Catholic Order of Foresters Central Wisconsin District

We are a trusted, century-old Catholic fraternal benefit life insurance society dedicated to providing our members with financial security and opportunities for spiritual, social, and charitable growth.

COF operates under a court system with a representative form of government. Each local court determines its own leadership by electing officers and delegates who, in turn elect state officers. Every four years, state delegates meet at a national convention to elect national officers and vote on changes to the Order's Constitution and Bylaws.

COF considers local court activities and fraternal services as important as insurance sales. Successful field agents assist courts in every possible way. Agents, however, may not hold an elective office in any local, district, or state court, or as a delegate or alternate delegate to a state or national convention.

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.