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.
-
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
milliondistributed since the collection began in 1988. -
286religious communities received funding in 2024.
-
20,571religious 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.
“Donors play a vital role in supporting our mission. Their contributions help care for both the young and elderly, sustaining our wide range of services. From our daycare center to our nursing home, their generosity makes a lasting impact on the lives of so many,” reflects Sister M. Anne Maskey, 70, a member of the… Read More »
Read more
The Retirement Fund for Religious team recently traveled to Chicago, Illinois, where we had the honor of photographing senior religious from a number of communities across the archdiocese.
Read more