The Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow.
Donate nowThe Need
Across the United States, hundreds of religious communities lack financial resources sufficient to meet the retirement and health-care needs of aging members.
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Lack of Funds
Many elder religious worked for years for small stipends, leaving a large gap in retirement savings. At the same time, fewer religious are able to serve in compensated ministry.
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Rising Costs
Like many Americans, religious communities face the monumental challenge of funding eldercare.
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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.
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$944.5
millionhas been distributed since 1989. -
297religious communities received funding in 2023.
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24,005religious past age 70 benefit from the RFR.
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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.
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Consultation
Volunteer consultants provide hands-on support for retirement planning and maximize the impact of donations. Learn More.
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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 men and women who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.
“Those serving in religious life receive minimal compensation because of their vow of poverty, so donors giving to the retirement fund show appreciation for their work and provide them with a sense of security in their old age. We are so grateful for all they have done for us,” emphasizes Brother Charles Douglas, SSJ, who… Read More »
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“Sincere thanks to the donors of the Retirement Fund for Religious. I hope we meet, if not in this world, then in the next,” says Sister Teresa, 80, of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Catonsville, MD.
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