
If you're planning a funeral and need help covering expenses, a GoFundMe campaign can be a lifesaver. According to GoFundMe's own statistics, funeral expenses can range from $7,000 to $10,000, depending on the type of service and location.
Many people have successfully used GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses, with some campaigns raising as much as $50,000 or more. One notable example is a campaign for a young father who passed away suddenly, which raised over $25,000 to cover funeral costs and support his family.
A well-structured GoFundMe campaign can make a big difference in raising funds for funeral expenses. By setting a clear goal, sharing personal stories, and using compelling images, you can encourage others to contribute and help you reach your fundraising target.
Asking for Donations
Asking for donations can be a difficult task, especially when you're dealing with grief or loss. People will likely want to help, so find comfort in that.
To start a fundraiser, you can include the name of the person or family in the title, such as "Celebrating the life of Jane Smith." This will help potential donors find your fundraiser.
Including an itemized list of expenses for the funeral service will help donors understand exactly how their donations will be used. This can be a breakdown of costs such as funeral home fees, cemetery plots, and flowers.
When asking for donations from friends and family, keep the tone conversational and explain why and how any donation will help. You can say something like, "We are absolutely devastated by [First Name]'s passing and are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of the service."
Here are some tips for asking for donations:
- Tell your loved one's story honestly to create a personal connection with potential donors
- Include a link to your fundraiser in your request
- Be specific about how the donations will be used
- Show appreciation for any donations, no matter how small
Here's a sample template you can use to ask for donations from friends and family:
"We are absolutely devastated by [First Name]'s passing and are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of the service. Based on [researching expenses or quotes you've received], here is a breakdown of all the costs involved in a funeral service for [First Name]:
[itemized list of expenses]
I've started a fundraiser to collect donations for [First Name]'s funeral service and end of life costs—here is the link. [Insert fundraiser URL]
Please consider donating if you are able to do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this difficult time."
When asking for donations from people outside of your network, you can use a similar approach, but be sure to include a high-quality photo and a clear explanation of why you're fundraising.
Fundraising for Funeral Expenses
Fundraising for funeral expenses can be a quick and easy option for help with funeral expenses. Crowdfunding can provide a way for families to connect and heal together while paying tribute to a loved one.
Thousands of people choose GoFundMe every day to help with expenses like end of life costs, funeral or memorials, or funds to support the family of the deceased. More than $50M is raised a week on GoFundMe to support people like you.
You can keep more of the money you raise and receive donations to your bank account within just a few days when using GoFundMe's fundraising model. This can help alleviate the financial strain on families during a difficult time.
A funeral fundraiser can include an itemized list of expenses for the funeral service to help donors understand exactly how their donations will be used. This can help create a sense of transparency and trust with potential donors.
Some key points to include in your funeral fundraiser are:
- Why someone needs to raise money
- What the money that is being donated will be used for
- A brief description of the person who passed away and their life
You can also consider asking for funeral donations in lieu of flowers, which can be a thoughtful way to show your support during a difficult time.
Here are some examples of how to ask for funeral donations:
- "We are raising money to cover the cost of a funeral with a memorial service to honor [name]'s memory."
- "We are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of the service, and any donation would be greatly appreciated."
- "We want to give [name] the memorial [he/she/they] deserve(s), to honor [his/her/their] memory and say our last goodbyes."
Remember, it's okay to ask for help during a difficult time, and many families are grateful for the support of their community.
Requesting Donations
Requesting donations for funeral expenses can be a difficult task, but it's essential to remember that people often want to help. Telling your loved one's story honestly is key to inspiring donations. This can be done by creating a personal connection to your fundraiser, sharing the story of your loved one, and including why each donation is important to you and your family.
Including the name of the person or family in the title can help potential donors find your fundraiser. For example, "Celebrating the life of Jane Smith." Listing specific funeral expenses can also help donors understand how their donation will make a difference.
You can ask for donations from friends and family by explaining why and how any donation will help. Including an itemized list of expenses for the funeral service can help donors understand exactly how their donations will be used. It's also essential to be clear about what you're raising money for, whether it's funeral costs, medical expenses, or other related expenses.
