Where to Fundraise for Funerals & Memorials: The Best Online Platforms Worldwide

When someone you love dies, the world stops. But the bills don't. It’s a harsh reality that at a time of deep sadness, families are faced with the immense cost of a funeral. The desire to honor a life with dignity often comes with the unexpected weight of financial stress: from funeral home services to the final gathering of friends and family. It's a burden no one should have to carry alone.

You are not alone. In these moments of need, communities have always found ways to rally together. Today, that support often takes the form of memorial crowdfunding - a compassionate and practical way for friends, family, and even distant well-wishers to transform their care into tangible help. It’s an answer to the question, “What can I do?” that truly makes a difference, allowing everyone to contribute to a collective embrace of support.

This modern tradition can lift the financial pressure, giving you the space to focus on what truly matters: remembering your loved one and healing together.

But with several memorial crowdfunding platforms available, how do you choose the one that feels right? The best choice honors your needs for simplicity, transparency, and peace of mind. It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about ensuring the process itself is a smooth and supportive experience, free from added worry.

What to Consider Before You Begin Crowdfunding

Taking a moment to think about a few key things can make the process of using a crowdfunding platform to raise money for funeral costs online smoother for you and your community. Here are some questions to guide you:

How will your community give? Think about the payment methods your friends and family use most. The ease of payment processing is key. If people in your area rely on mobile money payments (like M-Pesa, GCash, or Paytm) or local bank transfers, it's crucial to choose a platform that supports those options. A site built only for international credit cards might create a barrier for your most important supporters.
What are the true costs? It's important to read the fine print on fees. Most secure fundraising platforms have standard payment processing fees, but some also add a separate platform fee. A clear understanding upfront ensures that the maximum amount of each donation goes directly toward covering the funeral costs.
What is the timeline for receiving funds? Given the immediate nature of funeral expenses, how quickly you can access the money is a critical factor. Payout speeds can vary from a matter of hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the platform and your location.
How does the platform ensure integrity? Trust is paramount. Look for platforms that are transparent about their security measures, offer verified fundraising, and provide clear tracking donations. Features like anonymized donations can also be important for supporters who prefer to contribute privately. You and your donors should feel confident that the funds are secure and will be used as intended.
Can the page serve as a tribute? Beyond the practical help, the fundraiser can become a meaningful digital space for your community to gather. If sharing photos, stories, and condolences is important, consider which platforms offer features like memorial walls, photo galleries, or story spaces.

Reviewing Your Options: Our Evaluation Framework

To help you compare secure fundraising platforms, we've assessed each one based on what makes it unique. For each one, we’ll look at:

The Primary Appeal: What is the main reason families choose this platform?
Key Considerations: The most important details on fees, reach, and functionality.
Ideal For: The situations and communities where this platform shines brightest.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe is perhaps the most recognized name in personal crowdfunding. Its primary strength lies in its vast, established network, making it a powerful engine for raising funds quickly from a wide audience.

The Primary Appeal: Immediate Reach and Familiarity

The biggest advantage of using GoFundMe is its sheer size and brand recognition. When people see a GoFundMe link, they already know what it is and how it works. This familiarity reduces hesitation and can lead to faster, broader sharing across social media channels, turning your personal network into a powerful support system.

Fee Structure: According to GoFundMe's official pricing page the platform operates on a voluntary tip model for platform fees. This means donors are asked to support GoFundMe's operations with an optional tip, so your fundraiser can potentially remain free of a platform fee. However, standard payment processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per donation) are deducted from each donated amount.
Virality is Key: Each new way you share your fundraiser can lead to a 2.5x increase in visibility. The GoFundMe platform provides ready-to-post social media captions, images, and videos for multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Text, photo, and video updates keep donors engaged and encourage continued sharing.
Payout Speed: Before receiving funds, you must set up bank transfers through your GoFundMe account. The process involves verifying your identity and connecting your bank account securely. According to their transfer setup guide, this is a required step to withdraw your funds. Once verified and bank transfers are set up, funds typically reach your bank account within 2-5 business days.
Trust and Security: GoFundMe uses a secure payment processor and has a dedicated Trust & Safety team to help protect users. Donors can also contribute anonymously if they choose but with a caveat of editing the privacy option after 14 days. you can read more about this at the GoFundMe Security, Anonymous Donations and Secure Fundraising pages on their website.

