Online donations from family, friends and even strangers who just want to help can reduce funeral debt.
All the time, people are moved to support others who need a little help.
Crowdfunding is used to raise money for all kinds of reasons, including funeral costs. It involves creating an online page where people can donate to a particular cause.
Did you know?
- More and more people are engaging in crowdfunding for funeral costs. In 2018, appeals on one site increased by as much as 72% in 6 months.
- It can create a space in which people feel more able to contribute, especially if they can only give a little. Lots of people donating small amounts can really add up. Some campaigns raise several hundred, others well over a thousand.
Checklist
- Choose a website – there are lots out there, but some popular examples are Crowdfunder, GoFundMe, GoGetFunding and JustGiving.
- In choosing, check if the website will still pay you the donations even if you don't reach your target.
- Check if the website charges any fees e.g. a % of each donation.
- State the amount you still need to raise.
- Write something explaining the difficulties you are facing and something about the person who has died.
- Tell people about the page – using social media can be a good way to spread the word to lots of people quickly.
Hints and tips
Visuals can really help people to connect with someone's situation, like a photo of the person who has died.
If you have already managed to raise some money elsewhere (from the government, charities, deceased’s estate, your own money) it could be helpful to mention this and say how much. If you tried to access funds from the government or charities, but were rejected, it could be useful to mention this too, so people can see that you've tried all you can.
These pages give some other ideas about setting up a crowdfunding page. Although they are American sites the information and tips are just as relevant to crowdfunding in the UK.
Wording a funeral fundraiser - Go Get Funding
Funeral crowdfunding - Funeralwise
Next - Repayment plans and loans
DON'S STORY
Don had two children to support on a low income and so didn’t have the £850 deposit for his brother’s funeral.
Having kept the cost of his brother’s funeral as low as possible, Desmond’s Funeral Payment was expected to cover the bulk of the costs, so he set up a crowdfunding page just for the deposit amount. Desmond said, “I can’t believe how generous everyone has been. It took a real weight off knowing that I could go ahead and lay my brother to rest”.
Frequently asked questions about crowdfunding
How do I set up a crowdfunding page?
To set up a crowdfunding page, first choose one of the fundraising platforms online. Some popular examples are Crowdfunder, GoFundMe, GoGetFunding and JustGiving. Then create an account, explain what you need the money for, and set a target for how much is needed. Stories, photos, and information about any money that has already been raised can be helpful. Then share the page through social media or any other means you think might be useful.
How do I donate to help someone with funeral costs?
Find the crowdfunding page and click on the donate or support button, choose the amount you wish to give and pay by bank transfer or credit/card. You don’t usually need to set up an account and can use a guest option if you wish.
If you are looking for ways to donate to our service, please see our donations page.
Can I use the money I raise to pay for other things like the wake, or accommodation for relatives?
You should specify what the money you are asking for will be used for. If you would like to use it for extras related to the funeral, but not the actual funeral costs themselves, you should make this clear. If you change your mind about what the money will be used for you should get the consent of people who have already donated.
Will I be charged for setting up a crowdfunding page?
You should check what the charges would be for the different platforms. Most charge a percentage of the money raised as a fee, but charges vary so it’s worth comparing different websites. It’s also worth factoring in any charges when setting your target.
What happens if I get more money than I asked for?
Most crowdfunding pages will continue to accept donations after you have reached your target. You will be able to keep any money that's raised less the fees. If you hit your target early, it may be worth revising the target if more money needed and add an update to let people know how the extra money will be spent.