Our History

In 1771 and then in 1774, The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland was founded in Philadelphia and New York respectively. For over two centuries, both Philadelphia and New York have annual granted sums of money for the betterment of the Irish in their communities, giving to universities, hospitals, and individual scholarships. In 1868, the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Cincinnati was founded, and thus our involvement began in the spirit of the American Irish. 

In 2002, the Trustees and Officers of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Cincinnati formed the FSSP Foundation. Our mission is to foster strong ties to Irish heritage by way of benevolence to the hungry and devotion to the Irish arts.

Through special fundraising events, grants, and private donations, the FSSP Foundation in Cincinnati is able to support these causes as others have done for their neighbors for over two hundred years. Today, much about our land and people has changed, but one thing has remained the same - the Irish spirit and its dedication to the betterment of community.  The FSSP Foundation - "Strengthening the Bond of the American Irish."