Ideal For	Less Ideal For	Key Considerations
Families needing to raise funds quickly for unexpected funeral expenses	Those seeking complete privacy or minimal public exposure	GoFundMe's strength lies in its network effect - broader connections yield better results
Individuals with wide social networks (online/offline)	Families preferring small, intimate fundraising within closed communities	Requires active sharing and campaign updates to maximize effectiveness
Those comfortable sharing stories publicly across social media	Situations where donors use payment methods not widely supported by GoFundMe	Digital literacy and social media comfort significantly impact success
Users wanting AI-assisted story creation and powerful fundraising tools	Cases where memorial features (permanent tribute pages) are the primary need	Best for sudden passing where expenses weren't anticipated
Situations needing rapid fund access (2-5 business days after verification)	Families with limited digital presence or social media connections	Most effective when the deceased had a wide circle of friends/colleagues

NOTE: GoFundMe's payment options vary by country. We recommend verifying support for your specific location and preferred payment method through their official guides:

International Donations (Supported Countries)
Payment Options for Donors (Available Methods)

GoGetFunding

GoGetFunding is a global crowdfunding platform that can be used for funeral and memorial fundraising, offering some unique features but with important considerations for end-of-life situations.

The Primary Appeal
For families with donors across different countries, GoGetFunding supports 23 currencies and accepts cryptocurrency donations, while also providing unlimited photo uploads to create a visual tribute. This combination can be valuable when mourners are spread globally.

Fee Structure:
While free to start, GoGetFunding charges a total of 6.9% plus $0.30 per donation - significantly higher than some dedicated memorial platforms. During a time of financial strain, these fees reduce the amount available for funeral expenses.

Memorial and Sharing Capabilities:

Unlimited Photos: Families can upload unlimited images to create a visual memorial and timeline
Social Sharing: Built-in tools for sharing across social media platforms to reach wider communities
Payment Processing: Uses third-party services like WePay, which can affect the payout timeline

Important Limitations for Funeral and Memorials Fundraising:

Payment Barriers: Many donors, particularly older family members, may struggle with cryptocurrency requirements
No Dedicated Memorial Features: While photos are supported, the platform lacks specific tribute walls, memory books, or other memorial-focused tools
Complex for Grieving Families: The verification and withdrawal process adds stress when families need immediate funds for funeral costs

Ideal for Memorial Situations	Less Suitable for Memorials	Key Considerations for Bereaved Families
Families wanting to create a photo-rich memorial page	Traditional families needing simple, dedicated memorial features	The high fees reduce funds available for urgent funeral costs
Tech-savvy families with international donors	When ease-of-use is crucial for grieving donors of all ages	Payment processing through third parties may delay fund access
Families comfortable with social media promotion	Time-sensitive funeral expenses needing quick, straightforward donations	Unlimited photos provide a memorial aspect, but lacks other tribute features

NOTE: While GoGetFunding offers international flexibility and photo-sharing capabilities, families planning funeral fundraising should carefully consider whether the higher fees and complex payment options suit their needs during a time of grief.

Treasured Memories Community Funding

TMC Funding (Treasured Memories Community Funding) is a crowdfunding platform designed specifically for funeral, memorial, and end-of-life expenses. It stands out for its unique donor-paid fee model and a highly secure process focused on preventing fraud for grieving families.

The Primary Appeal:
TMC Funding’s most significant advantage is that the fundraising family receives 100% of the money raised. Instead of charging the family a platform fee, TMC Funding operates on optional tips from donors at the time of donation. The only mandatory fee is a 2.9% transaction fee added to each donation to cover payment processing, which is paid by the donor. This model alleviates financial worry for the family.

Fee Structure:

Cost to Family: $0. The family keeps 100% of the funds raised.
Cost to Donors: A 2.9% transaction fee is automatically added to each donation to cover credit/debit processing, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Donors can also choose to leave an optional tip to support the platform.
Payout Method: To reduce fraud, funds are sent via a USPS check within 3-5 business days after the typical 30-day campaign ends. If a disclosure form is signed, payment is sent directly to the funeral home, with any excess sent to the family.

Security and Trust:
The platform uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption to protect all payment information. The decision to issue checks instead of direct deposits is a deliberate security measure to protect families from fraudulent activity.

Key Considerations for Bereaved Families:

Financial Relief: The $0 cost to the family is a massive benefit during a financially stressful time.
Security Over Speed: The 3-5 day check mailing process prioritizes security over instant access.
Donor Transparency: Donors are clearly informed about the small transaction fee and optional tip.
Funeral Home Direct Pay: The direct payment option to funeral homes simplifies settling expenses.

