Overview of RI awards

R otary International offers the following awards to recognize the efforts and contributions of Rotarians, Rotary clubs, and non-Rotarians. Eligible nominators may submit nominations according to each award’s criteria and guidelines.

External Relations Best Cooperative Projects Award (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

Deadlines: 15 March, clubs submit applications to district governor; 15 April, district  governor submits up to five nominations to RI

This award recognizes clubs that conduct outstanding projects in cooperation with other local, national, or international organizations.

Download the application

Family and Community Service Award (for individuals or organizations)

Nominators: Rotary clubs

Deadline: Ongoing

This award is a certificate that Rotary clubs may confer on individuals or organizations for outstanding service to families and communities, or in recognition of the positive contributions to individual Rotary clubs made by spouses or family members of Rotarians. It is a good way for clubs to celebrate Family Month in December, recognize members of the family of Rotary, and promote Rotary in the community. Certificates  are available for sale in lots of 10. 

Four Avenues of Service Citation (for Rotarians)

Nominators: Club presidents

Deadline: Ongoing

This citation program provides a way for Rotary clubs to personally recognize one club member for his or her outstanding efforts in the four Avenues of Service.

Download the nomination form

International Service Award for a Polio-Free World (for Rotarians)

Nominators: Any Rotarian

Deadline: 1 November

This award was established by the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation to recognize outstanding contributions to the polio eradication effort and to encourage participation in the final eradication work.

Download the nomination form  

Presidential Citation (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

Deadline: 15 April

This award is designed to motivate clubs to actively participate in service. Revised on an annual basis by the RI president, the award traditionally highlights the president’s emphases.

Download the brochure , the nomination form for Rotary clubs , and the form for Rotaract and Interact clubs . 

Recognition of Smaller Club Membership Growth (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

District governors have from 16 May to 30 June to submit recognition forms to RI.

This district-level award offers an incentive to clubs that fall below the charter requirement of 20 members by recognizing the challenges and achievements of small clubs.

Download the guidelines and nomination form      

RI Membership Development and Extension Award - MDEA (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

Beginning 15 May, district governors submit recognition forms to RI.

This district-level certificate program recognizes membership growth in existing clubs, retention of current club members, and the organization of new clubs. Districts that meet their membership goals are also recognized.

Download the nomination form  

RI Recognition of Membership Development Initiatives - MDI (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

District governors must receive submissions from clubs by 15 April. RI must receive submission forms from district governors by 15 May.

This district-level certificate recognizes clubs for the development and implementation of a creative plan or strategy to support one of the three primary foundations of membership growth and development: retention, recruitment of qualified new members, or the organization of new Rotary clubs.

Download the district governor’s submission form  and the club submission form

RI Public Relations Award (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

Deadline: 15 May

This award recognizes clubs for outstanding media campaigns that improve Rotary’s public image.

Download the nomination form  

RI Service Above Self Award (for Rotarians)

Nominators: District governors, immediate past district governors, RI directors, past RI directors

Deadline: 1 September

As Rotary’s highest honor for individual Rotarians, this award recognizes up to 150 Rotarians annually who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.

Download the nomination form  and lists of Service Above Self Award winners by year  and by district  

The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service (for Rotarians)

Nominators: District governors and directors

Deadline: Nominations received on a rolling basis from 1 July to 15 May

This award recognizes Rotarians who have demonstrated active service to The Rotary Foundation for more than one year.

Download the nomination form  (Word)

For assistance with the nomination process, read the instructions .

The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award (for Rotarians)

Nominators: Any Rotarian

Deadline: 15 November

Four complete Rotary years after receiving the Citation for Meritorious Service, a Rotarian becomes eligible for the Distinguished Service Award. Because this is the Foundation’s highest service recognition, a recipient’s exemplary service to the Foundation must extend beyond the district level and occur over an extended period of time. 

Download the nomination form  (Word)

Read the nomination instructions

The Rotary Foundation District Service Award (for Rotarians)

Nominators: District governors

Deadline: Ongoing

Because so many Rotarians serve humanity through Foundation programs, The Rotary Foundation created the District Service Award to recognize their efforts. Each recipient is given a certificate, awarded at the district level.

Download the certificate order form  

District governors may obtain up to 20 blank certificates at no cost to their district.

After the awards have been presented, send the name and club of each recognized Rotarian to The Rotary Foundation by downloading and completing the District Service Award list .

The Rotary Foundation Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award (for alumni)

Nominators: Foundation Trustees, regional Rotary Foundation coordinators, current district governors, alumni subcommittee chairs, and Rotary Foundation alumni coordinators

Deadline: Zone committees set their own deadline; zone nominations are due to the Foundation by 31 December

This award honors outstanding Rotary Foundation alumni who have contributed to greater understanding and peace through service to humanity, and whose significant achievements have enriched their profession or vocation.

Download the brochure  and application  (PDF) 

Read about past recipients  (PDF)

Read about a current recipient

Rotary Volunteers Certificate of Recognition (for Rotary Volunteers)

Nominators: District governors, district Rotary Volunteers chairs, or district Vocational Service chairs

Deadline: Ongoing

This certificate can be used to recognize outstanding volunteer service at the club, district, or international level.

Download the certificate request form  

Significant Achievement Award (for clubs)

Nominators: District governors

Deadline: 15 March

This award recognizes clubs for outstanding local community service projects.

Download a nomination form

More ways to recognize Rotarians

Rotary Foundation contribution recognition

The Rotary Foundation honors its members and friends for their generous support in several ways, including Paul Harris Fellow Recognition and the Major Donor designation. Visit the Donor Recognition section  for more information.

Download the contribution and recognition form