Paul Harris was the founder of the world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, in 1905. His intention was to recapture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. That Rotary Club in Chicago grew to become the global service organization of today, Rotary International (RI).

A major part of the work of Rotary International is carried out through The Rotary Foundation (TRF). The Rotary Foundation is a registered charity that supports the efforts of RI to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange.

It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world.

Programs TRF supports include Polio Plus, a program designed to eradicate Polio from the world. It supports Humanitarians programs, including grants to fund club and district service projects and matching grants for international projects.

In Bangkok South we have received funding for multiple water systems in several provinces, for hospital equipment in Singburi and elsewhere, and for many other projects over the years. The Foundation also supports educational programs: like Ambassadorial Scholarships, Group Study Exchanges, Rotary Grants for University Teachers, and Rotary World Peace Scholarships.

A Paul Harris Fellow is an individual who contributes US $1,000 or in whose name that amount is contributed.  Every Paul Harris Fellow receives a pin, medallion, and a certificate when he or she becomes a Fellow.  This identifies the Paul Harris Fellow as an advocate of the Foundation’s goals of world peace and international understanding.

Of the money we donate to the Rotary Foundation via Paul Harris Fellowships, 50% comes back to our District; 50% goes to the World Fund, from which we can apply for grants. District retains 20% of what comes back and the remaining amount (effectively 40 cents of each original dollar donated) is returned to us three years hence as District Designated Funds (DDF). Counting DDF and RI Matching Grant money, our club has probably received back far more than what our members have put in.

To learn more about the Paul Harris Fellowship, or the work of The Rotary Foundation or to nominate someone for a Fellowship, please click HERE and we will be in touch with you.