Ideal for Memorial Situations	Less Suitable for Memorials	Key Considerations for Bereaved Families
Families for whom minimizing cost is the highest priority	Situations requiring immediate, direct access to funds within hours	The family receives 100% of the donated amount, a significant financial advantage.
Those highly concerned about fraud and who value the security of a mailed check	Donors who may be sensitive to any additional fees, even if they are small	The check-by-mail process is secure but not instantaneous (3-5 days after the campaign).
Families working directly with a funeral home that can accept a mailed payment	Very short-term fundraising needs (campaigns typically run for 30 days)	The donor-paid model is exceptionally family-friendly and transparent.

NOTE: TMC Funding offers an exceptionally compassionate financial model for bereaved families. The focus on security and ensuring the family receives the full amount raised makes it a top-tier choice for funeral fundraising, provided the timeline for receiving funds is acceptable.

M-Changa

M-Changa is East Africa's leading online fundraising platform, designed specifically for the region's unique financial landscape. While it supports global payments, its greatest strength lies in seamless integration with local mobile money systems, making it a powerful tool for funeral fundraising within African communities and their diaspora.

The Primary Appeal:
M-Changa successfully bridges local and international support. It accepts worldwide payments through Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal while maintaining deep integration with African mobile money systems. The unique "Treasurer" feature allows up to three trusted individuals to co-manage funds, creating built-in accountability that's particularly valuable during stressful times.

The revolutionary aspect of M-Changa's USSD service is its ability to enable complete fundraiser management through simple phone dial codes (*483*57# in Kenya). This eliminates the digital divide, allowing rural communities and individuals without smartphones to access modern fundraising tools during times of loss.

How USSD Fundraising Works: Three-Step Simplicity

Register: Dial 48357#, read and accept terms to create your fundraiser account
Share: Use the same USSD code to share your fundraiser via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media
Manage: Check status, view statements, add treasurers, or withdraw funds entirely through USSD

Fee Structure:
The platform charges a 3.95% platform fee on all donations. Payment processing fees vary: 0% for local mobile money but 2.5% for international cards. Additional withdrawal fees apply based on amount and method. While transparent, the combined costs can be higher than some international platforms.

Global Accessibility:
Donors worldwide can contribute through credit cards and PayPal, while local supporters use familiar mobile money options. The platform supports multiple languages and currencies, though its core functionality is optimized for East African users.

Security and Trust:
All campaigns undergo verification, and the treasurer system provides an extra layer of security. Funds are held securely until withdrawal, with multiple approval steps ensuring protection against misuse.

Cultural Sensitivity:
The platform understands local funeral traditions and communication patterns, with optimized sharing through WhatsApp and SMS that respects how communities naturally gather support during times of loss.

Ideal For	Less Ideal For	Key Considerations
Families with mixed local/international donor networks	Those seeking the absolute lowest fees regardless of features	The treasurer system provides security but requires coordination
African diaspora supporting home-based funeral expenses	Situations requiring instant, one-person fund access	Multiple fee layers mean total costs can be higher than expected
Communities valuing transparent, collective fund management	Campaigns needing complex memorial website features	Perfect for African contexts but may feel limited elsewhere
Situations where mobile money accessibility is crucial	Donor bases exclusively using payment methods not supported	Balances global payments with local practicality

NOTE: M-Changa offers a unique solution that honours both local traditions and global connections. Its thoughtful design for African funeral contexts makes it particularly valuable for families balancing international support with local practicality.

For current fees and supported countries, visit the official M-Changa website. Payment options may vary by region. USSD service currently available in Kenya only. Dial 48357# to begin. Withdrawal requires minimum KES 250 balance.

WhyDonate

WhyDonate is a European-based crowdfunding platform that offers a truly compassionate pricing model for funeral fundraising. With its strong presence across Europe and commitment to 0% platform fees, it ensures maximum funds go directly to families during difficult times.

The Primary Appeal: Truly Transparent, Family-First Pricing
WhyDonate stands out by charging 0% platform fees - no hidden costs, no monthly fees, and no sign-up fees. This makes it exceptionally affordable for families facing unexpected funeral expenses. The platform's revenue comes from optional donor tips rather than grieving families.

