Paul Harris Society

The Paul Harris Society

The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who personally contribute US$1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus or an approved Foundation grant each year. 

History

The Paul Harris Society was originally created in 1999 by Past District Governor Wayne Cusick from District 5340.  PDG Cusick realized that giving US$1,000 annually to the Foundation was not possible for every Rotarian, but many could be encouraged to contribute at this level or above.  PDG Wayne introduced the Paul Harris Society program to encourage and recognise these individuals. This idea gained momentum and quickly spread to other districts throughout the world.  While this recognition was originally designed as a district administered program, the Trustees adopted the Paul Harris Society as an official recognition program of The Rotary Foundation effective 1 July 2013.

Benefits to Joining

Paul Harris Society members bring positive change to communities around the world. In any given year, less than 3 percent of Rotary Foundation donors contribute at the Paul Harris Society level or above, yet their contributions represent approximately 35 percent of all annual giving. As Rotary Foundation grants and activities are largely funded by Annual Fund contributions, Paul Harris Society members help determine how many individuals, families and communities Rotary can impact each year.

Recognition

The Paul Harris Society has been, and will continue to be, one of The Rotary Foundation’s most important ways to thank and recognize continued generosity.  Each Rotary district is encouraged to honor and recognize Paul Harris Society members in accordance to the individual donor’s wishes and as culturally appropriate. All members of the Paul Harris Society are eligible to receive a wearable recognition insignia in appreciation for their support.  Displaying the PHS insignia with a Paul Harris Fellow or Major Donor pin can help build awareness and enthusiasm for the work that Rotary does locally and around the world. The Rotary Foundation also provides an optional Paul Harris Society certificate template as well as suggestions for organizing and inviting Paul Harris Society members to recognition events.

Joining the Paul Harris Society

Rotarians and friends of Rotary can join the Paul Harris Society through several options:
  • *Contribute online at www.rotary.org/contribute.  Monthly gifts* of US$85 or quarterly contributions of $250 automatically make an individual a member of the Paul Harris Society
  • Complete and send in the PHS enrollment and contribution form found in the Paul Harris Society Brochure
  • Notify our District Rotary Foundation Chair of your interest in joining the Paul Harris Society
  • Receive your wearable PHS recognition pin by district leadership who will be able to order the insignias from The Rotary Foundation

Download the application form as a Word Document or a PDF form.