When we lose a loved one, the last thing we want to worry about is money.
Yet, for many families, the financial burden of arranging a funeral can add an extra layer of stress to an already heart-wrenching time. It can feel impossible to raise money to cover funeral costs.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral with viewing and burial has reached a staggering $7,848.
For those choosing cremation, the average expense still sits at a considerable $6,971. These figures don’t include additional costs like a burial plot, flowers, or an obituary.
It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, especially when you’re already emotionally drained. But you’re not alone in this journey, and there are compassionate souls out there ready to lend a helping hand.
In recent years, funeral fundraising sites have become a beacon of light for families struggling to give their loved ones the send-off they deserve.
Let’s take a look at how the best fundraising sites for memorial expenses can help you navigate this difficult time, ensuring that your focus remains where it should be—on celebrating the life of the person you’ve lost and finding comfort in the memories you shared.
1. AngeLink
Platform Overview
At AngeLink, we’re proud to be one of the best funeral fundraising sites out there. As the world’s first women-powered crowdfunding platform, we offer a trusted and unique approach to help you start a memorial fund online.
Our community is built on trust and security, with every fundraiser reviewed before publication. This extra layer of protection ensures that you can raise funds with peace of mind, knowing we’re safeguarding against fraud.
We’re all about empowerment, especially for women, while remaining inclusive to all. AngeLink connects, empowers, and amplifies voices to make a lasting impact. With over 80,000 users and growing, we’re quickly becoming the go-to platform for those raising funds for various causes. We’d be honored to host your memorial fund.
Cost
One of our most appealing features is our cost structure. Compared to some other fundraising websites for funeral expenses, we let you keep more of what you earn.
AngeLink is completely free to use, with no platform fees, helping you make the most of your fundraising efforts. The only fee you’ll encounter is a standard credit card processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation, which covers secure fund transfers.
Customer Support
We pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer support. Our team is available 24/7, ensuring you have help whenever you need it. For those organizing funeral fundraisers, we offer personalized support to help you honor the life of a loved one with care and respect. If you need assistance, reach out to us at (877) 526-4354, and we’ll be there to guide you.
Funeral Fundraiser Example
Need memorial fundraising ideas? Check out this example from AngeLink.
Nathan’s Memorial and Family Fund is for Jennifer Hahn, who lost her partner Nathan in a motorcycle accident. It’s a compelling fundraiser page because it clearly outlines the unexpected costs associated with Nathan’s final arrangements and the financial challenges Jennifer faces in maintaining their home for their children.
AngeLink’s platform helps this fundraiser succeed by offering a 0% platform fee, which allows more of the donations to directly benefit the family. Our platform’s social sharing features make it easy for supporters to spread the word on social media, potentially increasing the fundraiser’s reach and impact.
2. Mightycause
Platform Overview
Mightycause is a powerful online fundraising platform that empowers individuals and organizations to make a difference.
Since its launch in 2006, Mightycause has grown into an industry leader, helping raise over $600 million for various causes. This platform stands out as one of the best fundraising sites for memorial and funeral expenses, offering a user-friendly interface and robust features.
Cost
Compared to other fundraising websites for funeral expenses, Mightycause provides flexible options for fundraisers. The platform offers two subscription plans: the Essentials Plan and the Accelerate Plan.
The Essentials Plan includes all the necessary tools for fundraising, while the Accelerate Plan provides access to more comprehensive features.
For those organizing funeral fundraisers, it’s important to note that Mightycause doesn’t impose goal requirements, allowing you to keep all donations received, even if you don’t meet your target.
Customer Support
Mightycause offers support for users of their charitable fundraising platform. They provide an account management system where individuals can connect their Google accounts, manage connected accounts, and even delete their Mightycause profile if needed.
For those requiring assistance with navigating their account or using any of the platform’s tools, Mightycause maintains a dedicated support team.
Funeral Fundraiser Example
The Scott Cram Memorial fundraiser supports Carl’s Cause Incorporated in memory of Scott Cram, who passed away at 39. It combines a personal tribute with a broader cause, fighting the stigma of depression.
