Community Involvement

• What is a Matching Funds event?

  A Matching Funds event is a fundraiser held by a local court. COF matches a certain amount of the funds raised. The amount matched is determined by how much is raised. Local courts may hold only one Matching Funds event per year, and each event must be approved. Under special circumstances, courts may hold an Emergency Matching Funds event.

• What is fraternal outreach?

  Fraternal outreach can be described in many ways, but think of it as COF's service initiative and effort to engage members as well as the greater Catholic community. It includes Feeding God's Children, Alternative Breaks, Spirituality Tap-in and more. It also refers to a team within COF - the Fraternal Outreach Team! 

• What is Feeding God’s Children?

  Feeding God's Children (FGC) is COF's year-round community service effort. It responds to the call to service described in Matthew 25. We encourage members (and non-members) to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and clothe the naked. FGC events can be small or large, and last one hour or one month! Click here to learn more, or watch this video!

• Who can register a Feeding God's Children event?

  Any Catholic Order of Foresters member or agent can register a Feeding God's Children event by visiting this page, or contacting the Fraternal Outreach Team at the Home Office.

• Can my court partner with another court for an event?

  Yes, multiple courts can partner for an event! To avoid confusion, we ask that only one person registers the event. 

• What does FGC stand for?

  FGC stands for Feeding God's Children, Catholic Order of Foresters' outreach program. 

• What makes an event an FGC event?

  Any event that has an outreach aspect is considered a Feeding God's Children event. A Feeding God's Children event can be anything to serve or improve your community: serving food at a local soup kitchen, hosting a blood drive, raking neighbors' yards, visiting elderly in a nursing home, and much more. To see what events have been held in the past, check out our videos.

• Do I need T-shirts to host an FGC event?

  No, you can host an FGC event without T-shirts. If you want T-shirts though, we'll send them to you at no cost. 

• What is the minimum number of people required to host an event

  There is no minimum number of people required to host a Feeding God's Children event. Simply register your event with us, and order T-shirts if you want. These shirts are complimentary. 

• How do I participate in a local event?

  Contact the Fraternal Outreach Team, visit our event locator, or reach out to a local court officer to learn about events in your area! Events occur nationwide throughout the year. If you'd like to host one, click here.