Historical Overview
Established in 1883, Catholic Order of Foresters is a not-for-profit fraternal insurance organization with more than 140,000 members nationwide. Operations are conducted in 31 states and the District of Columbia by a field force of more than 300 local agents who provide members with friendly, personal service. COF ranks among the largest fraternal life insurance societies in the United States.
The word "fraternal" means brotherhood and friendship—and that's what Catholic Order of Foresters is all about. We're people helping people, bonding together for mutual support—loving and serving God by giving our physical, financial, and spiritual resources to make a difference.
COF's commitment to caring began in 1883 at Holy Family Parish in Chicago, Illinois. Back then, impoverished immigrants were streaming into the United States, seeking a better life. When tragedy struck and families lost their breadwinner, friends and neighbors typically collected money for burial expenses and to keep survivors from starving.
Those making burial collections gradually formed associations, usually based on religious or ethnic backgrounds. Often these societies became focal points for community life. Catholic Order of Foresters grew from this foundation and, for more than a century, has helped thousands of individuals, families, and communities in need.
Each COF member holds a Catholic Order of Foresters membership certificate and is eligible for COF's unique added-value fraternal benefits, which enhance membership and set us apart from commercial companies.
Among these added-value benefits are eligibility for scholarships and educational awards, tuition assistance for Catholic school students and public school students attending Catholic religious education programs, and newborn and orphan benefits. For members facing terminal illness, we offer early access to life policy proceeds through our Living Benefits accelerated rider.
Our members form a fraternal network of more than 400 local courts, offering social, educational, spiritual, and benevolent activities. Members are also welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Order's leadership and government.
Through local courts, member volunteers have the opportunity to support Catholic and community causes. Our successful Matching Funds Program© of charitable giving allows courts to raise money for school, parish, community, and humanitarian needs.
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Updated: 8/2007
CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS
355 Shuman Boulevard | PO Box 3012 | Naperville, IL 60455-7012 USA
Toll-free 800-552-0145 | TTY 800-617-4176 | NAIC #57487
© Copyright 2007 Catholic Order of Foresters. All rights reserved
Inspiration
COF was organized May 24, 1883 at Holy Family Parish in Chicago, Illinois, by Thomas Taylor, who was inspired to form a Catholic benevolent society. He recruited fellow Catholics interested in helping those in need. A total of 42 men each paid $1 and became charter members.
The Fraternal Difference
Fraternal means brotherhood and friendship. COF provides the fraternal difference through unique, added-value fraternal membership benefits.
