Charities and organizations that help with funeral expenses
A funeral or memorial service is a meaningful way to honor and say goodbye to a loved one. However, planning and managing finances can be overwhelming while grieving a loss.
During times of financial hardship or unexpected loss of a loved one, it’s crucial to know that resources are available to assist with funeral expenses. This guide provides information on government programs and nonprofit organizations that help with funeral expenses.
How much do funerals cost?
Most people don’t think about the cost of funeral services before they are in the unfortunate situation of having to say goodbye to a loved one.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median cost of a funeral with a viewing and burial in 2023 was approximately $8,300. These figures don’t include other expenses we often associate with funerals, such as hospital bills, the headstone, obituary pamphlets, flowers, and refreshments.
Burial services without a funeral home may cost less, but you’ll be responsible for every aspect of funeral planning on your own.
Nonprofit organizations that help with funeral expenses
If funeral costs have become too large to manage, there are nonprofit organizations that help with funeral assistance. From churches to 501(c)(3) charities, these organizations can reduce burial costs with discounts on the burial and even waive certain burial expenses altogether.
Kaden’s Cause
When families are unable to afford funerals for their children, Kaden’s Cause intervenes. This nonprofit offers emergency funeral assistance and advice to grieving families so they can say farewell with dignity. It serves families in all 50 states.
Children’s burial assistance
Children’s Burial Assistance was created by a Georgia couple who knew how painful it could be to deal with the funeral costs of a child. The organization’s assistance program helps families cover donated burial plots, vaults, cremation services, and grave fees.
Catholic Charities
Another option you may not know: Catholic Charities is an agency that also provides funeral financial assistance to low-income families through their Human Services programs. These services differ by location, so it’s best to check with your local branch.
Local churches and funeral homes
Many local churches and funeral homes collaborate with families to offer discounted services. Some may be able to establish a flexible payment plan or perhaps offer low-cost funeral options.
The TEARS Foundation
The TEARS Foundation provides financial assistance and emotional support to families who have experienced the loss of an infant, child, or young adult. Through its funeral assistance program, the organization offers grants to help eligible families cover funeral and burial expenses. The foundation serves families in multiple states. Eligibility depends on the age of the child and the family’s home state.
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization that helps families plan affordable funerals through consumer education, advocacy, and a nationwide network of local affiliates. The organization doesn’t pay funeral costs directly. Instead, it offers free planning resources and guidance on your rights under the FTC Funeral Rule. It can also connect you with local affiliates to compare prices and find lower-cost funeral providers.
Government programs that help with funeral expenses
Several government programs may help cover funeral costs, depending on your family’s financial situation and the deceased’s eligibility. While these programs typically don’t pay the full cost of a funeral, they can help offset expenses such as burial, cremation, or cemetery costs. If a family can’t afford a funeral, state and local social services departments often help. They may cover indigent burial or cremation costs. Nonprofits like the TEARS Foundation, Kaden’s Cause, and Catholic Charities also offer targeted help in some regions. Eligibility, benefits, and how to apply vary by program and location. It’s worth exploring all your options.
Monthly survivor benefits
As a surviving spouse or dependent, you may qualify for monthly survivor benefits through the Social Security Administration. Eligible surviving spouses or dependent children may also qualify for the SSA’s one-time lump-sum death payment of $255. This benefit amount has remained unchanged since 1954 and is intended to provide limited assistance rather than cover the full cost of a funeral. Check the SSA website for eligibility requirements for Social Security benefits and documentation.
Burial allowances for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial benefits to surviving family members of eligible veterans. These grants don’t have to be paid back. They range from $1,002 for a non-service-connected death to $2,000 for a service-connected death. Rates change each October, so check the official site for the current amount before applying.
Social services and death benefit
State and local Social Services departments can sometimes provide a death benefit that may help cover funeral expenses. This can include money for transportation, mortuary services, cremation services, or burial assistance.
Medicaid funeral benefits
Certain states allow funeral costs to be covered in part by Medicaid, often for low-income individuals. These Medicaid programs can assist with a portion of the funeral or burial costs, depending on eligibility and availability.
FEMA funeral assistance
FEMA may provide funeral assistance for deaths that are directly attributable to a presidentially declared major disaster, but available programs and eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific disaster declaration. The COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program is no longer accepting new applications, with the application period ending on September 30, 2025. If you believe a loved one’s death was related to a federally declared disaster, go to the FEMA website to determine whether funeral assistance is currently available and review the eligibility requirements for any active programs.
Life insurance and funeral planning
If the deceased owned life insurance, the payout can go toward funeral expenses. That being said, the benefits of life insurance aren’t always instant, which is why many families still turn to an organization or funeral fundraiser for help. Consider funeral pre-planning with a funeral home or charitable fund to ease the burden on family members in the future.
How GoFundMe can help with funeral expenses
A funeral fundraiser can be both a financial lifeline and a site for people to leave condolences. By using an online platform like GoFundMe to crowdfund, you can see friends, family members, and your local community give in real time.
Setting up a memorial fund online also eliminates the delays that can accompany applying for grants or nonprofit aid. And it gives you the space to spend more time honoring your loved one and less on figuring out logistics.
Government programs like Social Security survivor benefits, VA burial allowances, and Medicaid can help cover some funeral costs. But eligibility rules and waiting periods mean they don’t always help when families need it most. A GoFundMe fundraiser has no eligibility requirements, making it a practical complement to these programs when assistance is delayed or limited. You can withdraw funds at any time, even if you haven’t hit your goal. That means families can access support as soon as donations come in. Note that transaction fees, including credit and debit charges, apply to all donations received.
How to have a successful funeral fundraiser
If you’re pressed for time, we have some tips to keep in mind:
Designate a fundraiser manager
If you need space to grieve, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to handle your fundraiser instead. They can reach out to contacts, thank them, and share your fundraiser on TikTok, Instagram, and Nextdoor, the neighborhood app.
Celebrate your loved one’s life through the fundraiser
When writing your fundraiser story, include several photos of your loved one and share a few cherished memories. Choose a meaningful photo that reflects their personality or captures a special moment, as it can help people connect with your loved one’s story. Write clearly and personally about who they were, what they meant to family and friends, and why you’re raising funds. It also helps to be specific about how donations will be used, whether they’re covering funeral home fees, cremation costs, a burial plot, transportation, or other related expenses. Sharing these details helps supporters understand your family’s needs. It also gives them a meaningful way to honor your loved one and feel good about donating.
Use your fundraiser as a communication hub
Keeping everyone updated on funeral or memorial service times and related events for your fundraiser is simple. Just post the updates and direct your network to your fundraiser for the latest information. Visitors can also choose to contribute to your funeral fundraiser while there.
Look for fundraising tips
Get the most out of your funeral or memorial fundraiser with GoFundMe’s tips. Start by reading our funeral savings guide and exploring other related topics GoFundMe fundraising blog. You can also use GoFundMe’s Smart Fundraising Coach. It offers guidance on writing your story, setting a fundraising goal, and sharing your fundraiser with supporters.
When you’re ready to share your fundraiser, reach out to friends, family, coworkers, and your wider community through text messages, email, and social media to help spread the word. Not sure what to say? The GoFundMe guide to asking for donations for funeral expenses can help. It includes message templates, wording suggestions, and tips for asking with compassion and clarity.
Find funeral help when you need it most
Whether you’re seeking help from a nonprofit, applying for burial benefits, or using crowdfunding to get support, know that you’re not alone. There are resources to help you navigate this process and save money where possible.
From government programs to community foundations and charities, you have options. Take the first step toward financial relief and lasting legacy by starting a funeral fundraiser or contacting an organization today.