Memorial Donations: How to Set Up an "In Memory Of" Fund
A memorial donation is a charitable gift made in honor of someone who has passed — either by family inviting "in lieu of flowers, donations to..." in an obituary, or by friends giving to a cause meaningful to the deceased.
Setting up a memorial fund or directing donations well can turn grief into something quietly useful. It lets others express their condolences in a meaningful way. And it creates a small, lasting legacy: a stream of giving in your loved one's name, sometimes for years.
This guide walks through how to set one up.
Why Memorial Donations Matter
Several reasons memorial donations are increasingly common:
- They give friends and family a meaningful way to honor the deceased. Many people would rather make a $50 donation than send another arrangement of flowers.
- They turn grief into impact. A cause the deceased cared about continues to do good in their name.
- They reduce environmental and financial waste. Cut flowers wilt within days.
- They scale. A community of mourners can collectively raise significant funds.
- They create a lasting tribute. Many causes will note the donations and acknowledge the deceased over time.
In 2026, "in lieu of flowers" memorial donations are now more common than flower arrangements at most American funerals.
Three Ways to Direct Memorial Donations
Option 1: Direct Donations to an Existing Charity
The simplest approach: name an existing charity in the obituary or memorial program. Friends and family donate directly to the charity in the deceased's name.
Best for: Most families. Quick, easy, no setup required.
How to set up:
- Choose the charity (see below for criteria)
- Confirm the charity accepts memorial donations and how they want them designated
- Include in the obituary: "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity name] in memory of [deceased's name]."
- Provide a website link or mailing address
Most charities will send a card to the family for each memorial donation received, so the family can thank donors.
Option 2: Set Up a Dedicated Memorial Fund at a Foundation
A dedicated fund — under the deceased's name — at a community foundation, university, or larger charity. Donors give specifically to the named fund.
Best for: Families who want a more permanent named tribute, often when the deceased was prominent in a community.
How to set up:
- Contact a community foundation in your area, or a relevant university/hospital
- They'll help you establish a named fund (e.g., "The Margaret Whitaker Memorial Fund for Literacy")
- Set the fund's purpose — supporting a specific cause aligned with the deceased's values
- Promote the fund in the obituary and on the memorial page
Most community foundations require a minimum to establish a named fund (often $10,000+, though some allow smaller starts). Once funded, the foundation manages the donations and distributes grants per the fund's purpose.
Option 3: Online Crowdfunding (GoFundMe, Ever Loved, etc.)
A modern approach: a public online fundraising page where people can donate. Best for short-term campaigns or specific costs (final expenses, scholarship for surviving children, etc.).
Best for: Time-limited fundraising goals, or when the family has a specific need.
How to set up:
- Choose a platform (GoFundMe, Ever Loved, Facebook Fundraisers)
- Set up the campaign with a photo, a story, and a clear use of funds
- Share the link in the obituary, on social media, and on the memorial page
- Be transparent about how funds will be used
Note: crowdfunding platforms typically charge a small percentage in fees. Some funds may also be subject to taxes.
How to Choose the Right Charity
A few principles for picking the cause:
1. Match it to the deceased's values. The most meaningful memorial donation goes to a cause they cared about — not a cause the family thinks they should have cared about.
2. Pick something specific. A specific organization beats a vague cause. "The Memphis Public Library" is more powerful than "literacy."
3. Confirm legitimacy. Use Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or Give.org to verify a charity's legitimacy and use of funds.
4. Consider local over national. A local charity often does deeper work per dollar, and the community often appreciates seeing local impact.
5. Make sure they accept memorial donations. Some smaller organizations don't have systems for memorial gifts. Confirm before listing in the obituary.
