Family Protection & Legacy • Living Benefits • Community Impact

More Than Buying Insurance.
Belonging to Something Greater.

Discover how Foresters Financial and Serenia Life Financial bring the spirit of brotherhood, mutual care and social responsibility into the everyday lives of members, families and communities.

Brotherhood is more than a name.

In a fraternal benefit society, “brotherhood” means a common bond of people helping people—not a restriction to men, not simply a social club, and not just a commercial transaction. Members join a community built on mutual aid, personal responsibility, volunteerism and care for neighbours.

Members, not shareholders

Both organizations describe a member-oriented model. Financial success can support meaningful programs and community initiatives rather than focusing on shareholder dividends.

Not-for-profit purpose

Fraternal insurers can still sell policies, charge premiums, maintain reserves and earn a surplus. The distinction is how the organization is structured and why earnings are used—not that insurance is free.

From mutual aid to civic action

Protect a family against financial loss, then enable members to support education, volunteer projects, community safety, family milestones and compassionate assistance.

Legal nuance: “Non-profit” here describes the fraternal, member-service mission and governance, not a blanket assertion that every related insurance subsidiary is a registered charity or tax-exempt corporation. Both operate as regulated insurance organizations.

Two organizations. Two columns of member value.

Not merely a life, accident or sickness insurance policy: these are selected value-added programs described on the organizations’ Canadian websites. Dollar figures below are program limits—not guaranteed payments.

Foresters Financial

“Live well by doing good” • Founded in 1874

Personal, family & community benefits

  • Foresters Community GrantsMember-led volunteering and family/community activities; funding is subject to program approval.
  • Foresters Care™ grantsTwo grants of $200 each per year for eligible members to address practical community needs.
  • Competitive ScholarshipsRenewable tuition scholarships for eligible members and family members; competitive selection.
  • Foresters Renew™Reimbursement grants for eligible career-related training, tuition and learning materials.
  • Orphan BenefitUp to $900 monthly per eligible child in qualifying family circumstances.
  • Orphan ScholarshipsUp to $6,000 per year for up to four years for eligible children of deceased members.
  • Terminal Illness LoanPotential interest-free loan of up to 75% of qualifying life certificate face amount; eligibility applies.
  • LawAssureOnline tools for preparing certain wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives; availability varies by jurisdiction.
  • Member DiscountsDiscount programs for shopping, travel and family activities.
  • Member leadershipOpportunities to serve in branch councils, participate in elections and support community priorities.
Members generally join through qualifying coverage issued by The Independent Order of Foresters. Some support benefits have certificate minimums, family circumstances or other eligibility rules. Not every program applies to every policy.
Official Foresters benefits ↗

Serenia Life Financial

“Human. Kind.” • Fraternal society founded in 1972

Personal, family & community benefits

  • Empathy loss supportComplimentary guidance, digital tools and a Care Team for eligible members and beneficiaries after a loss.
  • Fundraiser BenefitUp to $300 in seed funding plus an eligible $100–$300 post-event donation.
  • Volunteer BenefitApply for up to $400 for eligible volunteer-related expenses.
  • Bundles of JoyA $100 baby bonus when qualifying coverage is purchased before a child’s first birthday.
  • Post-Secondary ScholarshipOne-time $2,500 award for eligible post-secondary studies.
  • LifeVaultDigital platform to prepare, manage, store and share certain legacy documents.
  • Wills and Powers of AttorneyUp to $150 reimbursement for qualifying lawyer-drafted or updated documents once every five years.
  • Safe CommunitiesSafety kit with visibility items and neighbourhood road-safety materials.
  • Babysitter’s BenefitSupport for approved Canadian babysitting training for youth aged 11–15.
  • CPR / First AidUp to $50 reimbursement for accredited training or recertification once every three years.
Members generally include policyowners or insured people under eligible Serenia products. Some benefits require application, an age threshold, approved expenses or particular life circumstances. Voting rights are limited to those eligible under the bylaws.
Official Serenia benefits ↗

What makes their business philosophy different?

Foresters: members helping members

Foresters began by making financial protection available to working families. Its constitution links insurance with community improvement, personal development, social interaction and voluntary service. Its member-governance structure includes local branches and elected representatives.

In practice, this means members can use grants and leadership opportunities to organize tangible projects—from helping food banks to making communities more welcoming—and can use certain services and education benefits while alive.

Read Foresters’ history and purpose ↗

Serenia: kindness put into action

Serenia Life Financial, formerly FaithLife Financial, traces its society to 1972 and its Canadian heritage further back. It speaks of a belief that prosperity and generosity belong together, pairing protection and straightforward financial guidance with benefits that inspire giving.

In practice, members can seek support for volunteering and fundraising, family needs, estate planning and bereavement; eligible members also participate in aspects of member governance. Its community initiatives extend the value of insurance beyond claim time.

Read Serenia’s philosophy ↗

Insurance responds when life changes. Fraternal membership can also help people make life better for themselves—and for others—before a claim ever occurs.

What can this mean for the wider community?

For children and young adults

Scholarships, education-related assistance and age-appropriate safety or life-skills opportunities may help families and young people prepare for the future.

For working families and seniors

Estate-document tools, practical household benefits, member discounts and grief-support services can help members manage more than insurance premiums and claims.

For neighbourhoods and society

Volunteer grants, fundraising support and leadership pathways turn individual membership into collective action—helping local charities and community projects.

Learn directly from the organizations

Official Canadian sources used for this educational page (reviewed October 29, 2026):

Educational disclaimer

InsuranceVilla educational information only. This page is intended to improve understanding of fraternal benefit societies and their possible value to members and communities. It is not an offer of insurance, an endorsement, a comparison of premiums or policy coverage, or legal, financial or tax advice. Insurance protection, underwriting, policy terms, membership status, benefit availability, provincial eligibility, application rules, funding limits and claims are governed by the insurer’s current official documents. Member programs are generally non-contractual and may be modified, restricted or withdrawn without notice. Eligibility is not universal: purchasing insurance does not guarantee receipt of any listed grant, reimbursement or service. Confirm current details directly with each provider and consult a qualified licensed professional concerning individual needs. InsuranceVilla is independent of and does not speak for either organization.