Written by:
Anoushka Pinto
In times of grief, the last thing families should worry about is how they will afford the expenses of bidding farewell to their loved one. The financial burden of arranging a funeral can add to the emotional strain of an already difficult situation. Fortunately, there’s a compassionate solution – crowdfunding.
A memorial fundraiser can help in arranging necessary funds for funeral costs, medical bills, and related expenses, by leveraging the support of the community. These fundraisers allow friends, family, and community members to come together and show their support in the wake of a loss. Through fundraising on platforms like Milaap, you can find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from those who care about you and your loved one.
Funeral expenses in India
In India, funeral expenses add significant financial stress on grieving families. According to Last Journey, a funeral service provider, the average cost of a funeral in India can range anywhere between ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakhs. These costs can vary based on factors such as region, religion, and customs, with urban areas typically being more expensive than rural areas.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation by increasing the demand for funeral services and driving up prices for cremation, burial, and transportation. With families already facing economic challenges due to the pandemic, the financial strain of arranging a funeral can be overwhelming.
Table showing average cost of funerals in India, based on religion. Source: ‘The Final Farewell: Understanding the Last Rites and Rituals of India’s Major Faiths’ by Minakshi Dewan (HarperCollins India), Scroll, Deccan Herald
Need help to set up a memorial fundraiser to cover funeral expenses?
Here's how memorial fundraising for funeral expenses typically works
Understanding the needs
The first step is to understand the financial needs linked with the funeral arrangements, including everything from burial or cremation costs, transportation expenses, and other necessary expenditure.
Creation of fundraising campaign
Set up a campaign on crowdfunding platforms like Milaap where your memorial fundraiser can receive online donations from friends, family, and the community at large.
Spread the word
Promoting your fundraiser through social media, email, word of mouth and community networks can give your cause widespread visibility. Share personal stories about the departed individual to bring their memory to life, spread awareness, and foster a sense of empathy that inspires generous donations.
Transparent communication
Transparency is key. Be open about the fundraising goals, how the funds will be utilised and provide regular updates on the campaign’s progress. This will automatically build trust and credibility with donors, and they understand the impact of their contributions.
Follow-up and closure
Expressing gratitude, and sharing how the donors’ contributions were utilised brings closure to the campaign. This transparent communication establishes a meaningful connection between donors and the grieving family and reaffirms the role they played in providing a dignified farewell to your loved one.
Follow-up and closure
Expressing gratitude, and sharing how the donors’ contributions were utilised brings closure to the campaign. This transparent communication establishes a meaningful connection between donors and the grieving family and reaffirms the role they played in providing a dignified farewell to your loved one.
Need help to set up a memorial fundraiser to cover funeral expenses?
How to create a successful memorial fundraiser on Milaap
With Milaap’s user-friendly interface and wide reach, creating a memorial fundraiser is simple and accessible to anyone in need. From setting up the campaign to sharing it with friends and family, the platform provides the tools and support necessary to make the fundraising process as smooth as possible.
Sign up or login to set up your fundraiser
Sign up for an account on Milaap or log in if you already have one. Once logged in, click on the “Start a Fundraiser” button and you’ll be directed to the campaign set-up page. You can choose the type of fundraiser you’d like to start as “Memorial Fundraiser” from the options provided.
Fill in the fundraiser details
Next, you’ll need to fill in the details of your memorial fundraiser. This includes information such as the name of the fundraiser, the amount you’d like to raise, and the cause you’re raising funds for. Don’t forget to choose the duration that you want your fundraiser to run for.
Pro tip
To make it easier for potential donors to find your fundraiser, include the first and last name of the departed person in the title. Also, providing a breakdown of funeral expenses can help donors understand exactly how their contributions will be used.
Tell your story
Write a compelling narrative that explains your intention behind raising the funds. Personalise with heartfelt stories and memories of your loved one to connect with potential donors on an emotional level. Share why each donation is meaningful to you and your family.
Add a photo or video
You can also attach pictures and videos of our loved one to add visual appeal to your story, and convey the essence of your fundraiser.
Share your fundraiser widely
Use your social network connections email, messaging apps, and word of mouth to spread the word about your fundraiser and maximise its reach. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to share your fundraiser with their networks as well. The more people you reach, the faster you can raise funds to cover your expenses.
Engage with donors
As donations start pouring in, be sure to engage with your donors by thanking them for their contributions and keeping them updated on the progress of your fundraiser. Providing regular updates and expressing gratitude can help establish a sense of community and encourage continued support.
Monitor your fundraiser
Keep track of your fundraiser’s progress by monitoring donations, shares, and comments on your campaign page. Make adjustments to your fundraising strategy as needed to increase your impact.
Withdraw funds easily
You can withdraw raised funds at any point during your fundraising journey to meet your immediate requirements. Put in a request for withdrawal of the funds raised, when the need arises. Milaap provides a secure withdrawal process, and it will ensure that the funds are transferred to you safely and efficiently.
In times of loss, coming together as a community to support one another is truly invaluable. Raising funds through memorial campaigns on crowdfunding platforms such as Milaap allow the grieving families the opportunity to say a dignified goodbye to their loved ones, without the added stress of financial worries.
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.
