Planning a Memorial Fundraiser: From Bake Sales to Benefit Concerts

When someone we love passes away, we often look for ways to keep their spirit alive — to transform loss into something that gives back. Memorial fundraisers do just that. They unite people in purpose, channeling grief into generosity and turning remembrance into impact.

From simple community bake sales to large-scale benefit concerts, a memorial fundraiser celebrates life by supporting a cause that mattered to your loved one. It can be deeply personal, healing, and even joyful — a reflection of the life and values of the person being honored.

Whether you’re organizing a small neighborhood event or something bigger, the goal is the same: to create something that brings people together and carries your loved one’s legacy forward.

Why Memorial Fundraisers Matter

Fundraisers serve as living tributes. They don’t just raise money — they tell stories, spark conversations, and connect people who were touched by the same life.

When loss feels heavy, action can be a form of healing. Planning and participating in a memorial fundraiser gives structure to grief and transforms emotion into motion. The process brings comfort, meaning, and community connection.

Most importantly, memorial fundraisers continue the good your loved one started. Whether they cared about education, the environment, music, or mental health, every donation becomes a ripple of their influence reaching further than they ever could alone.

Step 1: Choose a Cause That Reflects Their Life

Start by choosing a cause or organization that aligns with your loved one’s passions. This makes the fundraiser feel deeply personal and purposeful.

Think about:

• Causes they supported or talked about often

• Challenges they overcame that could inspire others

• Community organizations they volunteered with

• Issues they cared about — animals, health, the arts, or nature

For example:

• If they loved animals, raise funds for a local rescue shelter.

• If they were a musician, organize a benefit concert for music education.

• If they battled illness, support a related research foundation or patient fund.

Selecting a cause that feels authentic ensures the event resonates emotionally with everyone involved.

Step 2: Decide the Type of Fundraiser

Memorial fundraisers come in all forms, from intimate to elaborate. Choose one that suits your community, your loved one’s personality, and your available resources.

Community Bake Sale:
Perfect for small towns, schools, or church groups. Share favorite recipes, perhaps even your loved one’s signature dessert.

Benefit Walk or Run:
Encourage movement and togetherness. Participants can wear shirts with your loved one’s name or quote, turning the event into a moving tribute.

Benefit Concert or Open Mic:
Celebrate life through music. Feature local artists or friends who want to perform songs that reflect your loved one’s spirit.

Silent Auction or Art Sale:
Display artwork, crafts, or memorabilia with proceeds going to charity.

Dinner or Gala:
Host a community meal or ticketed event that combines storytelling, performances, and giving.

Online Fundraiser:
If in-person events aren’t possible, create a donation page with photos, stories, and updates. Platforms like GoFundMe, GiveButter, or Facebook Fundraisers make it easy to reach a global audience.

The best fundraiser doesn’t have to be big — it just has to be heartfelt.

Step 3: Set a Goal and Budget

Define what success looks like. Is your goal to raise a certain amount of money, to spread awareness, or simply to gather people together?

Outline a simple budget, including venue costs, supplies, marketing materials, and any permits or equipment rentals. If possible, seek local sponsors or businesses willing to donate goods, food, or raffle items.

Be transparent about how funds will be used and where they’ll go. Transparency builds trust and encourages participation.

Step 4: Tell Their Story

Every successful memorial fundraiser begins with a story. This is your chance to share who your loved one was and why this cause matters.

In your event materials, highlight what made them special — their humor, kindness, or passions — and connect that to the fundraiser’s mission. For example:

“We’re hosting this concert in honor of Maya, whose love of live music brought joy to everyone around her. All proceeds will support music therapy programs for children.”

Storytelling transforms a fundraiser from a financial effort into a human one. It invites people to feel something, not just give something.

Step 5: Bring People Together

Fundraisers are about community as much as contribution. Think about ways to create shared moments during your event — laughter, reflection, and connection.

Consider adding:

• A slideshow or video montage with photos and memories

• A candle-lighting ceremony or moment of silence

• A space where guests can write messages or share stories

• A live performance or reading of their favorite poem or song

These touches remind everyone why they’re there and foster a sense of unity through remembrance.

If your fundraiser is online, you can create the same sense of connection virtually — through livestreams, shared photo boards, or digital memorial walls.

Step 6: Spread the Word

Promotion doesn’t have to feel commercial — it’s about sharing an invitation to remember.

Use social media, community boards, and local news outlets to spread the word. Include a compelling image, the cause, the event details, and a heartfelt reason for participating.

Encourage friends and family to share the event and include hashtags like #InMemoryOf or #LegacyOfLove to build momentum online.

You can also design simple posters or flyers for local cafés, schools, and churches. The more visible your cause, the greater the impact.

Step 7: Show Gratitude and Share the Impact

After the event, take time to thank everyone who contributed — donors, volunteers, attendees, and sponsors. Expressing gratitude keeps the community connected and ensures people feel appreciated.

Share how much was raised, how the funds will be used, and what difference the event made. Include updates, photos, or testimonials from the benefiting organization if possible.

For example:

“Thanks to your generosity, we raised $4,200 for the animal shelter that Alex volunteered at. Your support helped feed, vaccinate, and find homes for over 30 dogs.”

This transparency closes the loop and gives everyone a sense of fulfillment and pride.

Making It an Annual Tradition

Many families choose to make memorial fundraisers recurring events. An annual walk, concert, or scholarship drive turns remembrance into an ongoing legacy — something that grows over time and keeps your loved one’s name alive through action.

It’s not just about one day of giving. It’s about building something that continues their story, year after year.

Bringing It All Together

At Oaktree Memorials, we believe that love doesn’t end — it evolves. Memorial fundraisers are a beautiful example of this truth: turning grief into generosity and remembrance into renewal.

If you’re organizing your event, consider creating a small memorial display — perhaps a photo candle, engraved keepsake, or custom urn — to serve as the centerpiece during your fundraiser. These pieces create a grounding presence, reminding everyone of the heart behind the effort.

Every donation, every shared story, and every moment of connection extends your loved one’s impact. Through memorial fundraisers, we not only celebrate who they were — we ensure their kindness continues to change the world.