If you're worried about asking for donations, remember that it's perfectly normal to do so. Many families struggle with funeral costs, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You can also consider asking for donations in lieu of flowers, which can be a thoughtful way to honor your loved one.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when requesting donations:
- Be honest and authentic in your request
- Include specific details about the funeral expenses
- Be clear about what you're raising money for
- Consider asking for donations in lieu of flowers
- Review your wording depending on where you're posting the request
When crafting your request, consider using a template or sample wording to help guide you. For example, you could use a template like this:
"[Name of deceased] unexpectedly passed away on [date of death] leaving behind [his/her] [husband/wife/partner] [name of partner] and their kids [names of children]. The family is shocked and saddened by this loss and unfortunately not financially prepared as this was unexpected. If you knew [name of deceased], you’d know how much they touched the lives of everyone around them. It’s now our turn to give back and help [name of partner who is alive] and [his/her] children as they deal with the loss of [name]. We are raising money to assist with [funeral costs/memorial service costs/labor costs/time off] as the family deals with this loss."
Remember, the key is to be sincere and genuine in your request, and to provide clear and specific information about the funeral expenses and what you're raising money for.
For more insights, see: Direct Costs
Raising Money for Others
Raising money for someone else can be a difficult but necessary task, especially when a loved one passes away unexpectedly. It's essential to be clear and honest about the situation and how donations will be used.
You can start by explaining why you're raising money and how it will help the family. For example, you can mention that the family is not financially prepared for the funeral costs and that donations will help cover unexpected expenses. This will help donors understand the situation and feel more comfortable making a contribution.
Including an itemized list of expenses can also be helpful. This will give donors a clear idea of how their donations will be used and can help them make a more informed decision. For instance, you can break down the costs involved in a funeral service, such as funeral home fees, casket costs, and memorial service expenses.
It's also essential to be respectful and considerate of the family's feelings. You can express your condolences and let them know that you're raising money to support them during this difficult time. This will help donors feel more connected to the cause and more likely to make a donation.
In some cases, you may want to create a fundraiser to collect donations for funeral expenses. You can include a link to the fundraiser in your message and encourage donors to contribute if they're able to do so. This will make it easy for people to donate and help the family in a tangible way.
Ultimately, raising money for someone else can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By being clear, honest, and respectful, you can help ensure that the family receives the support they need during this difficult time.
Related reading: Does Health Insurance Cover Funeral Costs
Funeral Costs and Expenses
Funeral costs can be a significant burden on families, but there are ways to help offset these expenses. Crowdfunding can be a quick and easy option for help with funeral expenses.
A funeral fundraiser can provide a way for families to connect and heal together while paying tribute to a loved one. Thousands of people choose GoFundMe every day to help with expenses like end of life costs, funeral or memorials, or funds to support the family.
Cremation is generally the more affordable option for most families, with averages around $750-$3,500. Some states require that you engage the services of a funeral director instead of dealing directly with a crematorium.
A funeral costs an average of $7,848, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). This cost includes basic service fees, embalming, and funeral home costs.
Here's a breakdown of some funeral costs:
- Embalming: $800 (not necessary if you don't plan to have a funeral with a viewing)
- Advance payment for services: up to $1,525 (for tasks like verifying the death certificate, preparing notices, and securing a burial permit)
Funeral Costs and Expenses
Funeral costs and expenses can be overwhelming, but understanding what to expect can help. The average cost of a funeral is around $7,848, according to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA).
Embalming is a process that can add to these costs, typically ranging from $800 to $1,000. However, it's not necessary if you don't plan to have a viewing.
Some funeral homes may request advance payment for services like verifying the death certificate, preparing notices, and securing a burial permit, which can cost up to $1,525.
You may also need to consider the cost of a traditional obituary, which can range from $200 to $500. This is a significant expense, but it's often a way to honor and pay tribute to your loved one.
