Considering Different Memorial Fundraising Ideas When a Loved One Passes Away

When a loved one passes away and there is not a lot of money to handle funeral and burial expenses, someone will end up having to cover the costs.  One way to secure the money needed to take care of everything is to hold some sort of fund raising event.  Here are some memorial fundraiser ideas that you will want to consider closely.

Holding a Memorial Walk

One possibility is to hold a walk that allow people to accept donations in exchange for participating.  There are a couple of ways to set up the walk.  One approach is for everyone who chooses to participate provides a set donation.  Assuming enough people sign up to be part of the walk, the suggested donation will only be a few dollars per person.  Within a couple of hours, there will be enough money to cover all the expenses of the memorial service, the burial, or the cremation.

Another way to structure the walk is to allow participants to seek out sponsors.  Provide a way to certify that they did complete the entire walk, so they can then go back to their sponsors and collect the funds.  Once the money is collected, all the money can be placed in a special fund and used to pay for all the final arrangements.

Using Social Media

Putting social media to work is one of the most popular memorial fundraiser ideas around today.  With this approach, it is possible to set up a group or page on a social media site.  Start with information about how much money is needed to cover the expenses of everything from the cremation and urn to the headstone for a grave.  Be specific about how the money will be used and how quickly it needs to be collected.

As part of the information, include payment options.  This can range from supplying an address where checks can be mailed to providing account details related to some type of online payment site.  Providing more than one way for people to remit donations makes it easier for everyone to participate.

Remember to post updates about how the fund raising is going.  People will know when the goal is reached, or if there is still the need for a little more.

Tap Into the Local Business Community

This approach is not high-tech, but it is often effective in small towns and areas where everyone knows their neighbors well.  Prepare collection boxes and ask local business owners if they can be displayed near their cash registers.  When people learn that someone has passed away and hear of the plight, many will reach into their pockets and donate spare change and any small bills they may have on them.  If more money is collected than needed, arrange for the remainder to be donated to a local charity or other program that benefits the community. More info about it is here.

With this strategy, check with local authorities and make sure this type of solicitation is allowed.  There may be the need to secure a license or other document before distributing the collection boxes.  Keeping everything in line with local laws will ensure no complications arise later.

There are other memorial fundraiser ideas that will work in certain situations.  Brainstorm with other loved ones and see what suggestions arise.  It will not take long to raise the funds needed and ensure that no one has to endure any type of financial hardship.