The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute $1000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International or who have had contributions made in their name. The foundation was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation's only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study that was the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.
Arch Klumph was the Rotarian who promoted the idea of "endowments for the purpose of doing good in the world". The Rotary Club of Kansas City, Missouri made the first gift of $26.50 to establish the Rotary Foundation. As of 2015, Rotarians have contributed over $12.6 billion for this program. The first Paul Harris Fellows include 1937/38 RI Director Allison G. Brush and longtime RI Treasurer Rufus F. Chapin, both for donations made in 1946. Mrs. Adan Vargas was the first woman to receive the recognition of her gift in 1953.
A Rotarian is awarded the Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) based on their foundation recognition points. Foundation recognition points are awarded to donors who contribute to the Rotary Foundation through the Annual Fund or PolioPlus, or who contribute to sponsorship of a foundation grant. Donors receive one recognition point for every U.S. dollar contributed to these funds. Donors can also transfer foundation recognition points to others to help them qualify as a Paul Harris Fellow. Foundation recognition points belong to the original donor until the donor's death.
The North Mason Rotary Foundation Chair, Ed Serra, has been educating members regarding their foundation points. October is PolioPlus awareness month and he is encouraging every member to donate at least $25 to the program. Ed has also been helping members of his club to understand how their recognition points can be used to help other members of their club achieve their PHF.
By the end of this rotary year, Ed's goal is for every member who has been a Rotarian for at least 2 yrs, maintained their annual attendance requirement and contributed to the foundation, to become a Paul Harris Fellow. Sor far, with the charitable giving of the members of his club, Ed has been able to award six individuals with the PHF since August, making a total of fourteen members so far in the club of 27 members.