Online fundraising can provide financial relief if you need assistance with funeral costs. Thousands of people choose GoFundMe every day to help with expenses like end of life costs, funeral or memorials, or funds to support the family of the deceased.
Here's a breakdown of some of the costs associated with funerals:
- Funeral costs: $7,848 (average)
- Embalming: $800-$1,000
- Advance payment for services: $1,525
- Traditional obituary: $200-$500
Keep in mind that these costs can add up quickly, but there are options available to help alleviate some of the financial burden.
Cremation Costs
Cremation is generally the more affordable option for most families, with averages around $750-$3,500.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, cremation is worth considering. However, some states require you to engage the services of a funeral director, which can increase costs.
The cost of cremation can vary depending on the services provided, but it's often a more affordable option than traditional burial.
Get the Support You Need
Traditional funeral services can be expensive, but crowdfunding can help alleviate some financial burdens.
More than $50M is raised a week on GoFundMe to support people in need.
Crowdfunding can provide emotional support during a difficult time, helping you honor your loved one's legacy.
Consider starting a funeral or memorial fund on GoFundMe's platform today to get the support you need.
Tips and Ideas
Creating a funeral fundraiser can be a difficult task, but knowing the right tips and ideas can make it easier. Tell your loved one's story honestly, as it will inspire more people to donate. Create a personal connection to your fundraiser by including a photo and a heartfelt message about the deceased.
To make your donation box stand out, consider personalizing memorial cards with a photo and a message, or set up a memory jar where people can write down their favorite memories. You can also organize a small raffle or auction with donated items or services from local businesses. A well-presented donation box can attract attention and encourage individuals to contribute.
Here are some title examples for your funeral fundraiser: Help with funeral expensesHelp us cover expensesHelp with unexpected expensesRaising funds to cover funeral costsHelp us cover funeral costsUnexpected funeral costs
Tips for Asking for Donations
Telling your loved one's story honestly is key to inspiring donations. Creating a personal connection to your fundraiser will make people more likely to donate.
Including the name of the person or family in the title of your fundraiser can help potential donors find it. For example, "Celebrating the life of Jane Smith."
Listing specific funeral expenses can help clear up any confusion about why you chose a specific fundraiser goal. Break down the individual expenses of a funeral service so people will understand exactly how their donation will make a difference.
Here are some common funeral expenses to consider:
It's also a good idea to include a link to your fundraiser in your obituary or during the funeral service itself. This will make it easy for people to donate and show their support.
Remember to be sincere and grateful in your ask for donations. People will be more likely to donate if they feel like they're helping a family in need.
Memorial Fundraising Tips
If your loved one was an active member of their community, you can use a template to reach out to their network for help with funeral expenses. Use a subject line that mentions their organization and role, such as "Passing of [name of the organization and role] [First and Last Name]".
You can start a funeral fundraiser to help cover the cost of funeral expenses, and share the link with the community. The fundraiser can be found on platforms like GoFundMe, where thousands of people choose to help with expenses like end of life costs.
A funeral fundraiser can help offset costly funeral expenses, but some platforms charge a fee and take a percentage out of every dollar you raise. You can set a goal for your fundraiser, such as $10,000, and specify a deadline to reach it.
You can also mention that any additional funds raised will be donated to a specific organization or group, if you exceed your goal. This can be a meaningful way to honor your loved one's legacy.
Sharing your loved one's funeral fundraiser with others who knew them can help spread the word and make a big difference. You can include a personal message in your email or social media post, such as "Please consider donating if you can, as any amount will truly help."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does GoFundMe take for a funeral?
GoFundMe takes a 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation to help cover payment processing. Donors can also choose to leave an optional contribution to support GoFundMe's free fundraising service.
Sources
- https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/ask-donations-funeral-expenses
- https://www.gofundme.com/c/fundraising-tips/funeral-memorial
- https://www.ringsidenews.com/2024/03/02/gofundme-launched-to-assist-virgils-family-with-funeral-costs/
- https://everloved.com/articles/funeral-planning/how-word-request-funeral-donations/
- https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/cost-of-funeral-services
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