What it takes to be apart of the Paul Harris Society (PHS)

Every year Rotarians from every corner of the globe work to make our goal of world peace and understanding a reality through the projects and programs of The Rotary Foundation. Our Foundation’s ability to serve humanity is limitless as long as we participate in both hands-on projects and give our financial support. The creation and continued promotion of a Paul Harris Society allows Rotarians in your district to focus their efforts on making a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people just as though they were there in person to educate the illiterate, feed the hungry, administer polio vaccines to children, or perhaps perform life-saving surgeries. A district Paul Harris Society makes it possible for Rotarians in your district to further identify and work with other Rotarians around the world to grow in service to our entire community.

Paul Harris Society (PHS) Objective
To recognize those Rotarians and friends who annually contribute US $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus or Humanitarian Grant programs that sustain and advance The Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian, educational and cultural programs.


PHS Goal
To acknowledge the generosity and commitment of members of the Paul Harris Society at the district level in support of Rotary’s mission of world understanding and peace.HISTORY In l956, to encourage Rotarians to increase their philanthropy to The Rotary Foundation, the Trustees developed Paul Harris Fellow recognition for those whose contributions met three criteria:

1) The contribution must be at least $1000; 
2) It must be from one individual; and,
3) It must be given within a single year.

A pin and medallion were designed as a means to express appreciation to these generous donors. After few gifts at that level were received, the Trustees decided that more money could be collected if Rotarians were allowed to contribute $1,000 over a period of years and, if they could make contributions to honor another person. Some clubs decided to name one person who had long service or other distinguishing characteristics a Paul Harris Fellow. In some cultures, the concept developed that a Paul Harris Fellow was primarily an award for exceptional service. The Paul Harris Fellow took on a totally different meaning than its original purpose -- to encourage individual Rotarians to give larger contributions to The Rotary Foundation. 

In 1999, District Governor Wayne Cusick reversed that trend by initiating the Paul Harris Society of District 5340 encouraging Rotarians to personally commit to contributing $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation. District leadership reminded their members of all the good those gifts do…especially through their financial support. As the Paul Harris Society gained momentum in District 5340, the program spread to 22 districts and the entire country of Japan. 

Recognizing the success of the PHS District led program, The Rotary Foundation Trustees officially adopted the Paul Harris Society in October 2005, as a district administered recognition effective with the 2006-2007 Rotary year begining July 1, 2006.

We have many Rotarians in our district who support The Rotary Foundation (TRF) generously because they understand the local and global impact these gifts have. To give special recognition for a gift of at least $1000 per year to the The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, and PolioPlus Partners, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, we are inaugurating the Paul Harris Society of Rotary International District 5150. We understand giving is a very personal matter, and encouage you to join the Rotarians below in becoming Charter Members in The Paul Harris Society.

The donation must be given to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, and PolioPlus Partners, or the Humanitarian Grants Program, and Society Members will receive a special Certificate of Recognition and a distinctive gold and blue lapel wings that can be worn with their Rotary pin. The first 100 members will be identified as Founders of the Paul Harris Society. Visit the links below for more information.

What is the Paul Harris Society (PHS)?

The Rotary Foundation Vision and the "Every Rotarian Every Year" Challenge

Paul Harris Society Brochure
Paul Harris Society PowerPoint Presentation

For more information of PHS Membership contact:
Tom Sutton
Rotary District 5150
Paul Harris Society Chair
tns@hbsco.com