I frequently get asked What are Paul Harris Points and what can I do with them?
I frequently get asked What are Paul Harris Points and what can I do with them? The official name is Foundation Recognition Points, which 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 transfer Foundation recognition points to others to help them qualify as a Paul Harris Fellow or Multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
The Rotary Club of Boise East was able to become a 100% Paul Harris Club by members who had Foundation Recognition Points transferring those points to newer members to push each member over the next 1000 point level, so all 16 members received a Paul Harris Fellow.
You can also transfer Foundation Recognition Points to a non-Rotarian, as a way to honor them. In December, I travelled to Seattle, with my daughter Ida attending the Rotary Club of Lake Union breakfast with me, where Bill McElroy, District 5030 Governor, recognized Ida as a Paul Harris Fellow. That was one of the most memorable Rotary meetings I have attended.
If you are interested in finding out how many Foundation Recognition Points you have or how to transfer points, please ask your club’s Rotary Foundation Chair or give me a call.
Todd Fischer
District Rotary Foundation Chair
208-409-7007