The Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members—today and tomorrow.
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.
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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. Roughly 95 percent of our budget aides senior religious. Only 5 percent is used for promotional activities and administration.
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$863
millionhas been distributed since 1989. -
341religious communities received funding in 2020.
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28,418religious 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.
“Life is a gift,” says Sister Catarina Santa Cruz, a member of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in San Antonio, Texas. “Take it. Embrace it. And live it in hope.”
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On a snowy February morning, six members of the Bernardine Franciscans of Reading, Pennsylvania, donned their best smiles and were photographed for the 2019 Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR) campaign materials.
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