Guidance for Running a Funeral Fundraising Campaign

When you lose a loved one it’s hard enough to cope emotionally, but when it comes to financing the funeral, things can get even more stressful. The average cost of funerals is on the rise. In the UK the average cost is £4,271, set to rise to £5,120 by 2023! In America, funerals typically cost between $7,000 and $12,000!

With these high costs and the desire to give a loved one the send-off they deserve, many people may turn to crowdfunding. Using a crowdfunding site like GoGetFunding can allow you to raise the funds you need, enabling you to focus on happy memories and saying your goodbyes instead of worrying about money.

There are many reasons someone may need help with financing a funeral. You are certainly not alone!

When asking for money, it’s natural to feel a little embarrassed about it, but you certainly don’t need to! Everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and funerals are hard to finance for many people given the rising costs.

With online crowdfunding you can say everything within your campaign page and then simply pass on your link, minimizing any embarrassment or awkwardness. You could even ask for donations in place of flowers.

Often people worry that fundraising for a funeral is distasteful, but in our experience, this is far from the case. Doing something to give your loved one the send off they truly deserve is a beautiful act. 

Often people want to help during a time of bereavement but aren’t sure how to do so; this gives them an active outlet to provide help. Usually donors to these types of campaigns will be people who knew the person who has passed, meaning they aren’t only helping you but also doing something to honour their friend or family member.

This type of fundraising can foster a sense of inclusion and group support, banding together to help each other get through a tough time.These campaigns can also be like a memorial message board, where people share happy memories of their loved one and pass on their support as well as donations. 

If you really don’t feel comfortable with running the crowdfunding campaign yourself, you could ask a friend or family member to do so for you and join in where you feel able.

When you are putting together your campaign page, you can choose to include as much or little as you like. However there are certain topics you should include to connect well with your audience. Remember that with GoGetFunding you are assigned your own fundraising coach who can help to guide you if you feel you need it.

Here is some information you should include on your campaign page:

Wording this type of fundraiser can feel tricky, but really, it’s just about being honest and reflecting who you are and who your loved one was. If your loved one was full of humour and jokes, or perhaps was more serious, then try to reflect that trait in the story section of the campaign and in the pictures you choose.

Consider the tone of the funeral. For many this may be more formal and traditional, while for others this may be more a celebration of life. You can replicate the tone of the funeral within your campaign.

Remember that people will understand that this is a difficult time, so try not to be too hard on yourself. If everything isn’t completely perfect, then people will understand. If you feel that you need help, reach out to a loved one to help you, or if you’re using GoGetFunding, ask your fundraising coach or our customer support team for guidance.

To give you some more guidance, two examples are included below of a traditional approach and a more modern approach:

A simple, traditional funeral campaign example (fictitious):

Our dear loved one Rose Thomas died following a tragic accident. (You could include any more details about the circumstances here)

I’m Dave, Rose was my loving partner. As you will be aware, Rose was also a wonderful mother to Jack and Henry. What has happened is beyond comprehension and we are all still in shock. (Explaining who you are and who your loved one was)

Our savings are not enough to cover the funeral costs, so this campaign has been created as a way to offer a place for messages and donations to be left as well as keep everyone up to date with plans. (Explaining your reasons for needing financial assistance).

Funeral plans are still being arranged, and any updates regarding locations and times will be posted here. (You could include any information about arrangements you already have)

If you would like to donate, just click on the donate button and give whatever you can. If you are not able to donate don’t forget you can still leave messages and comments in memory of Rose.

If anyone has any questions, you can send me a message by clicking on my name at the top of the page.

A simple, modern funeral campaign example (fictitious):

Our dear friend John Smith passed away in his sleep last night after a long illness. His family were with him when he passed and are naturally distraught. (Circumstances of the passing)

As you are all aware, due to John’s illness he has been unable to work for several months and Sarah has been his full-time carer as well as mum to Ellie and Jo –  this has created a huge financial burden and something I am certain we can all do something to help with. His friends have banded together to help the family out and honour our dear friend. (Who you are and who your loved one was)

John wished to have a simple funeral, but a big party afterwards (always the party animal!) Funeral plans are still being arranged, and any updates regarding locations and times will be posted here. We do all know of course that we won’t be wearing black! John would have wanted us in bright colours for the ceremony and party. (Information about the funeral and special requests)

If you would like to donate, just click on the donate button and give whatever you can. If you are not able to donate don’t forget you can still leave messages and comments for Sarah and the kids to read.

Also, make sure you follow this page so that you receive any updates regarding the funeral.

Let’s give John the send-off he deserves and celebrate his life in style as he would have wanted!

You might wonder how to run a campaign for such a sensitive topic. The following tips will give you some guidance:

Losing a loved one is highly emotional and organizing a funeral can be stressful. Often people overspend because they are rushed, not thinking clearly or because funeral homes can take advantage when families have no prior experience of arranging a funeral.

Some tips to ensure that you are not spending more than you need to:

References

Citizens Advice, (2020), “Arranging a Funeral”

Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage, (2020), “How Much Does a Funeral Cost?”

Federal Trade Commission, (2012), “Funeral Costs and Pricing Checklist”

Federal Trade Commission, (2012), “The FTC Funeral Rule”

Age co, (2018), “How much does a funeral cost?”