Our Monthly Tip: Use Crowdfunding to Help with Funeral Expenses

Our Tip of the Month

When a loved one dies, the cost of a funeral, memorial service and burial can be a significant burden in an already trying time. Because of this, many families are now turning to crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe and JustGiving to help cover the costs of funeral arrangements.

The average cost for a funeral in the United States is estimated to be around $7,000–$12,000. This is a daunting number for many people, especially those facing financial challenges due to the pandemic and recession. Families often struggle to honor their deceased loved one’s wishes for funeral arrangements without spending more than they can afford.

Fortunately, there are now many options for online crowdfunding. Some are general fundraising sites like GoFundMe, while others, like Fund the Funeral, are designed specifically for those seeking to crowdfund funerals. Once you set up a page on one of these platforms, family and friends can donate online using a credit or debit card. Most of these sites are free to use but keep a percentage of the donations (usually around 5–7%) to cover their operating costs.

How-To Suggestions

Set a fundraising goal: First, find out what your funeral expenses will be and how much you are able to cover on your own. You will need to discuss prices with the funeral home and any other businesses, such as caterers or florists, that will be involved in the arrangements.

Choose a platform: Popular fundraising sites include GoFundMe, JustGiving, and Fundly. Before making an account and launching your fundraising page on any platform, make sure to find out if there is any initial cost, what percentage of donations they keep, and whether there is a minimum donation amount required, as some sites only release funds to you if your fundraising goal has been met.

Create your fundraising page: Most platforms make this process relatively easy, providing space for text, images, and even videos to share your fundraising story. It’s a good idea to write about your deceased loved one whose funeral or memorial you are crowdfunding, sharing stories and details from their life. You may also want to add some information about why you are seeking donations (financial struggles, the death was unexpected, etc.) and even list specific expenses you are trying to cover.

Spread the word: Once you’ve set up your fundraiser, share it through social media, email, and word of mouth. The more people you share the fundraiser with, the more donations you’re likely to get — and your donors may share it with their friends and family as well.

Try offline fundraising, too: While online platforms are a quick, convenient way to ask for donations, it may also be helpful to explore some offline options. Many families sell handmade crafts commemorating their loved ones, hold dinners (small and/or outdoor gatherings being ideal with COVID-19 restrictions), or host events such as tree plantings or lantern releases to raise funds. You can visit Fundly’s blog for an extensive list of offline fundraising ideas.