Members of the Rotary community help make clubs stronger, communities better, and peace possible. Thank them for their dedication and valuable contributions by recognizing them with one of these Rotary International or non-contribution-based Rotary Foundation awards.
Recognize a club
Rotary citation for Rotary clubs
The most important award for Rotary clubs.
Who can nominate: club officers
Nomination deadline: 30 June
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- 2020-21 Citation Goals and Instructions for Rotary Clubs (PDF)
- Learn more about the Rotary Citations
Rotary citation for Rotaract clubs
The most important award for Rotaract clubs.
Who can nominate: Rotaract club presidents and advisers
Nomination deadline: 15 August
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- 2020-21 Citation Goals and Instructions for Rotaract Clubs (PDF)
- Rotary Citation for Rotaract Club Nomination form
- Learn more about the Rotary Citations
Rotary citation for Interact clubs
The most important award for Interact clubs.
Who can nominate: Interact club advisors, sponsor Rotary club presidents
Nomination deadline: 15 August
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- 2020-21 Citation Goals and Instructions for Interact Clubs (PDF)
- Rotary Citation for Interact Club Nomination form
- Learn more about the Rotary Citations
Significant Service Award
Recognize a club whose project has addressed a significant need in your community.
Who can nominate: club president
Nomination period: all year
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- Online nomination form
World Interact Week Recognition
Recognizes Interact clubs that celebrate the founding of the first club during World Interact Week, which occurs each year during the week of 5 November (from Monday to Sunday).
Who can nominate: sponsoring Rotary clubs or district Interact chairs
Nomination period: all year
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- Customizable certificate (PDF)
World Rotaract Week Recognition
Recognizes Rotaract clubs that celebrate the founding of the first club during World Rotaract Week, which occurs each year during the week of 13 March (from Monday to Sunday).
Who can nominate: sponsoring Rotary clubs or district Rotaract chairs
Nomination period: all year
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- Customizable certificate (PDF)
Interact Video Awards
Recognizes outstanding videos created by Interactors.
Who can nominate: Interactors or sponsor Rotary club members
Nomination period: 1 October-1 December
Award type: plaque or certificate
Resources:
Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards
Recognizes Rotaract clubs that are making a sustainable impact in one of Rotary's areas of focus through their innovative community or international service projects.
Who can nominate: Rotaractors
Nomination period: 1 August-1 February
Award type: plaque or certificate
Resources:
- Online nomination form
Recognize individuals
Membership Society
Rotary recognizes those members who have expanded Rotary’s reach by sponsoring 25 or more new members. Visit the Membership Society Virtual Gallery.
Who is eligible: All Rotarians
Award type: Virtual Gallery
Resources:
For questions, email riawards@rotary.org
Avenues of Service Award (district recognition)
With an award from their district, clubs can honor a Rotarian or Rotaractor who participates in service activities in one of the five Avenues of Service — club, vocational, community, international, and youth service.
Who can nominate: club presidents
Nomination period: all year
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- Online nomination form for club presidents
- Examples of eligible service activities (PDF)
- How to write a compelling nomination (PDF)
Avenues of Service Award (RI recognition)
Districts can nominate a member who has performed service in all five Avenues of Service for an award from Rotary International.
Who can nominate: district governors
Nomination period: all year
Award type: pin and crystal award
Resources:
- Online nomination form
- How to write a compelling nomination (PDF)
Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service
Honors Rotarians and Rotaractors who have been actively involved in service related to The Rotary Foundation.
Who can nominate: district Rotary Foundation chair (with endorsement by the governor)
Nomination period: November-December
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
- Online nomination form
Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award
Honors individual Rotarians and Rotaractors who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Foundation and have received the Citation for Meritorious Service at least four years prior.
Who can nominate: Any Rotarian or Rotaractor
Nomination period: 1 January-28/29 February
Award type: pin and crystal award
Resources:
- Online nomination form
- How to write a compelling nomination (PDF)
Rotary Foundation District Service Award
Honors Rotarians and Rotaractors who are making a difference through the Foundation’s programs.
Who can nominate: district governors who receive recommendations from their district foundation committee
Nomination period: all year (ideally before district conference)
Award type: electronic certificate
Resources:
Service Above Self Award
Prestigious award for Rotarians and Rotaractors who demonstrate their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents.
Who can nominate: district governors
Nomination period: 1-31 October
Award type: pin and crystal award
Resources:
- Online nomination form
- How to write a compelling nomination (PDF)
Service Award for a Polio-Free World
Honors Rotarians who have made outstanding contributions to our polio eradication efforts. Individuals can be nominated for regional or international service.
Who can nominate: Rotarians
Nomination period: Annually: July-1 October
Nomination deadline: 1 October
Award type: framed certificate, plaque
Resources:
- Online nomination form
Recognize non-Rotarians
Rotary Alumni Association of the Year Award
Recognizes one outstanding alumni association each year for raising awareness of our alumni’s impact on our organization.
Who can nominate: Any member of the Rotary community
Nomination period: 1 July-15 September
Award type: banner, recognition at Rotary convention
Resources:
Rotary Alumni Global Service Award
Honors one outstanding Rotary alumnus each year for their humanitarian service and professional achievements.
Who can nominate: Any member of the Rotary community
Nomination period: 1 July-15 September
Award type: crystal award, recognition at the Rotary convention
Resources:
Rotary Award for Excellence in Service to Humanity
Recognizes non-Rotarians, including partners and spouses of Rotarians, who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service in accord with Rotary’s ideals.
Who can nominate: district governor
Nomination period: 1-31 March
Award type: pin and crystal award
Resources:
- Online nomination form
- How to write a compelling nomination (PDF)
Questions? Send them to rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.