Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
Losing someone we love is incredibly tough, and finding ways to honour their memory can bring comfort during difficult times. Crowdfunding platforms offer a way to create a lasting legacy in remembrance of those we’ve lost. Whether it’s celebrating a beloved individual, supporting causes close to their heart, or helping others in their memory, a memorial fundraiser on Milaap can be a source of hope and commemoration.
Purpose of memorial fundraisers
Creating a memorial fundraiser allows us to honour our loved ones while also supporting causes they deeply cared about. It’s a way to channel grief into action and make a difference in their memory. Whether it’s covering funeral expenses, supporting a cause, or establishing a foundation in their name, memorial fundraiser campaigns can serve several meaningful purposes:
Covering funeral costs
Launching a memorial fundraiser can help support causes that were important to the individual who passed away. Whether it’s a charity that was close to their heart, a cause they supported, or a community initiative they were passionate about, a fundraiser can continue their legacy through meaningful contributions.
Honouring their memory
A memorial fundraiser is a beautiful way to honour the life and legacy of a loved one. It brings friends, family, and community members together to celebrate and pay tribute to the person they’ve lost.
Supporting a cause
Launching a memorial fundraiser can help support causes that were important to the individual who passed away. Whether it’s a charity that was close to their heart, a cause they supported, or a community initiative they were passionate about, a fundraiser can continue their legacy through meaningful contributions.
Helping others
Raising funds through a memorial fundraiser can also be a way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s providing financial assistance to a family in need, funding someone’s medical treatment, or supporting education initiatives, your fundraiser can bring hope and help to those who need it most.
Bringing comfort to loved ones
Grief over the loss of someone is hard to overcome by yourself, but you can find strength in the company of your family and friends. A memorial fundraiser can provide an avenue for comfort and solace, allowing the loved ones of the person that has passed away to come together to support a common cause and share memories.
Helping others
A memorial fundraiser can create a lasting legacy for the person who has passed away. By raising funds and supporting causes in their name, you ensure that their memory lives on and continues to make a positive difference in the world.
Need help to set up a memorial fundraiser?
How to create a meaningful memorial fundraiser on Milaap
1. Choose a cause or a project
The first step in creating a memorial fundraiser is to identify the intention or the cause you will be raising funds for. Is the cause supporting the bereaved family? Is it a project that the person was passionate about like aiding underprivileged communities, contributing to a charitable organisation or even funding education initiatives? Or is it an initiative to honour the legacy of the individual that has passed away? Whatever the cause, select one that resonates with the person’s life and will make a positive impact in their memory.
2. Create a fundraiser on Milaap
To create a memorial fundraiser in the memory of your loved one, first you will need to register or sign up for an account on www.milaap.org. Then, click on ‘Start a Fundraiser’ (visible on the homepage) to set up your fundraising campaign. It’s essential to provide all the relevant details about the cause, your fundraising goals, and clarify how the funds will be used.
3. Tell your story
Customise your campaign page to convey the essence of your cause and the significance of honouring your loved one’s memory by writing a compelling story that will motivate people to support your cause.The story should include personal anecdotes and memories about the person, complete with examples showcasing their characters, passions and impact on others. You can bring their story to life by using photos, videos, and testimonials to elicit emotions in potential donors.
4. Spread the word
Leverage the power of social media and your networks to spread the word and garner support from far and wide for your memorial fundraiser. Share your campaign page on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and encourage friends, family, and supporters to do the same.
5. Engage with donors
Engaging with your donors can create opportunities for interaction and foster a sense of community connection. Showing them appreciation for their generosity and acknowledging their contributions can attract more people to your cause. So, keep them informed of the progress of your fundraiser by sharing regular updates and stories of impact. You can even take it one step further and personalise your outreach efforts with heartfelt messages to engage and inspire others to contribute.
6. Celebrate the life of your loved one
Let the memory and life of your loved one be at the forefront of your efforts, throughout the entire fundraising process. Instil the main intent behind the fundraiser which is to celebrate a life well-lived, a legacy that lives on and the positive impact they continue to have even after they have passed on.
Need help to set up a memorial fundraiser?
Memorial fundraiser ideas
Here are unique ways to host memorial fundraisers to celebrate your loved one’s life while making a positive impact in their memory, in a special and heartfelt manner.
1. Online crowdfunding campaign
Launch an online fundraising campaign on crowdfunding platforms, like Milaap, in your loved one’s memory, while supporting a meaningful cause. Personalise your campaign by sharing the story behind the memorial fundraiser and let everyone know who your loved one was and the legacy they’ve left behind. Encourage your supporters to share the campaign with their networks and on their social media. The more people that hear your story, the more likely you are to reach new donors and raise funds.
2. Plantation drive
If you fancy a more hands-on approach, organising a tree plantation drive can be a great way of honouring your loved one. Invite people to sponsor a tree or donate towards the cause. Not only will you be creating a lasting tribute to your loved one’s legacy, but planting trees is going to benefit the environment in the long run and you will also be bringing the community together for a good cause.
3. Charity marathon or walkathon
A charity marathon or walkathon in your loved one’s memory has two perks – you can gather contributions through the event, while being healthy and active. Participants can raise funds through sponsorships, fostering community spirit while supporting your cause.
4. Legacy fund
A memorial legacy fund to support a cause in the long term is another sure-fire way of keeping your loved one’s memory alive. It could be any initiative or organisation that they cared about or would have liked to support. Friends and family can contribute over time, ensuring their impact continues for years to come.
5. Benefit concert
A benefit concert is a fun and refreshing fundraising concept and can also be used in memorial campaigns. Tap into the power of music, and organise a concert featuring local artists and bands, with setlists comprising the music and songs your loved one enjoyed. Invite your community, friends and family to buy tickets, proceeds of which will go towards your cause. Create a memorable evening of tribute and tunes.
6. Bingo night
Another fun memorial idea is organising a Bingo night fundraiser. It’s a fun activity for people for all ages and can thus be themed in honour of your loved one, making it meaningful and worthwhile. Charge an entry fee, or per game. You can even organise food and drink stalls, where people can buy and have refreshments during the event.
7. Memorial art auction
An art auction is a great way of paying tribute to a dearly departed loved one. If they
were an art enthusiast in their lifetime, you can host an auction with their artworks and
collections. Or, you can also collect artwork and crafts made by friends and family in memory of your loved one. The funds raised can support a cause that holds significance, making it a meaningful tribute.
8. Bake sale
Even something as delicious as cookies and pastries can be an easy and effective way of raising funds for a cause, while bringing the community together. Host a bake sale with homemade treats donated by friends and family, including those your loved one enjoyed in their lifetime. The money made from the sales can be contributed to an organisation or cause befitting your loved one’s legacy.
No matter what kind of memorial fundraiser you decide to go with, the main goal remains the same: to honour the life and legacy of someone dear to us. By picking a cause or project that reflects their values, sharing their story with authenticity and emotion, and connecting with donors in an open and appreciative way, you can create a lasting tribute that brings comfort to those who cherish their memory. Through these fundraisers, we can come together as a community to celebrate their impact and ensure that their memory lives on.
In times of need, support means everything, and with Milaap, you need not look any further. Milaap enables you to set up a fundraiser for any medical emergency within minutes, and you can easily raise funds for treatment expenses.
Do you know someone who could benefit from fundraising? Simply refer them to us and we’ll be happy to lend a hand.
Visit www.milaap.org or call us on +91 9916174848 to get started now.
For more information, write to us at cx@milaap.org.
