Founded in 1882, Knights of Columbus is one of the leading Catholic fraternal benefit societies worldwide. Located in Mobile, Ala., the society has more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. The organization renders financial aid to its members and their families. It also offers mutual aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Knights of Columbus promotes social and intellectual fellowship among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works/programs.