Rick Merrill – Rotary Club of Coldwater Sunrise |PHS Coordinator
District Paul Harris Society Contact
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $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
The Paul Harris Society celebrates the extraordinary generosity of Rotarians and their friends who contribute a minimum of $1,000.00 each Rotary year, spanning from July 1 to June 30. These vital contributions can be allocated to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or approved grants from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Donations directed to the Annual Fund play a crucial role in supporting the World Fund and the seven areas of focus, alongside those earmarked for PolioPlus or other approved foundation grants, ensuring that every dollar is utilized effectively for its intended purpose.
Annual Fund – Share and the District Designated Funds
Contributions to the Annual Fund – Share are strategically invested for three years, with half of each original contribution returned to District 6360 as the District Designated Fund (DDF), while the remaining half bolsters the Rotary Foundation World Fund, enabling impactful humanitarian projects around the globe. The annual generation of the District Designated Fund (DDF) is essential, as it underpins all District Grants and the matching allocation for Global Grants. Becoming a member of the Paul Harris Society is not just about recognition; it signifies a profound commitment to fostering positive change in the world. Each contribution empowers initiatives that uplift communities, enhance educational opportunities, protect the environment and combat disease. As members, we unite in our mission to create a lasting legacy, embodying the spirit of Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. Your support not only fuels our collective endeavors but also inspires others to join us in this noble cause. Together, we can forge a brighter future, where hope and opportunity flourish for all, and where the spirit of service continues to thrive in every community.
Why Join the Paul Harris Society?
The Rotary Foundation is the flagship of Rotary International’s efforts to offer “Service Above Self” to the world through educational and humanitarian projects. The contributions of individual Rotarians support world-wide programs that provide clean water and sanitation, promote basic education and literacy, improve maternal and child health and disease prevention and treatment, lead to economic and community development and conflict resolution, continue the race to eradicate polio, and fund Global Grants, Rotary World Peace Scholarships, District Grants, Global Scholarships, and Vocational Training Teams.
The Paul Harris Society provides a way for dedicated Rotarians to support this good work, while honoring Rotary founder Paul Harris. The Society was established on the premise that, although it is not appropriate for all members, there are many District 6360 Rotarians who are both willing and able to provide this level of support for initiatives that will make both our local communities and the world better places in which to live. Those donors who register to contribute $1,000 each year to the Rotary Foundation will become members of the Paul Harris Society and will be afforded the personal satisfaction that accompanies “Doing Good in the World.”
Recognition
Society members will receive District-wide recognition on appropriate occasions and a distinctive blue and gold emblem or “ribbon,” that can be worn with the Paul Harris Fellow pin or the Rotary Member pin. They will also qualify for The Rotary Foundation’s Paul Harris Fellow or Multiple Paul Harris Fellow or Major Donor recognition.
How to Join the Paul Harris Society
Contribute at least $1,000.00 to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or approved Grant programs of The Rotary Foundation, with the intention of continuing this practice during each Rotary Year. Enroll in the
Paul Harris Society
The simplest and most streamlined way to accomplish this is to:
- Choose “My Rotary” on the Rotary International home page at www.rotary.org
- Sign in and choose the Donate button
- The alternatives are listed.
- Select one fund to receive your contributions, keeping in mind the information provided above and also remembering that only contributions to the Annual Fund will strengthen your club’s “Every Rotarian Every Year” and “Sustaining Member” club recognition banner opportunities.
- Set the amount and frequency to at least $85.00 monthly or $250.00 quarterly or a total of $1000.00 annually and specify the appropriate credit or debit card.
- Separate contributions for separate purposes can be readily set up; $500.00 for Annual Fund – Share and another $500.00 for PolioPlus is an example.
- Each of these recurring contributions will appear on your statements. Following the close of each calendar year, you will receive one contribution receipt showing all “Rotary Direct” contributions received by The Rotary Foundation during the preceding tax year.
- Changes can be made at any time by repeating this process.
How to Maintain Your Membership in the Paul Harris Society
Donate at least $1,000.00 to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or approved Grant programs of The Rotary Foundation during each successive Rotary year, following the procedure outlined above.