Common categories:
- Medical research (related to their illness, especially common when the deceased had a long illness)
- Hospitals or hospices (especially if they cared for the deceased)
- Educational institutions (their school, a literacy organization)
- Religious organizations (their church, synagogue, mosque)
- Animal shelters (if they loved animals)
- Environmental causes (especially if they were outdoorsy)
- Local community organizations (a library, food bank, community center)
- Causes they advocated for (specific to their interests)
How to Write the "In Lieu of Flowers" Notice
A simple, clear format for obituaries and memorial cards:
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to [charity name] in memory of [deceased's name]. Donations may be made online at [website] or by mail to [address].
For a more personal version:
Margaret was a devoted volunteer at the Springfield Public Library for 22 years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Springfield Public Library Foundation at [website].
Adding a sentence about why this charity mattered to the deceased makes the request feel deeply personal — and tends to drive higher donation rates.
How to Receive and Acknowledge Donations
If you're the family receiving donations, a few practical notes:
From the Charity
Most charities will: - Send a card to the family acknowledging each memorial donation - Provide the donor with a tax receipt - Sometimes send the family a final tally after a few months
You don't usually have to do anything administratively — the charity handles it.
Thanking Donors
Many families like to send a personal thank-you note to those who donated, in addition to the charity's acknowledgment. A simple format:
Dear [Name],
Thank you for your gift to [charity] in memory of [deceased's name]. Your generosity means so much to our family. [Deceased] cared deeply about [cause], and your gift continues their work in a meaningful way.
With deep appreciation, [Your name]
Even a short text or email is appropriate, especially for smaller donations.
Linking to a Memorial Page
A memorial page is the natural home for memorial donation information. Most modern memorial platforms allow you to:
- Display the suggested charity on the memorial page
- Link directly to the donation page
- Track donations made in the deceased's name (if the platform integrates with charity APIs)
- Show a running total of contributions
This makes it easy for visitors to honor the deceased financially in the same place they leave a tribute.
Tax Considerations
A few notes for both donors and families:
For donors: - Donations to registered 501(c)(3) charities (in the U.S.) are tax-deductible - Keep the charity's receipt for your records - Donations through crowdfunding platforms may not always be tax-deductible — check the platform
For families: - Direct memorial donations to charities are not income to the family - Crowdfunding for personal expenses (funeral costs, support for surviving family) is generally not taxable but consult a tax professional - Establishing a named fund at a foundation requires its own setup; the foundation handles compliance
Making Memorial Giving an Annual Tradition
Some families turn memorial giving into an ongoing tradition:
- Annual donation on the anniversary of the deceased's passing or birthday
- Family-wide pledge — each branch of the family donates a meaningful amount each year
- Memorial scholarship — funded annually, given in their name to a deserving student
- Memorial event — an annual fundraiser (a 5K, a dinner) that supports the cause
Over years, these traditions can raise tens of thousands of dollars and create a lasting legacy in the deceased's name.
Final Thoughts
Memorial donations turn grief into action. They give friends and family a meaningful way to honor someone they loved, and they create a stream of good in the world that carries the deceased's values forward.
Whether it's a single $50 donation in their memory or a named fund that grows for decades, the principle is the same: a life that mattered continues to make a difference.
Whatever cause you choose, make it specific, make it meaningful, and make it easy for others to participate.
FAQ
Are memorial donations tax-deductible? For donations to registered 501(c)(3) charities, yes. Crowdfunding for personal expenses is usually not tax-deductible.
How much should I donate to a memorial fund? There's no expected amount. $25–$100 is typical for friends; closer family or coworkers often give more. Any amount is meaningful.
What if I can't afford to donate? A handwritten card or a personal tribute on the memorial page is just as meaningful. No one is required to donate.
Should the family acknowledge each memorial donation? The charity typically acknowledges donations to the family. A personal thank-you from the family to large donors is a thoughtful additional gesture.
Can I donate to multiple charities in one person's memory? Yes — many people donate to multiple causes that align with the deceased's interests. The family will appreciate any of them.
GetMemorial helps families build beautiful, lasting online memorials in minutes — a permanent home for tributes, photos, and stories. Build yours at GetMemorial.com.