The Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow.

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The Need

Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities lack financial resources sufficient to meet the retirement and health-care needs of aging members.

  • Lack of Funds

    Many elder religious worked for years for little to no pay, leaving a large gap in retirement savings. At the same time, fewer religious are able to serve in compensated ministry.

  • Rising Costs

    Like many Americans, religious communities face the monumental challenge of funding eldercare.

  • Changing Demographics

    Today, retired religious outnumber wage-earners by nearly three to one.

Donations at Work

Your donation makes a difference. Approximately 95 percent of our budget aids senior religious. Only 5 percent is used for administration and promotional activities.

  • $973.3
    million
    distributed since the collection began in 1988.
  • 286
    religious communities received funding in 2024.
  • 20,571
    religious past age 70 benefit from the RFR.
  • Financial Assistance

    The bulk of donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious are allocated to assist with the direct care of senior religious. Learn More.

  • Consultation

    Volunteer consultants provide hands-on support for retirement planning and maximize the impact of donations. Learn More.

  • Education

    Proceeds from the Retirement Fund for Religious underwrite educational programs and resources that promote comprehensive retirement planning and enhanced quality of life for aging members. Learn More.

Ways to give

Learn how you can support elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.

Stories & News

Meet some of the women and men who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.

“Thank you very much for your donations, always,” says Sister Olivia Bellegante, 92, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Louis, Missouri. “Since most of the sisters are getting older and not working anymore, it is difficult. It is a help to them; without it, I’m not sure… Read More »

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The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently journeyed to St. Louis, Missouri, to photograph senior religious from various communities within the archdiocese. These dedicated sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have all benefited from the impact of generous donations to the Retirement Fund for Religious collection, held annually nationwide.

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