Paul Harris Society

Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris, a lawyer who envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. His idea took shape in 1905 when the first Rotary club meeting was held in downtown Chicago. Harris’ death in 1947 death prompted an outpouring of contributions to The Rotary Foundation and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotary members and friends.

Read more about Paul Harris.

In his honor, the Paul Harris Society became an official Rotary Foundation recognition program in 2013-14. The society recognizes individuals who notify The Rotary Foundation of their intent to contribute US$1,000 or more each year to any combination of the following:

• Annual Fund-SHARE
• Annual Fund-World Fund
• Annual Fund-Areas of Focus
• PolioPlus Fund
• Disaster Response Fund
• Disasters of Magnitude
• Approved global grants

Paul Harris Society members are philanthropic leaders whose generous support allows The Rotary Foundation to fund extraordinary projects and activities close to home and around the globe.

Rotary districts are encouraged to recognize society members by presenting them with a certificate and Paul Harris Society chevron lapel pin at a district or club event, or other special occasion. Because the society is a district-led program, leaders celebrate their local Paul Harris Society members differently around the world.

Paul Harris Fellows

The Paul Harris Fellow was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.

Paul Harris Fellows recognize cumulative giving or gifts made in one’s honor of US$1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, while the Paul Harris Society recognizes annual giving of US$1,000 or more.

Learn more about Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.

What your giving supports

Annual contributions from Paul Harris Society members provide reliable funding for meaningful and sustainable projects around the world. Projects funded by Paul Harris Society giving include:

• Providing access to clean water and offering safe water and hygiene training in Ghana.
• Establishing a plastic recycling business and providing job training for disabled young adults in Vizianagaram District, India.
• Equipping a medical van to provide education, promote visual health, and refer patients in Arequipa, Peru.
• Providing shelter for hundreds of internally displaced people in Ukraine.

These and other life-changing projects are possible in part because of the generous support of Paul Harris Society members.

Paul Harris Society members, through their generous acts, change the lives of those around us, our communities, and the world to which we all belong.

Eddie Allred
Past District Governor for District 6760, Paul Harris Society Member (Tennessee, USA)