Losing someone you love is never easy. Whether the death was sudden or expected, whether they were young or had lived a long life, grief has a way of filling every corner of your life. At the same time as you are trying to process what has happened, there are often practical decisions to make, and for many families, concerns about money can add an extra layer of worry at an already painful time.
Funeral costs can feel daunting, especially if there was little opportunity to plan ahead. Each year, thousands of families in the UK seek financial help with funeral expenses, but not everyone will be eligible for government support. When that happens, people often start looking for other ways to cover the cost of saying goodbye. Funeral fundraising is one option that some families choose, either to cover the full cost of a funeral or to ease the pressure a little.
This guide is here to explain what funeral fundraising involves, the pros and cons to consider, and some practical ideas to help you decide what feels right for you and your family.
What is funeral fundraising?
Funeral fundraising is a way of raising money to help pay for funeral or memorial costs, usually by asking for donations from friends, family, and sometimes the wider community. You may also hear it called crowdfunding. Most funeral fundraising today happens online, using dedicated platforms that allow people to donate securely and share messages of support.
Thinking about money is often the last thing a grieving family wants to do. Still, with funeral costs continuing to rise, fundraising has become more common, particularly when a death is unexpected or when there are limited funds available. For some families, it can offer a sense of relief, knowing they do not have to carry the financial burden alone.
There can also be a positive side to fundraising. It gives people who cared about the person who has died a practical way to show their support. Many friends, neighbours, and colleagues want to help but are not always sure how. Making a donation, even a small one, can feel like a meaningful gesture during a time when words may fall short.
The pros and cons of crowdfunding for a funeral
Using an online crowdfunding platform can be a quick and accessible way to raise money. Campaigns can be shared easily through social media, email, and messaging apps, allowing information to spread quickly. This can be especially helpful when funeral arrangements need to be made within a short timeframe.
Another benefit is transparency. Donors can see how much has been raised and often leave messages of condolence, which many families find comforting. Some platforms also allow funds to be paid directly to a funeral provider, reducing the need for families to handle the money themselves.
That said, crowdfunding is not right for everyone, and it is important to understand the potential downsides. Most platforms charge fees for their services, which can reduce the total amount you receive. These fees vary, but they often fall somewhere between four and eight per cent of the funds raised.
Some platforms also work on an all-or-nothing basis, meaning if you do not reach your target within a set period, you may not receive the money at all. This can be stressful, particularly when time is limited.
Running a fundraising campaign can also take emotional energy. Writing the page, sharing it repeatedly, and keeping track of messages and donations all require time and attention. For someone who is grieving, this can feel overwhelming. It is worth considering whether you have support from others who can help manage the practical side of the campaign.
Every family’s situation is different. Some people find fundraising genuinely helpful, while others decide it is not the right choice for them. There is no right or wrong answer, only what feels manageable and appropriate for you.
Getting started with funeral fundraising online
If you do decide to fundraise online, the process itself is usually straightforward. Breaking it down into steps can make it feel more manageable.
Choosing a fundraising platform
The first step is selecting a platform to host your campaign. There are several options available, including sites that focus specifically on funeral and memorial fundraising, as well as more general crowdfunding platforms.
When choosing a platform, it can help to look at how easy it is to use, what fees are involved, how quickly funds are paid out, and whether the site offers any additional support. Some platforms include features such as online memorial pages or tools to help share funeral details, which may be useful for some families.
Setting a realistic goal
You will usually be asked to set a fundraising target and, in some cases, a time limit for your campaign. It can help to think carefully about the costs you are trying to cover and set a goal that reflects those needs without feeling unrealistic.
Being open about what the money will be used for can reassure donors and help them understand why you are fundraising. It is also worth checking how long it takes for funds to be released, so you can plan around any upcoming expenses.
Creating your fundraising page
The fundraising page is where people will learn about your loved one and why you are asking for support. Many families choose to include a photo and a few words about the person who has died, sharing something about who they were and what they meant to others.
You do not need to share more than you are comfortable with. Simple, honest words are often enough. Explaining why you are fundraising and how donations will help can make it easier for people to decide to contribute.
Sharing the campaign
A fundraising campaign will only reach people if it is shared. This often feels uncomfortable at first, but remember that many people will appreciate being given the opportunity to help.
You might choose to share the link on social media, send it by email or message to friends and family, or ask a few trusted people to help spread the word. Community groups, workplaces, and clubs the person belonged to may also want to support the campaign if it feels appropriate.
How to ask for donations for funeral expenses
Finding the right words can be one of the hardest parts of funeral fundraising. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable to ask for money, especially during a time of grief. Taking some time to think about what you want to say can make a real difference.
Many successful campaigns focus on telling a short, heartfelt story. Sharing what made your loved one special, how they were connected to their community, and why support is needed can help people feel emotionally connected. Being clear about the purpose of the fundraising can also build trust.
It can help to remember that donations are entirely voluntary. People give because they care, not because they feel pressured. Even messages of support without a donation can be deeply meaningful.
Offline funeral fundraising ideas
Online fundraising is not the only option. Some families prefer offline events or activities, either instead of or alongside an online campaign. These approaches can feel more personal and may suit people who are less comfortable with digital platforms.
A memorial dinner or gathering can bring people together to share memories while raising funds through voluntary contributions. A bake sale or coffee morning can be organised quickly and with relatively little cost. Charity auctions or raffles, supported by local businesses, can also be effective.
For those who want to honour a particular passion or value, themed events such as a tree planting day or sponsored walk can feel especially meaningful. These kinds of activities can help transform grief into something positive, while also providing practical support.
Other ways to pay for a funeral
Fundraising is just one of several ways families may cover funeral costs. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for other forms of support.
Some government payments are available to help people who have lost a spouse or civil partner, or who are receiving certain benefits. There are also charities that offer financial assistance in specific situations, such as when a child has died or when the deceased was elderly and living alone.
In some cases, the local council may arrange a public health funeral if there are no funds available and no one is able to take responsibility. This is not something most families plan for, but it can be reassuring to know that support exists if it is needed.
Looking ahead, many people choose to make arrangements in advance so their loved ones do not have to worry about costs in the future. Funeral plans are one way of doing this, allowing people to fix the cost of their funeral and give their family clarity and peace of mind. If you’d like to learn more about funerals and funeral planning, take a look at our free guide.
Taking care of yourself while making decisions
Whatever route you choose, it is important to be kind to yourself. Grief can make even simple decisions feel exhausting. Asking for help, whether emotional or practical, is not a sign of weakness.
If fundraising feels right for you, taking it one step at a time and leaning on others for support can make the process more manageable. If it does not feel right, that is equally valid. What matters most is finding a way to say goodbye that feels respectful and achievable for you and your family.
If you would like to talk through your options or explore ways to plan ahead so your loved ones are protected from financial stress, our team is always here to help. You can reach us for free on 0800 160 18 81.
