Grief is one of the most horrible feelings you can experience in this life. But in a way, it makes the world smaller.
Unlike memorial fundraising, which is often used to cover funeral expenses, in-memory fundraising is when family and friends give to a good cause in a loved one’s name. The gifts keep that person’s spirit alive and make the world a little brighter for others.
Thinking of starting a fundraiser for a friend or family member who has passed on? Our guide from AngeLink explains the process in clear, simple steps so any family can start a loving tribute.
What Is In‑Memory Fundraising & Why It Matters
In-memory fundraising means raising money for a charity or project to honor someone who has died. Instead of flowers or small gifts, people choose to donate in memory of someone they miss.
Wondering how this form of fundraising can make such a huge difference?
- Personal meaning. Especially if the money is going to a cause that meant the world to the deceased person, memorial fundraising can serve as a beautiful symbol of that person’s life.
- Shared healing. Giving together helps family and friends feel less alone as they grieve.
- Real impact. Even small gifts add up to real change in the world. When lots of people give (even just $5, $10, or another small amount), it creates a wave of impact that is undeniable.
Online fundraising pages are quick to set up, and they’re also easy to share. That’s why more and more families are choosing the online route these days.
How In‑Memory Fundraising Works: Types of Tribute Giving
There is no one “right” way to honor a loved one. You should think about who that person was, the things they enjoyed doing, and the causes they cared about. Those bits of info can give you a starting point for deciding what type of fundraising page to start. Here are a few tips:
- Direct gifts at a service: Ask guests to give to a chosen charity instead of sending flowers. A small sign with a QR code makes giving simple.
- Tribute pages or tribute funds: Online pages collect stories, photos, and gifts in one spot. People can visit anytime to remember and give.
- Legacy gifts or bequests: A person can leave money in a will so the giving keeps going for years after their life ends.
- Memorial events or objects: Walks, dinners, tree plantings, or benches keep the person’s name alive in the community.
People often start these efforts on birthdays, anniversaries, or the day of the funeral. The act of helping others brings hope during a hard season.
Types of In-Memory Fundraising Campaigns
To give you even more ideas, we’ve listed a few different types of fundraisers you can start below:
Tribute Donation Pages
A tribute page (often called a tribute fund) is like a digital memory book plus a donation box. Families share photos and stories and set a clear goal, such as “raise $5,000 for cancer research.”
Again, this is different than a memorial fund, which is often used to cover funeral expenses.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers
Sometimes friends and family create teams. Each person makes their own small page and asks their network to donate in memory of someone special. Together, the team can reach hundreds or even thousands of supporters.
Event-Based Memorials
Think of an annual walk, dinner, or concert that carries your loved one’s name. These events mix celebration with giving, and they can grow bigger every year.
Recurring or Legacy Funds
A recurring fund keeps on giving forever. A family sets up a donor-advised fund or college scholarship in the loved one’s name. Friends can add to it on birthdays, holidays, or whenever they feel inspired. These long-term tribute funds build a legacy that spans generations.
Best Practices for Running a Successful In-Memory Fundraiser
Use these tips to make sure your fundraiser touches hearts and reaches its goal:
- Share a warm story. Open with a short memory about your loved one. Funeral fundraiser wording makes a big difference, so make sure the story reads genuine.
- Add a clear call to action. A button that says “Give in Sarah’s Memory” guides visitors on what to do next. This is super important to ensure your potential donors don’t get confused.
- Make giving easy. Choose one of the best funeral fundraising sites to build trust with potential donors. Make sure to pick one that accepts credit cards, PayPal, and mobile wallets.
- Use thank-you pages and quick emails. Right after someone gives, send a kind note with how the gift will help. Thank-yous mean a lot to people because they show how grateful you are for their donation.
- Offer tribute cards. Digital or printed cards let donors show others they gave.
- Keep sharing updates. Post photos or short notes when you hit 25%, 50%, or 100% of your goal.
- Look for fresh ideas. There are lots of creative memorial fundraising ideas out there, such as games, crafts, and events that honor your loved one’s life.
Examples of Meaningful In-Memory Campaigns
Searching for more inspiration? Here are a couple of successful in-memory fundraiser examples from AngeLink:
In Memory of Danny DeGrande
Danny DeGrande loved two things: nursing school and the Marine Corps. After his sudden passing, his classmates set up a tribute fund for veteran health programs. The first goal was $3,000. Friends and strangers pushed the total near $6,000 in a little over a week. Danny’s caring spirit still helps veterans every time a nurse uses new supplies funded by this drive.
Support Jack’s Future In Memory of Adam McLean
Adam McLean was a new dad who dreamed big for his son Jack. When cancer took Adam’s life, his friends vowed to protect that dream. They biked, ran, and shared posts to ask others to donate in memory of someone they admired. Their AngeLink page raised over $70,000 for Jack’s college fund, turning heartbreak into hope for the next generation.
Step-by-Step Guide: Create Your Own In-Memory Fundraiser
Follow these simple steps to build a strong, loving tribute:
- Pick a platform. Compare fees and tools. Many families choose AngeLink because of its easy setup.
- Set a goal and end date. Goals give people something clear to reach for.
- Write a caring headline. Use the person’s name and a keyword, like “Help Dogs in Bella’s Memory.”
- Add photos and details. A smiling picture and a short life story invite visitors in.
- Share the link. Post on social media, send texts, and include the link in the funeral program.
- Update often. When you reach a milestone, celebrate it. Show how gifts are already helping.
- Say thanks. Personal messages or public shout-outs make donors feel valued.
- Report the results. Upload a photo of the new bench, the first scholarship check, or the care packages sent. Let supporters see the legacy they created.
How Nonprofits Benefit, Too
Charities love fundraising in the name of loved ones because:
- New friends. Many donors who give in a loved one’s name become long-term givers.
- Stronger mission match. Families choose groups that reflect what the loved one cared about most.
- Bigger reach. Each share brings the cause to new eyes who may keep giving for years.
Easy Ways to Spread the Word Without Feeling Pushy
You might feel shy about “marketing” during grief. Think of it as inviting people to help carry the load.
- Story first. Begin posts with a sweet memory, then add the donation link.
- Use gentle reminders. Schedule posts so you do not have to be online all day.
- Ask helpers. Let close friends share on their pages. Their networks may be eager to help.
- Provide a QR code. Place it on thank-you cards or event signs. One scan leads straight to the page.
- Be clear on impact. Tell donors exactly what their gift will do, like “buy 100 books for young readers.”
Honoring a Life Through Generosity
When the final song at the funeral service ends, you might wonder, “What now?”
In-memory fundraising gives you an answer. Each gift keeps your loved one’s story moving forward. Their passions, whether it’s animals, art, science, or sports, live on in every project funded.
If your heart says “Yes, let’s do this,” it’s time to choose the right in-memory fundraising site for you. We invite you to start your fundraiser on AngeLink today and let kindness carry your loved one’s memory into tomorrow.