The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service

Eligible nominees

The Trustees recognize Rotarians who have rendered significant service to The Rotary Foundation.

• This award shall only be given for demonstrated active service to The Rotary Foundation over a period of more than one year. (Thus, someone who has only contributed financially, however notably, to the Foundation would not be eligible.)
• No district shall have more than one recipient of a Citation for Meritorious Service in each Rotary year.
• If a person has received a Citation for Meritorious Service, he or she is not eligible to receive the award again.
• Current and incoming trustees of The Rotary Foundation, current and incoming directors of RI, and current and incoming district governors are not eligible to receive this award.
• Current and incoming trustees of The Rotary Foundation are not eligible to nominate candidates for this award.
• The current governor of the nominee's district (if the governor is not the nominator) must endorse the nomination.

Step-by-step nomination procedures

A. Instructions for preparation of nomination form

Before filling out the application, read the Trustee-approved criteria for the Citation for Meritorious Service listed above. Include detailed information concerning the specific Foundation activities and responsibilities in the nominee's service over a period of more than one year in the following categories:
Rotary Foundation district committees
Provide information that explains the nominee's specific responsibilities and achievements while serving as a member or chair of the various committees.

Rotary Foundation programs
Describe how the nominee has been actively involved in the Foundation's programs (that is, in addition to any service on the district committees).

Fundraising activities
How has the nominee assisted with successful fundraising efforts for The Rotary Foundation at the club or district level?

B. Acknowledgment notice for nominator

The Rotary Foundation will acknowledge receiving your nomination after it has been verified and processed (about four weeks). The acknowledgment will state either that the nomination will be forwarded to the Trustees, that the Trustees need more information and specifically what is needed, or that the nomination will not be forwarded because of eligibility issues.

C. Presentation materials

If the nomination is approved by the Trustees, you will receive a letter addressed to the recipient from the Trustee chair or the general manager of The Rotary Foundation, instructions for presentation (this award is designed to be presented at special events, such as district conferences or zone institutes), a recognition plaque, and a suggested speech. Recipients also are recognized in The Rotarian magazine each year. 

Selection process

Nominations are verified for eligibility at RI headquarters. Each nomination is individually evaluated according to the Trustees' criteria. Rotary Foundation staff members look at each nomination to determine whether enough information is included before forwarding it to the Trustees. If the nomination is not approved by the Trustees, you will be notified by mail.

Deadline: Rolling from 1 July through 15 May

More information

If you have questions about this award, contact Rotary Foundation staff at 847-866-3303.

Download the nomination form (Word)