The page offers donors custom stickers, encouraging them to share Scott’s story and promote mental health awareness. Mightycause offers a user-friendly interface, allowing for updates to keep donors engaged.
3. GoFundMe
Platform Overview
GoFundMe is one of the best funeral fundraising sites. As the world’s leading crowdfunding platform, it has helped raise millions for various causes, including medical emergencies and nonprofit organizations.
Cost
GoFundMe’s pricing structure is straightforward and transparent. It’s always free to start and manage a fundraiser on the platform. The only fee involved is a transaction fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per donation, which covers payment processing costs. This fee structure ensures that the majority of funds raised go directly to the cause.
For example, if 5 donors contribute $500 to a U.S. fundraiser, the recipient will receive $484.00 after the transaction fees are deducted.
Customer Support
GoFundMe provides comprehensive customer support to ensure a smooth fundraising experience. Their team is available to address questions and resolve issues through various channels, including a Help Center, email, and live chat.
They also offer a Trust and Safety team to handle concerns about potentially fraudulent fundraisers. For those organizing funeral fundraisers, GoFundMe’s support team can provide guidance on setting up and managing the campaign effectively.
Funeral Fundraiser Example
The Support for the Family of 11-year-old Mohamed Mohamed fundraiser is for the family of Mohamed Mohamed, an 11-year-old boy with autism who tragically drowned. It’s a powerful fundraiser page because it combines the urgency of funeral costs with the family’s emotional appeal, incorporating their faith and the sudden nature of their loss. It’s a good reference for funeral fundraiser wording examples.
GoFundMe’s platform supports this fundraiser’s success through its wide recognition and trust, the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee that protects donations, and its easy-to-use sharing tools that help the campaign spread quickly through social networks.
4. Give A Hand
Platform Overview
Give A Hand is a user-friendly online fundraising platform that makes it easy to raise funds for various causes, including funeral expenses. This platform stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness in helping you gather support from your community during difficult times.
Give A Hand offers a straightforward approach to creating and managing fundraisers, allowing you to start your campaign quickly and share it with friends and family.
Cost
Give a Hand operates with a 0% platform fee, making it free to create and host fundraisers. Instead, they rely on optional service tips from donors to support their operations.
The only mandatory charge is an industry-standard transaction fee per donation, which covers secure credit/debit card processing and fund transfers through their third-party payment processor. This fee varies by country and ensures safe transactions. Fundraiser organizers receive all donations minus this transaction fee.
Donors can adjust or remove the default service tip, customizing the percentage or dollar amount to their preference, including setting it to zero if desired. This model allows Give a Hand to maintain its platform while offering flexibility to both organizers and donors.
Customer Support
Give a Hand offers two main avenues for customer support:
- There’s a self-service Help Center accessible through the website footer or your account. It’s organized into categories and features a search function for quick answers.
- For more personalized assistance, users can directly contact the support team via a contact form found at the bottom of the Help Center page or any Help Center article.
This ensures users can find immediate answers through self-help resources or receive personalized support when needed, making the process efficient and user-friendly.
Funeral Fundraiser Example
The Memorial Expenses for Tina Halter fundraiser supports the family of Tina Halter, particularly her daughter Lisa and grandchildren Tiana and Shawna.
It’s an impactful fundraiser because it clearly explains Tina’s role in supporting her family financially and the potential housing instability her passing could cause.
Give A Hand’s platform enhances this fundraiser’s success by providing a space for detailed updates, showcasing donor comments to build community support, and offering multiple sharing options to increase visibility across various social media platforms and through email.
Raising Money for a Funeral Doesn’t Need to Add Extra Stress
Now, you know how to raise money for a funeral. Whether you’re dealing with unexpected funeral costs or trying to support a friend in need, funeral fundraising sites provide a way to ease the financial burden.
At AngeLink, we understand that planning a funeral is one of life’s most difficult moments, and we’re here to make the fundraising process as smooth and supportive as possible.
Our women-powered platform is built on trust, security, and community, making it a reliable place to honor your loved ones while gathering the financial support you need.
Start a fundraiser on AngeLink today. Let us support you during this challenging time by making it easier to connect with those who care and are ready to help.