Losing a loved one is emotionally overwhelming on so many levels. The financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses can add stress during an already terrible time.
In 2026, many families find themselves facing unexpected costs while trying to honor someone who passed away. Memorial donations can be a huge help in times like these.
A fundraising letter can help communicate your situation compassionately to friends, family members, and community supporters.
In this guide, our crowdfunding experts at AngeLink share how to write a funeral fundraising letter, common mistakes to avoid, and how to use a sample fundraising letter as a starting point. We’re here to help you craft a respectful message that allows others to offer support for your funeral expenses.
What Is a Funeral Fundraising Letter?
A fundraising letter is a written request for financial support.
Families often write letters when costs arise unexpectedly or when insurance or savings are not sufficient to cover funeral arrangements. (With astronomical funeral costs in the United States, this happens more often than it should.)
Fundraising letters can help raise money after a loved one’s sudden passing, during prolonged medical care that created financial strain, or when cultural or religious traditions involve additional expenses.
You can share these letters through email, mailed as printed letters, or included within online fundraising platforms that allow you to raise money for a funeral while sharing important context.
No matter the format, this is the most important thing:
Your letter should feel honest and compassionate. You are not selling anything. You are simply letting people know what you are facing and giving them the option to support you via a funeral donation.
And you should never be ashamed of wanting to honor the life of a loved one with memorial fundraising. It’s a beautiful way to invite others to remember them with you and to come together in support during a time of loss.
When You Should Use a Funeral Fundraising Letter
There is no perfect timing. Many families choose to send a letter within the first few weeks after the passing, once arrangements are underway and the full scope of costs is clearer.
Sharing both the emotional context and the practical need helps people understand not just what you need, but why you need it.
Most people genuinely want to help, but are not sure how to. A thoughtful letter gives them clarity and reassurance that their support is welcome, without making anyone feel pressured.
How to Write a Funeral Fundraising Letter (Step-by-Step Guide)
Writing a fundraising letter can feel intimidating, especially when emotions are still raw. Breaking it into small steps can make the process feel more manageable and help you focus on one part at a time.
Here are our recommendations:
Step 1: Start With a Compassionate Introduction
Begin by sharing who you lost and what they meant to you. You can briefly mention your relationship and something that reflects who they were. This helps readers connect to the loss on a human level.
You may also want to acknowledge the kindness, messages, or support you have already received. Keep your tone warm and sincere. You do not need to sound urgent or formal.
Step 2: Explain the Situation Clearly
Next, explain why you are asking for help. This might include unexpected medical bills, a sudden passing, or funeral costs that go beyond what insurance or savings can cover.
You do not need to share every detail. Focus on clarity instead of depth. Some families choose to mention a general cost range to help people understand the size of the need, but that is entirely optional.
Step 3: Make a Respectful Request for Support
When you ask for support, keep the language gentle and appreciative. Let people know that any contribution, no matter the amount, truly helps.
You can explain how donations will be used if that feels right to you. What matters most is making it clear that support is welcome but never expected.
Step 4: Share Funeral or Memorial Details If You Wish
If you feel comfortable, you can include information about funeral or memorial services. This might include dates, locations, or how details will be shared later.
If you prefer privacy, it is completely okay to leave this out.
Step 5: Close With Appreciation and Contact Information
End your letter by thanking readers for their care, compassion, and understanding. Let them know how they can contribute, whether through an online fundraiser, mailed donations, or another method.
You may also invite them to share memories or messages, which can be incredibly meaningful during the grieving process.
Sample Funeral Fundraising Letter
Below is a sample funeral fundraising letter you can adjust to fit your situation. This is not legal advice or a requirement to use the sample below word for word. You’ll want to fill out the placeholders with the name of your loved one and your family name.
Dear Friends and Family,
I am writing with a heavy heart to share the passing of our beloved [Name]. [He/She/They] meant so much to our family, and we are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have already felt.
This loss was unexpected, and we are now facing funeral and memorial expenses we did not anticipate. While we are doing everything we can, we are reaching out to ask for support during this difficult time.
If you are able to contribute, any amount would help ease the financial burden and allow us to honor [Name] in a way that feels meaningful. We are deeply thankful for your kindness and generosity.
Funeral arrangements will be shared separately with those who wish to attend.
Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and for supporting us in any way you can.
With gratitude,
The [Your Surname] Family
Tips to Make Your Funeral Fundraising Letter More Effective
Grief can make even simple tasks feel heavy, and writing a fundraising letter is no exception. These gentle tips can help you share your message in a way that feels honest, respectful, and supportive without adding extra pressure.
Keep It Short and Genuine
You don’t have to explain everything for people to understand. A fundraising letter works best when it’s honest, simple, and written from the heart. Share what happened, why you need support, and how people can help. Trying to say too much can feel overwhelming, especially during grief. A clear, sincere message is more than enough.
Use a Clear Subject Line (for Email)
If you’re emailing your letter, the subject line matters. Keep it simple and truthful so people know what the message is about right away. You don’t need anything dramatic. A calm, clear subject line helps readers open the email with understanding, not confusion or worry.
Offer Multiple Ways to Donate
People want to help, but it needs to be easy. If you can, include a link to a trusted fundraising platform along with clear instructions. Some people prefer donating online, while others may want to mail a check or give another way. Offering a few options lets people support you in the way that feels most comfortable to them.
Follow Up Respectfully
If you decide to follow up, keep it gentle and give people time. A short, appreciative reminder is enough. Not everyone will be able to give, and that’s okay. Support shows up in many ways, whether it’s a donation, a message, or simply keeping your family in their thoughts.
Support Your Funeral Fundraising Efforts with AngeLink
Writing a letter can feel overwhelming when you are already grieving. Having the right platform can make the process feel more manageable.
AngeLink is a free funeral fundraising site created to help families raise funds safely. Through Fundraising with Trust™, every fundraiser is reviewed before it goes live, helping protect families and donors from fraud and providing peace of mind during a vulnerable time.
AngeLink also makes it easy to share your fundraiser through social media, text messages, and email, so you do not have to spend extra energy figuring out how to spread the word.
You can share easily to:
- Twitter (X)
- …and more.
Whether you are seekingmemorial fundraising ideas, guidance on how to raise money for a funeral, or a secure place to share your story, AngeLink is built to support you.