Rotary has been serving communities here at home, and around the world, for over 100 years. Your continued support of The Rotary Foundation brings lasting and positive change to communities in need, and inspires others to join our efforts to do good in the world. 1
Named after Rotary s founder, the Paul Harris Society recognizes those who annually contribute US$1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, or an approved Foundation Grant. The Paul Harris Society was originally created in 1999 by Past District Governor (PDG) Wayne Cusick from District 5340. PDG Cusick realized that giving US$1,000 annually to the Foundation was not possible for every Rotarian, but many could be encouraged to contribute at this level or above. PDG Wayne introduced the Paul Harris Society program to encourage and recognize these individuals. This idea gained momentum and quickly spread to other districts throughout the world. This PHS was originally designed as a district administered program. However, as of 1 July 2013 the Trustees adopted this program as an official recognition of The Rotary Foundation. 2
Rotary Foundation activities work to improve communities while forging life-long partnerships and grass-roots expertise. Giving at a Paul Harris Society level is crucial for Rotarians to continue their good works from local projects to our continued efforts to rid the world of Polio. For example, less than 3% of Rotarians contribute at or above the Paul Harris Society level, yet it represents over 35% of the Foundation s Annual Fund contributions (which supports global grants, district grants, polio eradication, vocational exchanges, scholarships and more). 3
PHS gifts advances world understanding, goodwill, and peace by supporting Rotarian initiated activities such as: Giving vocational training to teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa Providing water filters, toilet blocks, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis in a community in India Funding a scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments to minimize mortality rates among premature babies Bringing peace-building seminars to 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda Distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets and offering medical services that help prevent malaria in Mali Projects like these rely on the ongoing gifts from passionate individuals 4
like you. 4
By joining the Paul Harris Society you are pledging to contribute US$1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, Polio Plus, or an approved Foundation grant. Your contribution can be contributed to just one of these funds or spread out amongst all three. For example annual contributions of US$500 to Polio Plus and US$500 to the Annual Fund makes you a PHS member. To join you can: 1) Notify your District Foundation Chair, Paul Harris Society Coordinator and verbally let them know of your intentions to generously donate each year you are financially able; 2) Or, you can complete the Paul Harris Society enrollment form (publication 099); 3) You can also contribute online at www.rotary.org/contribute or call the Rotary Foundation staff who will be pleased to assist you. 5
Rotary Direct, Rotary s recurring giving program, is a great way to join the PHS in a safe, secure and easy way. A recurring contribution is an arrangement made through the Foundation to charge a preferred credit or debit card at an amount and frequency most convenient to you. This can be done monthly, quarterly or even annually... And enrollment can be done online, in 13 currencies, while preserving local tax benefits in most cases. For example, a Canadian Rotarian can donate via www.rotary.org, in Canadian dollars and receive a tax receipt from the Canadian Associate Foundation. With contributions of US$85/month or $250/quarter Rotarians and friends will be considered a member of the Paul Harris Society and will show up on available reports. NOTE: Rotary s website accepts contributions in the following currencies: Argentine Peso, Australia Dollar AUD, Canadian Dollar CAD, DKK Denmark, EURO, Japanese Yen JPY, New Zealand Dollar NZD, Norway NOK, South African Rand ZAR, Sweden SEK, Swiss Franc CHF, Great Britain Pound GBP, United States Dollar USD. 6
Members of the Paul Harris Society are able to receive wearable recognition honoring their annual commitment to doing good in the world. Recognition will be provided by The Rotary Foundation to district leaders. Having district or club leadership present the wearable recognition is a great way to thank new and existing members and wearing the pin allows others who may not be aware of the Paul Harris Society to learn more about this program and can encourage Paul Harris Society growth in your district. 7
Thank you for trusting Rotary to make a lasting difference with your contributions. 8