community and served as catalysts for further improvements to the area’s quality of life.
Award Eligibility
- Eligible projects must have been carried out by local governments, regional entities, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations or private developers.
- The submitted project must have been completed within the last three years.
- Nominations must be submitted by an active or associate SCCDA member.
- The entry’s submission must include all required information: completed entry application, project description and three photographs of the project.
Project Description
The purpose of the written entry is to provide a concise description of the project. The description must include the following information about each of the following points:
- description of the project (need or challenge that prompted program, goals, results)
- description of the long-term impacts on the community and project beneficiaries
- explanation of resources/funding leveraged for the project
- description of partnerships created for the project (public, private, intergovernmental)
- description of public involvement, specifically diverse segments of the population
- explanation of lessons other cities and towns can learn and use in their communities
Selection of Finalists
The SCCDA board of directors will judge all entries and select three finalists who will present their projects to the SCCDA membership to determine the award recipient.
Oral Presentations and Project Displays
Each finalist will deliver a 15-minute presentation at the 2023 SCCDA Annual Meeting (May 17-19), and attendees will select the award winner by ballot during this time. Finalists may use more than one presenter during the presentation, and visuals (i.e. photos, charts, PowerPoint presentations) are encouraged to help explain the project and its impact.
A 6’ table will be provided for each finalist to showcase their project and results during the Exhibitor Reception. Displays will need to be staffed by knowledgeable presenters during these times.
Winners
Winners of the Award of Excellence will receive statewide recognition and many other rewards.
- Publicized in the Municipal Association’s newsletter, Uptown, posted on the Association’s website and included in press releases distributed statewide
- Given a plaque to keep permanently
Submission Deadline
Applications, project descriptions and photos must be received by Friday, April 14, 2023.