We are a Catholic fraternal benefit society dedicated to helping members achieve financial security through life insurance while supporting the Catholic community through fraternal outreach.
OUR HISTORY
Our commitment to caring began on May 24, 1883, at Holy Family Parish in Chicago, Illinois. At that time, impoverished immigrants streamed into the United States seeking a better life. When families lost their breadwinners, friends, and neighbors typically collected money to assist survivors financially
Those collecting money eventually formed associations, generally based on religious or ethnic backgrounds. Often these societies became focal points for community life. Forty-two men saw a need in their community, so they decided to financially protect their families by each placing $1 on a wooden desk to be used to protect any family in need. This desk resides in the Memorabilia Room at the Home Office. COF grew from this foundation and, for more than a century, has aided individuals, families, and communities in need.
The name "Catholic Order of Foresters" refers to us being called to care for our Catholic community. As a forester who cares for the forests and animals, we must care for our brothers and sisters in need.
TODAY
Each member holds an insurance certificate and eligibility for COF’s member benefits, just one of many things that set us apart from other life insurance companies. By offering members fraternal benefits, including scholarships, we bring Catholic values to life.
We have more than 95,000 adult and youth members nationwide. As a fraternal benefit insurance society, we operate under a representative system and hold a National Convention every four years. (Learn more about this process here.) COF is licensed in 38 states and Washington, D.C. Our product portfolio includes Term Life, Whole Life, Universal Life, and Annuities.
Members can be confident in the ease and security of doing business with COF. Our website allows members to view the policy information in real time and pay bills securely online. All COF agents are trained in e-App, our digital life insurance application. Members and those interested in learning more about COF can communicate with us via phone, email, web form, or text message, knowing we will be there when you need us most.
Our Home Office is located in Naperville, Illinois. The award-winning team here is comprised of more than 80 individuals. The team has earned a LOMA Excellence in Education Award, COF earned a 2017 Esteemed Partner Award from Catholic Charities - Diocese of Joliet, and Catholic Forester (COF’s bi-monthly magazine) received Awards for Publication Excellence (APEX) in 2017 and 2018.