Starting a memorial fund is a noble way to honor the memory of a loved one. It’s important to bring some comfort during such a delicate time. But the challenge is that it’s not an easy process if you don’t know how to start.
That’s why we’ve laid out the steps for starting a fundraiser to help you during this sensitive moment. Keep reading to discover the best tips for getting started!
What is a Memorial Fund?
A memorial fund serves as a pool for accepting donations to honor the life of a loved one who has passed away. Its goal is to help cover burial expenses and ease financial stress.
Why Start a Memorial Fund?
Memorial funds are a comprehensive and personal solution. They go beyond gathering donations.
A memorial fund can:
- Keep memories of a loved one alive by sharing their life with the community.
- Perpetuate values by supporting causes aligned with the loved one’s passions.
- Bring together families, friends, and communities for a purpose.
Reasons to Start a Memorial Fund With Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is an online way to raise funds for causes, including memorial funds. This method also has many benefits that you won’t find anywhere else.
Community Support
Crowdfunding makes donating money easier for community members. You can also learn strategies to ask for donations to maximize your results.
A crowdfunding platform serves as a space for community members to:
- Express condolences
- Share memories
- Offer emotional support
Fast Sharing
Crowdfunding makes it easier to reach family, friends, and the entire community. People can also assist by sharing the fundraiser on their social media channels.
A Place for Shared Memories
You’ll have a space where you can share your stories about the one who has passed away. Research fundraiser wording examples and writing tips to learn how to create a compelling story. We know you have a heartfelt message to share, so learn how to structure your story to make the biggest impact!
How to Set Up A Memorial Fund Online
Want to enjoy all of these benefits but don’t know where to begin? Starting a fundraiser is simpler than it seems. Learn how with our steps below:
1. Find a Platform
Not all platforms are the same. Pay attention to the following criteria:
- Choose an easy-to-use platform. There’s nothing better than a captivating and intuitive platform. With ease of use, it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
- Beware of scams. Research each platform’s reputation. Check out their security measures and methods for preventing fundraising fraud.
- See if the platform has good customer support. Test its support and check if it addresses your concerns quickly.
2. Create an Online Fundraiser
Now, it’s time to start creating your fundraiser. Here are some tips on what to include in the process:
- Create a compelling title. Follow fundraiser title tips and best practices to ensure your headline hits home.
- Include images, videos, etc. The goal is to honor the memory of your loved one with all the assets you use. Use visuals to communicate your story!
- Write honestly and tell the story of your loved one. By learning how to write a fundraising story, you’ll help your audience connect with your cause.
- Show how money and financial support actually help. Donors love to see where their contributions go, so share how you’ll use the money you raise.
- Provide regular progress updates. As your fundraiser builds momentum, share the milestones you reach along the way. That will motivate donors to contribute even more!
3. Share Your Fundraiser
We always recommend sharing your fundraiser on both online and offline channels. Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. To share a fundraiser on Facebook for success, we recommend posting photos and videos.
Now, let’s talk about offline strategies. You can reach out to people personally. That’s the best place to start. People who are already connected with you may be more inclined to contribute.
To expand your reach, hang flyers and posters around your local community or at events. Although it requires more effort, it’s an effective way to catch people’s attention.
SMS is another wonderful channel for connecting with people. You should prepare memorial fund wording in advance before you start sending messages.
Not sure how to word your messages? You can look online for text message examples that you can copy and paste.
Memorial Fund Ideas
It’s time to get creative with your memorial fundraising ideas. The more inspiration, the better. Here are a few memorial fund examples to spark your creativity:
Start a Scholarship
The purpose of a memorial scholarship fund is to carry a loved one’s name along with a legacy of education.
For example…
Let’s say a loved one had a career dedicated to the education sector. It’s possible to mobilize money to benefit children and youth students. It’s also a good idea to fund educational programs.
A memorial scholarship fund continues your loved one’s commitment to education. Through memorial funds, you’ll leave a lasting and meaningful legacy.
Fund a Cure Through Research
You can fund research to find a cure for a disease. You can also assist individuals facing a condition, such as cancer. This fund aids in research for new treatment options. It strives to improve patients’ quality of life and strengthen human bonds.
Pay Off Debt
Often, unexpected expenses arise with death. Your family will have to deal with unforeseen costs. This situation compels relatives to spend money they often didn’t have, incurring debts. We recommend learning how to raise money for a funeral. Paying off debt is a significant relief in this challenging time.
Create a Tribute in Your Community
Creating a tribute can be a delicate, meaningful, and lasting way to honor someone. There are many ways to do it. Here are some ideas:
- Create a living reminder. Something as simple as planting a tree will keep the memory of loved ones alive for many years.
- Dedicate an event. Invite your community to take part in a themed event surrounding your loved one’s memories.
- Create a custom plaque or stone. Create personalized memorial stones or plaques with a special message. Here, it’s also important to pay attention to memorial fund wording.
- Offer a tribute donation to a nonprofit. Make a tribute donation to a nonprofit that provided support in a time when it was needed most.
Want to donate to a charitable organization through crowdfunding? The funds can be considered tax-deductible.
Note: This is not tax advice. We recommend speaking to an accountant for more details on potential deductions.
Help a Grieving Family Cope with Expenses
You can start a fundraiser for a family in need. In some cases, the deceased loved one was a provider for their family. Fundraisers help their family members maintain financial stability while grieving.
Create a Nonprofit or Community Organization
Start an organization dedicated to causes that were important to the deceased person. This is another way to build a strong legacy.
Here’s an example. If the person advocated for public health, start a nonprofit for medical research. In this case, the funds obtained through crowdfunding could also be tax-deductible.
Note: This is not tax advice. We recommend speaking to an accountant for more details on potential deductions.
Access the Resources You Need for Your Memorial Fund Through AngeLink
Ready to launch your memorial fundraiser? You must find a crowdfunding platform that offers a smooth process. At AngeLink, we provide the resources you need to start a fundraiser in honor of your loved one.
AngeLink solves common fundraising problems by offering:
- 24/7 customer support
- Easy social media sharing
- A mobile app
- Engaging incentives for donors
At AngeLink, we’re known for our fraud prevention capabilities. Our team is committed to keeping both fundraisers and donors safe while they work together to make a difference.
It gets even better! We offer AI capabilities to help you:
- Enhance fundraiser stories
- Brainstorm click-worthy titles
- Come up with trending social media hashtags
- Create thank-you notes for donors
- Sync email and phone contact lists
- Instantly create engaging videos from your photos
We invite you to discover the benefits of launching a fundraiser with AngeLink. Join our crowdfunding community and set your fundraiser up for success.