Creating a memorial fund for a loved one: A step-by-step guide
If you’re planning a memorial fundraiser for a loved one or friend who has recently passed away, please first know that the GoFundMe team is sending our love to you. We know that in the days after a loved one has passed away, the task of planning a funeral or handling financial matters can seem impossible. That said, we also understand how challenging it can be to know where to begin.
If you’re wondering how to start a memorial fund to honor a loved one’s life or help a friend, this article will help guide you through the process.
What is a memorial fund, and why are memorial funds created?
A memorial fund is a fundraiser established in memory of someone who has passed away, used to collect contributions from family, friends, and the wider community. A memorial fund can be established for many reasons. Most commonly, it helps cover memorial service costs and eases the financial strain of an already difficult time. Contributions to the memorial fund can also go to a cause that your loved one cared about. Memorial donations serve as a meaningful way for loved ones to process loss, strengthen relationships with family members, and honor the life of their dearly departed.
Several organizations and nonprofits offer assistance with funeral expenses. However, in many cases, a memorial fund on a crowdfunding site can save you time and effort.
Here are a few reasons to consider starting a memorial fund online
- A memorial fundraiser bridges the gap between those who are grieving and those who want to help but aren’t sure how.
- Online sharing tools make asking for help easy, without the awkwardness or embarrassment that can come with asking for money.
- A memorial fundraiser serves as a central gathering place for people to offer condolences and come together to honor the memory of your loved one through messages and photos.
- In some cases, donations may be tax-deductible if the fund is created under a registered nonprofit or community foundation.
Meaningful ideas for starting a memorial fund
From public tributes to scholarship funds, here are a few of the most popular ways people use crowdfunding to remember and honor their loved ones.
Honor a life and help others
A way to celebrate a lost loved one is through helping others. The Gina Montalto Memorial Foundation, for example, was established by Gina’s parents following their daughter’s death in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. Since then, they’ve raised more than $540,000 to help students pay for college. The foundation also supports initiatives and charitable funds that were close to Gina’s heart.
Help a grieving family in their time of mourning
If you’re aware of a family that has recently experienced a tragic loss, why not help them offset the cost of a memorial or funeral? After passing away from a rare vascular cancer, Cameron Voly’s friends sprang into action, setting up a memorial on behalf of Cameron’s wife, Sally. They raised over $95,000 to go toward funeral costs and medical expenses. Part of the fund also supports a college fund for Cameron and Sally’s daughter.
Fund hope for a cure
Many memorial fundraisers work to raise money to fund research and help others struggling with the same condition. Maddie set up the Carroll Freeman Memorial Foundation after her father died by suicide. He had struggled with depression and alcoholism. Maddie raised more than $8,700 through GoFundMe. Her goal was to bring awareness to gaps in mental health care in the United States and to support people struggling with their own mental health.
Create a memorial scholarship
Scholarship funds help keep a loved one’s legacy alive while working to improve the lives of students. In honor of Harvard student Courtney S. Blair, her family established a memorial scholarship fund to award three annual $1,000 post-secondary scholarships to high school graduates of Gwinnett County public schools.
Support a loved one’s favorite cause
Many people establish a memorial fund to support a cause that was most important to their loved one. If they were a champion of the environment, for example, think about establishing a memorial fund that raises money for environmental charities that protect the planet in your loved one’s name. If they were a science teacher, you could start a memorial fund that supports scientific education for young children or offers science internships for first-generation college students.
Create a lasting tribute piece
Did your loved one visit a favorite park or public space? If so, you might set up a memorial donation fund in their name for a park bench, memorial brick, tree, or other lasting legacy item. Such tributes are becoming increasingly popular in lieu of flowers or a traditional funeral service. The local community often appreciates these efforts as a way to honor someone special and have a positive impact on a public space. CaringBridge has some great ideas for celebrating your loved one.
Donations in lieu of flowers
Requesting donations in lieu of flowers means inviting friends and family to support a memorial fund instead of sending floral arrangements. You can include this request in the obituary, funeral program, or memorial invitation, along with a link or QR code to your GoFundMe fundraiser so guests can contribute easily. For tips on how to make the request with compassion and clarity, read our guide on how to ask for funeral donations.
Pay off outstanding debt
Worrying about how to pay medical bills and other lingering debt while trying to cope with the death of someone you love can be immensely stressful. A friend of Giang used crowdfunding to help Giang and her family cover the costs of funeral expenses as well as her expensive cancer treatments. Having access to a memorial fund with a designated bank account can significantly ease this burden.
How to set up a memorial fund
If you aren’t sure how to set up a memorial fund online, follow these simple steps to get started:
1. Pick a platform
Make a list of what features are most important to you and compare the top crowdfunding sites. Look for an online platform that allows you to keep as much of the money you raise as possible. Most platforms will charge transaction fees, including credit and debit charges.
Once you’ve picked a platform, research the cost of funeral services so you have a general idea of what your fundraising goal should be or talk to the family directly.
2. Create a compelling fundraiser story
Your fundraiser story is where you can share sweet stories about the deceased and post updates with the latest news for supporters. Add photos, videos, and a unique title to help make the fundraiser more shareable.
- Ask the family what they need most and provide donors with a list on the page.
- Use your memorial fund to share funeral plans and contact information.
- Be transparent about your connection to the beneficiary and how funds will be distributed.
3. Share your fundraiser
One of the most important steps for a successful memorial fundraiser is to share it with friends, family, and the broader community. Leverage social media, email, and word of mouth to spread the message. To ensure your cause has as much impact as possible, read our memorial fundraising tips to help you get started.
Honor your loved one’s legacy today
Settling financial matters, fielding condolence messages, and planning a funeral are a lot to handle while also coping with the death of a loved one. A memorial fund can be a simple, loving way to support someone who is in mourning. Whether you’re looking to ease funeral expenses in your own life or help a friend during a time of grief, GoFundMe memorial fundraising can alleviate the financial burden and provide comfort.
If you need additional help in launching your memorial fundraiser or fundraiser for any occasion, contact our support team. We’ll be there to support you along the way.
FAQs
There’s no set timeline for closing a memorial fund. Some families leave theirs open for weeks or months past the service, since certain supporters only feel ready to give once the initial shock has passed. Others wrap things up as soon as the goal is hit or the main costs are covered. You’re free to withdraw funds whenever you need them, and posting the occasional update on how the money’s being used tends to keep support coming in.
Tax deductibility depends on where the money goes. If a donation is made to a registered nonprofit or community foundation, it can typically be deducted. If it’s given directly to a person or family, though, the IRS treats it as a personal gift, not a deductible contribution. Families who want donations to qualify for a deduction would need to route the fund through an established organization. It’s worth checking with a tax professional to confirm what applies to your specific situation.
Mentioning a memorial fund in an obituary is easy. A line like ‘In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to [Name]’s memorial fund at [GoFundMe link]’ gets the message across respectfully. If the fund is tied to a particular cause, naming it adds context. For example, ‘In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to [Name]’s memorial fund supporting [cause].’ Sharing the link in both the print and online version of the obituary makes it that much easier for people to give.