How to Set Up a Crowdfunding Campaign for a Funeral

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging experience, and the financial burden of a funeral can add stress during an already difficult time. A crowdfunding campaign can help ease these costs by allowing friends, family, and the community to contribute. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a successful funeral crowdfunding campaign.

Choose the Right Crowdfunding Platform

Selecting the right platform is essential for reaching potential donors. Factors to consider include audience size, ease of withdrawal, transaction fees, and donor reach. Some platforms offer quicker access to funds, while others may have lower fees or better social media integration. Some of the most popular platforms for funeral-related fundraising include GoFundMe, Ever Loved, Fundly, and Facebook Fundraisers. Each platform offers unique benefits:

GoFundMe – One of the most widely used platforms for personal causes, including funerals, with a standard 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation.
Ever Loved – Designed specifically for funeral and memorial fundraising, often with lower platform fees.
Fundly – Offers easy social media sharing and customization but has a 4.9% platform fee in addition to processing fees.
Facebook Fundraisers – No platform fees for personal causes, but withdrawals take longer and require a connected bank account.

Comparing platform fees, ease of use, and withdrawal times can help you select the best option for your needs. If you need quick access to funds, GoFundMe or Fundly may be ideal due to their relatively fast withdrawal processes. If lower platform fees are a priority, Ever Loved might be the better choice. Meanwhile, Facebook Fundraisers can be useful if you already have a strong network on social media and want to avoid platform fees, though the withdrawal process may take longer.

Create a Compelling and Honest Campaign Story

Your campaign story should be heartfelt and clearly explain why funds are needed. A well-crafted story can encourage more people to donate and share the campaign. Be sure to include:

A brief introduction – Explain who you are and your connection to the deceased.
The purpose of the fundraiser – Specify how the funds will be used (funeral costs, burial, cremation, memorial service, etc.).
A personal story – Share meaningful details about the deceased’s life, accomplishments, and impact on others.
Transparency – Provide estimated costs so donors understand how their contributions will be used.

Set a Realistic Fundraising Goal

Before setting your goal, outline all anticipated expenses, including:

Funeral home services
Casket or urn
Burial plot or cremation fees
Memorial service expenses
Transportation costs
Unexpected costs such as legal fees or travel expenses for family members

On average, funeral-related costs vary widely based on location and specific services chosen. Here are estimated cost ranges in both USD and CAD:

Direct Cremation (no service): $1,000 – $3,000 USD / $1,300 – $4,000 CAD
Cremation with Service: $3,000 – $6,000 USD / $4,000 – $7,500 CAD
Direct Burial (no service): $2,000 – $5,000 USD / $2,600 – $6,500 CAD
Traditional Burial with Service: $7,000 – $12,000 USD / $9,000 – $15,000 CAD

These figures are approximate and can vary depending on region, funeral home, and specific arrangements. Clearly outlining these costs in your campaign can build trust with donors. See more about funeral costs in the U.S. and in Canada

Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Images and videos help make your campaign more personal and engaging. Consider including:

A clear, respectful photo of the deceased
Family or community photos that highlight their impact
A short video message explaining the campaign’s purpose (optional but highly effective)

Adding visuals can help connect emotionally with potential donors and encourage them to contribute. Consider incorporating images that capture meaningful moments in the deceased’s life, such as family gatherings, community involvement, or personal achievements. Additionally, a short video message from a close family member or friend sharing a heartfelt story about the deceased can be highly impactful in inspiring donations and support.

Promote Your Campaign Effectively

Reaching as many people as possible is key to a successful fundraiser. Posting regular updates, such as weekly progress reports or milestone celebrations, helps maintain engagement and visibility. Consistently sharing new information ensures continued support and encourages donors to spread the word. Here are some effective promotion strategies:

Social Media – Share your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Write a heartfelt message, include a compelling image, and use relevant hashtags.
Email Outreach – Send personalized emails to friends and family with a clear subject line, a brief explanation, and a direct donation link.
Community Groups – Post in local groups, churches, or workplace networks. Engage with comments and provide updates.
Encourage Sharing – Ask supporters to share the campaign with their own networks. Providing a pre-written message or sample post makes it easier for them to spread the word.

Keep Donors Updated and Express Gratitude

Regular updates help maintain momentum and keep donors engaged. Show appreciation by:

Posting updates on fundraising progress
Sharing stories of how donations are making a difference
Personally thanking donors through messages or social media shoutouts

Recognizing donors fosters goodwill and encourages continued support.

Withdraw Funds and Use Them Transparently

Most platforms allow easy withdrawal to a linked bank account. To maintain donor trust, be transparent about how the funds are being used:

Post receipts or an expense breakdown (if comfortable)
Provide updates on how donations have helped cover funeral costs
Use excess funds for related expenses, such as a memorial service, family support, or a charitable donation in honor of the deceased. Inform donors about how the additional funds will be allocated and consider offering them the option to redirect their contributions if the original goal has been met.