Funding Funeral Costs with Crowdfunding: Platforms and Tips

Planning a memorial service or cremation comes with emotional strain—and often, significant financial pressure. Funeral costs can quickly add up, with averages in the U.S. ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 depending on the choices made. For many families, the expense of honoring a loved one arrives unexpectedly and without a financial safety net.

Crowdfunding has become a powerful solution. Whether you're planning a traditional service, a cremation with keepsakes, or a celebration of life, community support can help ease the burden. With the right tools and approach, crowdfunding allows friends, family, and even strangers to contribute meaningfully during your time of need.

Why Crowdfunding for Funerals Is Growing

Increased transparency around grief, death, and finances has made it more acceptable—and even expected—to seek help online. People want to help their loved ones in tangible ways. Sharing a campaign for funeral support gives your network a way to act, not just offer sympathy.

Crowdfunding can also:

• Reduce stress when time is limited

• Allow long-distance supporters to participate

• Help cover both essential costs and personal touches, like a custom urn or cremation jewelry

• Fund tributes that truly reflect your loved one’s spirit

Best Platforms for Funeral Crowdfunding

Several platforms cater to memorial-related campaigns. Each has unique strengths, so choose based on your needs, timeline, and audience.

GoFundMe

The most well-known and widely used platform for funeral crowdfunding. It offers a straightforward setup, fast access to funds, and robust social sharing tools. GoFundMe does not charge a platform fee, though transaction fees apply.

GiveSendGo

Often used for faith-based campaigns, this platform emphasizes community prayer and emotional support alongside financial giving. It's donation-based and includes donor message tools.

Fundly

Fundly provides customizable fundraising pages and mobile-friendly features. It supports both short-term and ongoing campaigns, making it useful for memorial services and longer-term remembrance efforts.

Ever Loved

Specifically designed for end-of-life planning, Ever Loved combines memorial websites with donation functionality. It's ideal for families creating centralized resources and wanting a streamlined process.

Facebook Fundraisers

Simple to set up, especially if you already use Facebook actively. Friends and family can donate directly through the platform, and it charges no fees for personal fundraisers. Note: payout options are somewhat limited, and customization is basic.

Key Tips for a Successful Funeral Crowdfunding Campaign

1. Share the Story Openly and Honestly

People give when they feel emotionally connected. Describe who your loved one was—their joys, personality, and impact on others. Share how their loss has affected your family and what kind of memorial you hope to provide.

Don’t be afraid to name specific costs: cremation fees, venue rental, urn selection, transportation, keepsakes, or catering. Transparency builds trust and often encourages larger or quicker donations.

2. Include a Personal Photo

Images add humanity and connection. Choose a clear, warm image of your loved one, preferably smiling or in a meaningful setting. If you’re including a spouse or children in the campaign, share a family photo too.

3. Set a Realistic Goal

Be detailed with your estimated expenses, but also be mindful of your network’s giving capacity. It's better to start with a modest, attainable target and exceed it, rather than aim too high and fall short. You can always update the goal if needed.

4. Provide Regular Updates

Keep your donors in the loop. As you make arrangements, purchase a memorial urn, or set a service date, share those updates on the campaign page. Gratitude posts, photos of memorial displays, or notes on how the funds are helping reinforce the impact of each donation.

5. Make It Easy to Share

Encourage family and friends to share your campaign on social media, in group texts, and even via email. Provide a short suggested message they can copy and paste. The more eyes on your campaign, the faster you’ll reach your goal.

6. Thank Donors Individually

If the platform allows it, send personal thank-you notes to donors. Mention how much their support meant, no matter the amount. Consider mailing out thank-you cards or keepsake photos to close supporters if your budget allows.

7. Be Mindful of Timing

Most funeral crowdfunding campaigns receive the bulk of their donations in the first 72 hours. Launch the fundraiser soon after the loss (once you’re ready), and promote it actively for the first few days. Memorial costs are often time-sensitive, so early momentum matters.

8. Add a Keepsake or Tribute Option

If appropriate, you can invite donors to contribute in memory of your loved one by adding their name to a tribute page, candle-lighting ceremony, or memory capsule. Refer them to articles like How to Make a Memorial Time Capsule for ideas.

9. Respect Privacy Where Needed

If you're managing grief while also protecting family dynamics, remember you can keep details general. Share what you’re comfortable with. Many platforms allow anonymous donations and optional comment moderation.

10. Consider a Longer-Term Campaign

Some families use crowdfunding for both the immediate service and future tributes—like a memorial garden, scholarship fund, or customized keepsake jewelry. Donors often appreciate knowing they’re contributing to a lasting legacy.

Other Ways to Offset Funeral Costs

Crowdfunding isn’t the only option. Explore:

• Prepaid funeral policies or insurance

• Employer bereavement support or death benefits

• Local non-profit or religious support organizations

• Sliding-scale services for low-income families

• Community fundraising events (yard sales, benefit dinners)

• Partnerships with funeral homes that offer payment plans

Be sure to speak with your funeral director about available resources. Many professionals can point you toward local programs or even adjust packages to fit within a reasonable budget.

Final Thoughts

Asking for help during a time of grief is never easy. It can feel vulnerable, overwhelming, or even uncomfortable. But in truth, many people want to support you—they just need a way to do it. Crowdfunding provides a simple, heartfelt way for your community to come together and share the burden of funeral expenses, memorial planning, or remembrance keepsakes.

Each contribution becomes more than just financial help—it becomes a tribute in itself. Donations often come with personal messages, shared memories, or simple words of comfort that remind you you're not alone. In this way, crowdfunding transforms mourning into a shared experience of love, empathy, and collective memory-making.

Whether you're raising funds for a biodegradable scattering urn, designing a home memorial corner, or purchasing cremation jewelry to honor a pet or partner, crowdfunding can help make these deeply personal tributes more accessible. It empowers you to move forward with plans that reflect your heart and values without being held back by financial constraints.

At Oaktree Memorials, we believe that every remembrance should be meaningful—and possible. We’re here to support you in honoring your loved one through beautiful, thoughtful products and helpful resources. No tribute is too small to matter, and no memory too big to carry alone. With the help of others, you can create something lasting, healing, and full of love.