Notre Dame Knights of Columbus Council #1477

Notre Dame Knights of Columbus Council #1477 is a premier student organization dedicated to serving the Notre Dame, IN community and beyond through charitable work, faith-based fraternity, and civic engagement. Since its founding in 1910—making it the first Knights of Columbus College Council in the world—Council 1477 has established itself as a cornerstone of Catholic life and community service at the University of Notre Dame.

The organization operates multiple service initiatives throughout the year. Most notably, Council 1477 organizes weekly service trips into the South Bend community, bringing student volunteers together to address local needs and make a tangible difference in the lives of residents. Their signature fundraiser, Steak Sales, has become an iconic Notre Dame game-day tradition since 1968, generating between $60,000 and $100,000 annually for local, national, and international charities. In 2017 alone, Steak Sales raised a record $100,000, demonstrating the organization's capacity for large-scale charitable impact.

Beyond fundraising and volunteering, Council 1477 provides a welcoming Catholic hub on campus where students can study, socialize, and build lasting friendships grounded in faith. The organization operates its own council hall, gifted by former University President Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, which serves as a gathering space for the Notre Dame community. Council 1477 also maintains strong partnerships with University leadership and supports the Congregation of Holy Cross in advancing Catholic culture at Notre Dame.

With a commitment to the four pillars of Knighthood—charity, fraternity, unity, and patriotism—Council 1477 empowers student members to become active, informed citizens while strengthening their Catholic faith through service and community engagement.