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.
Online donations from family, friends and even strangers who just want to help can reduce funeral debt.
Crowdfunding can involve creating an online page where people can donate to a particular cause, or some people choose to simply ask others to contribute by direct bank transfer or collect cash.
More and more people are engaging in crowdfunding for funeral costs. In 2024, 6% of people citing money trouble in relation to funeral costs reported turning to crowdfunding (doubled from 2023), according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report.
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 £100s, others several £1,000s.
How to crowdfund online
- 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.
Other guidance for anyone struggling with a funeral bill
Money from the estate
Carefully look through the deceased person’s paperwork to try and identify all the different accounts they may have had and to see if anything suggests they had any insurance policies or private pensions (not the state pension).
Grants from charities and benevolent funds
There are grants related to work and professions that can help with unpaid funeral bills, as well as charities related to characteristics such as your age, gender or nationality, or where you live.
Repayment plans and loans
Funeral directors often need part payment to cover third party costs, called disbursements, before the funeral can go ahead.
More from Down to Earth
Reducing funeral costs
Guidance on the various ways you can keep costs down when planning a funeral now or in the future.
How much does a funeral cost?
The average cost of the attended funeral SunLife tracks is £4,285, though less expensive options are available.
Photo credits: Kampus and Mikhail Nikov on Pexels