Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
On the death of Rotary founder Paul Harris in 1947, Rotarians contributed $1.3 million to The Rotary Foundation in his honor. With these donations the Foundation created the Scholarship program, its first significant international service program. Rotarians continue this tradition of honoring Rotary’s founder by making contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Each individual who contributes - or in whose name $1,000 is contributed - upon request is designated a Paul Harris Fellow.
In January 1957, the Foundation formally launched Paul Harris Fellow recognition in memory of the founder of Rotary, and 12 individuals were recognized the first year. As contributions increased, so did the number of Paul Harris Fellows. It grew to 100,000 by 1984 and to 250,000 by 1989 when six persons, one from each of the six Rotary regions, were chosen to symbolize the quarter-millionth member. In October 1995, the number of Paul Harris Fellows surpassed the 500,000 mark.
By far the largest numbers of Paul Harris Fellows are Rotarians devoted to supporting the programs of The Rotary Foundation. A number of Rotary clubs also use this recognition as a way of honoring local, national or world leaders who have demonstrated commitment to the goals and purposes of the Foundation. A list of Paul Harris Fellows chosen at random is certain to include some well-known names - statesmen, scientists, artists, athletes and entertainers as well as the name of someone who has served holiday dinners for the homeless every year for 25 years or someone who has devoted a career to securing better housing for low-income residents of the community.
Annual Programs Fund
Most Rotarians who contribute to the Rotary Foundation's Annual Programs Fund do so through one of the following Paul Harris Fellow options:
Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given, upon request, to an individual who contributes or in whose name $1,000 is contributed. Each person who receives this recognition is presented with a commemorative certificate and a pin. The individual may also choose to receive a medallion as part of the recognition set.
Paul Harris Sustaining Member. A Sustaining Member is an individual who contributes or in whose name is contributed a minimum of $100, with the stated intention of becoming a Paul Harris Fellow by contributing a total of $1,000. Contributions are applied toward an individual's Sustaining Membership only upon request.
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. An individual who is already a Paul Harris Fellow who gives an additional $1,000 may choose to receive either a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow pin (up to a maximum of five stones) or to name another individual as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Certificate of Appreciation. Sometimes a donor contributes $1,000 and wishes to recognize a business or other organization. Because Paul Harris Fellow recognition can only be presented to individuals, the Certificate of Appreciation provides a popular alternative.
