Reasons to Give

For over 900 years the Order has relied upon the generosity of its members to carry out its mission of caring for the poor and the sick and defending the Faith. In fact, during the Order's founding years, a Knight was expected to give of his estate—in its entirety—for the noble works of the Order.

The preservation of the Order and the advancement of its mission over the centuries is owed to the long-held tradition of personal sacrifice on the part of countless Knights and Dames—who understood it was central their vocation. This is what makes the Order distinctive from all other philanthropic endeavors.

Today, the Knights and Dames of the Federal Association join in the faithful tradition of the generosity and sacrifice of the earliest members of the Order. Each year the goal is that every member of the Federal Association will make a meaningful contribution to the Annual Fund.

Wearing the insignia of the Order obliges members to use all their efforts and resources for the benefit and perpetuation of the Order. In the Spiritual Guidlelines, it is stated that "Every Knight and Dame...will strive to make some sacrifice—in order to help those who suffer—in accordance with the evangelical precept: quod superest date pauperibus (from your abundance give to the afflicted).

Giving is an important extension of a member's vocation and their dedication to the mission of the Order. It hearkens back to the earliest ideals of the Order and is an expression of the true spirit of founder, Fra' Gerard, at work today.