Knowing how to raise money for a funeral is essential while dealing with the loss of a loved one. This situation can be emotionally devastating and very stressful. Planning for a funeral or memorial can be quite expensive. You need to consider the cost of the memorial hall, cemetery, coffin, and food.
Facing these costs is usually the last thing we want to think about in the aftermath of a loss. So, how do you pay for a funeral with no money? We’ve put together six creative ideas to help you raise funds for funeral expenses!
6 Ideas to Raise Funeral Funds
We’re about to cover our strategies on how to raise money for a funeral. We created these ideas to bring people together.
But there are many other funeral and memorial fundraising ideas to choose from. You can even create your own!
Remember, you’re doing more than just asking for help with funeral costs. You’re also inviting others to be part of a collective gesture of remembrance.
1. Start an Online Fundraiser to Collect Funds Easily
Ready to learn how to raise money for funeral expenses? The first step is starting an online fundraiser. It can feel like a beacon of hope in your time of need for any situation when you need money.
Don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity. Here are a few key steps to follow:
- Choose a reputable platform that resonates with your purpose. (AngeLink is a wonderful choice!)
- Dedicate some time to craft a story that’s deeply personal yet relatable. Share memories, express your feelings, and don’t shy away from showing vulnerability.
- Tell an authentic story. You want to create a genuine connection with potential donors. Include photos or videos to honor the life of a loved one with memorial fundraising.
2. Organize a Benefit Concert
Music evokes memories and nurtures empathy. A memorial fundraiser concert is a beautiful tribute to your loved one who has passed away.
We recommend:
- Reaching out to local musicians
- Considering multiple venues
- Playing your loved one’s favorite music at the event
- Requesting memorial donations in lieu of flowers
You can maximize the probability of raising money by adding the fundraiser element.
For example:
- You could ask people to donate X amount to the fundraiser to receive a ticket for the concert. (Some people may also donate more than necessary for the ticket to support the funeral!)
3. Host a Benefit Tournament With Your Loved One’s Favorite Sport
Did your loved one enjoy sports? You can host a benefit tournament for their favorite sport to raise funds for funeral costs.
You don’t need to limit yourself to traditional sports, either. This same idea works with eSports—competitive online games. Consider chess or card games, such as poker.
We recommend:
- Creating teams
- Setting registration fees
- Offering prizes for winners
You can also write messages and use photos or videos of your loved one playing that sport.
You can use the same format we mentioned for the concert idea. Ask participants to pay, and the crowd will buy tickets to watch the event.
4. Plan a Tree Planting Event
Consider organizing a tree-planting fundraiser event. This can symbolize lasting love, growth, and strength.
Choose a meaningful location. Seek support from local environmental groups to ask for free tree saplings.
The memories created will last for hundreds of years—a forest growing. This is a beautiful way to honor a loved one. It has a special meaning if the person was a nature lover!
5. Sell Engraved Bricks to Memorialize Your Loved One
Collaborate with a local engraving company for quality bricks. Share your loved one’s story and the bricks’ significance in a heartfelt campaign.
Set up a dedicated space for the bricks in a park, garden, or home for reflection and remembrance.
Start a fundraiser and send the engraved bricks to people who donated a certain amount. You can offer custom messages and designs or fonts after someone donates a certain amount. Check out funeral wording examples and writing tips before doing it.
6. Create a Community Mural
Creating a community mural is an innovative method of fundraising for funeral expenses. You create a painting, a picture of love, memory, and unity.
Choose a meaningful location—like a cherished spot or public space. (Ask for permission to use the space in advance.) Once again, you can consider memorial donations in lieu of flowers.
Partner with local artists who resonate with your cause. Invite them to contribute to making a song, painting, sculpture, or other type of art. Use fundraising to sponsor the community mural.
You can do that by selling sections of the mural for sponsorship. Create donation miles for extras, such as gifts, arts, and more.
3 Tips on How to Raise Money for Funeral Expenses
Want more tips on how to start a fundraiser? Now that you know how to raise money for a funeral, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. You should apply them regardless of the strategy you use for your fundraiser.
Be Clear With Your Fundraising Goal and What The Funds Will Be Used For
Set a specific fundraising goal to guide your efforts. Share it with the donors and be transparent about the costs you aim to cover.
Remember to share the “why” behind your goal of fundraising for funeral expenses. It creates a personal connection and makes contributors feel involved in something meaningful. Make sure to use a free crowdfunding site to maximize your financial goal.
Share With Family Members, Friends, and Your Community
Encourage those close to you to join in fundraising. They’ll spread the cause further through their network. Word-of-mouth is a potent tool for sharing narratives and garnering support.
Use social media to raise awareness for your fundraiser in your community. Those not active on social platforms should consider using email and newsletters. Each share and donation builds a sense of community, showcasing the power of unity. Share your fundraiser on Facebook to get more visibility. Encourage others to advocate for your memorial fund.
SMS is another wonderful channel for communicating with potential donors. You can easily find fundraising text message examples to spark inspiration. Promoting your fundraiser can be a breeze!
Provide Updates and Thank Your Donors
Every once in a while, write a fundraiser update to keep the momentum going!
Share fundraising milestones. These will let your donors know how they are making a difference. You can reach out to them once a week to share progress or post updates on your website and social media.
We also recommend writing a donation thank you letter to let your supporters know their contributions matter. Thanking your donor shows how you care about them and their donation. It keeps your memorial funds top of mind, and it increases the chances donors will return to give again.
Funeral Fundraising Can Help Offset Costs
Now, you know how to raise money for a funeral or memorial service. If you’re still skeptical that this can really work, check out these stats. According to Fox Business, fundraising for funerals has become even more popular over time.
- Fundraisers increased by 50% in the past year.
- The average amount raised is about $2,200.
- The average individual donation amount is $65.
Your donation goal can be higher when using the right platform! AngeLink is designed to help you engage your community to support your cause. With 24/7 Customer Love Support, you can count on us to be there for you when you need help.
It’s crucial to choose a platform that prioritizes privacy and security. Learn how AngeLink prevents fundraising fraud and keeps our community safe.
Fundraising is more than just a way to raise money. It’s also a powerful way to connect your story with the hearts of people worldwide who are ready to support you. We invite you to try AngeLink and begin raising funds today.