The Rotary International Foundation funds many of its fine humanitarian works through individual and club contributions. A donation of $1,000 entitles an individual or club to name a "Paul Harris Fellow" in honor of the Founder of Rotary.

There are several ways to become a Paul Harris Fellow but three are most common through the Jefferson Club.

First, a family, estate or associates can make a RI Foundation contribution of $1,000 in the name of an individual who will then bear the Paul Harris Fellow distinction.

Second, and most commonly throughout the Rotary world, individual Rotarians contribute $1,000 to the Foundation. This is often done through the EREY program where "Every Rotarian" donates $100 "Every Year" for 10 years until the Paul Harris distinction is earned. Many Rotarians contribute more or less to the Foundation annually - it is totally voluntary.

And thirdly, for several years, The Jefferson Rotary Club has established a tradition of naming one Paul Harris Fellow annually through a $1,000 contribution to the RI Foundation. The award is usually presented at our mid-summer honors banquet. The selection criteria is based on a history of service in the four avenues - Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service and International Service. The selection committee is comprised of the past Paul Harris Fellows and the recipient is unknown until the evening of the Annual Awards Banquet.

Being named a Paul Harris Fellow is the highest honor the Jefferson Rotary bestows on a member.