Fee Structure: Unbeatable Value

Platform Fee: 0% commission
Payment Processing: Variable by currency (see table below)
Best Value: EUR iDEAL/Bancontact payments cost only €0.35 fixed fee
Setup Cost: Completely free

Payment Processing Fees by Currency in brief:

Currency	Percentage	Fixed Fee
EUR iDEAL + Bancontact	0.00%	€0.35
EUR	1.90%	€0.25
GBP	1.90%	£0.25
USD	2.90%	$0.30
SEK	1.90%	1.80 SEK
PLN	1.90%	1.00 PLN

Click Here to see full table

European & Global Accessibility:

Optimal for EU: iDEAL and Bancontact payments have minimal fees (€0.35 fixed)
Multi-Currency Support: 25+ currencies supported worldwide
Payment Methods: iDEAL, Bancontact, credit cards, PayPal
Language Options: Dutch, German, English, Swedish, and more

Key Features for Memorial Fundraising:

Instant Payouts: Immediate access to funds when needed urgently
Network Access: Reach 850,000+ WhyDonate donors monthly
Custom Branding: Personalize fundraising pages
Voluntary Tips: Option to ask donors to support the platform (can be disabled)

Security and Support:

GDPR Compliant: European data protection standards
7-Day Support: Customer service available daily (9 AM - 5 PM CET)
Encrypted Data: Secure information storage
Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs or surprise fees

Ideal For	Less Ideal For	Key Considerations
Families in EU countries (especially Netherlands/Belgium)	Campaigns relying heavily on non-EU credit cards	iDEAL/Bancontact payments cost only €0.35 per donation
Cost-conscious families prioritizing fee minimization	Those outside WhyDonate's European network	0% platform fees ensure maximum funds for funeral costs
Urgent situations needing instant payouts	Non-European language requirements	Voluntary tip option can be removed if preferred
Families wanting European-specific platform support	Campaigns requiring 24/7 phone support	Most cost-effective for European-based donors

NOTE: WhyDonate specializes in European fundraising with exceptional fee transparency. iDEAL and Bancontact payments offer the lowest costs for EU-based donors.

JustGiving

JustGiving is a global online fundraising platform with a dedicated "In-Memory" section, making it a powerful choice for honouring loved ones through charitable giving. The platform is particularly strong in the UK but supports fundraising worldwide.

The Primary Appeal:
JustGiving's primary strength lies in its seamless integration with thousands of charities worldwide. Instead of raising money for personal funeral expenses, families can create "In-Memory" pages where donations go directly to a chosen charity, creating a lasting legacy for their loved one.

Fee Structure:

Platform Fee: 0% on donations to registered charities
Payment Processing: 1.9% + £0.20 for UK donations (varies by country)
Gift Aid: Automatic Gift Aid reclaim for UK charities (adding 25% to donations)
Setup Cost: Free to create a memorial page

Key Features for Memorial Fundraising:

Charity Integration: Direct connection to over 13,000 UK charities
Tribute Funds: Create lasting memorial pages that remain active indefinitely
Event Integration: Link to charity runs, walks, or other memorial events
Memory Books: Friends and family can share photos and memories
Gift Aid Processing: Automatic handling of UK tax reclaims

Global Reach with UK Specialisation:

Strongest in: United Kingdom, Ireland, United States
Currency Support: GBP, USD, EUR, CAD, AUD
Charity Focus: Optimised for registered nonprofit organizations
Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Security and Trust:

Charity Verification: All beneficiary charities are vetted and registered
Financial Transparency: Clear reporting on all donations and Gift Aid
Data Protection: GDPR compliant with secure payment processing
Established Platform: Operating since 2001 with strong trust metrics

Ideal For	Less Ideal For	Key Considerations
Creating charitable legacies for loved ones	Families needing funds for direct funeral costs	Optimised for charitable giving rather than personal expense coverage
UK-based families wanting to utilize Gift Aid	Those outside JustGiving's primary markets (UK/US)	Automatic Gift Aid adds significant value for UK donors
Connecting memorial giving with charity events	Situations requiring immediate personal fund access	Tribute pages can remain active indefinitely
Families wanting established charity partnerships	Campaigns for personal medical or living expenses	Strong brand recognition and trust in key markets

Special In-Memory Features:

Lasting Tribute Pages: Memorial pages that remain active for years
Charity Choice: Donors can see exactly which charity benefits
Event Linking: Connect to physical memorial events or challenges
Memory Sharing: Space for stories, photos, and condolences
Fundraising Tools: Built-in tools for charity challenge events

NOTE: JustGiving is ideal for families who want to create a positive legacy from their loss by supporting causes their loved one cared about. The platform's charity focus and Gift Aid processing make it particularly valuable for UK-based memorial fundraising.

JustGiving specializes in charitable fundraising rather than personal expense coverage. The platform is particularly strong for UK-based memorial giving with automatic Gift Aid reclaim.

FundRazr

FundRazr positions itself as a supportive platform specifically for covering funeral and memorial costs, emphasizing its ability to help families "during this difficult time." Its unique "Optional Tips" system allows families to potentially raise money without paying any platform fees.

The Primary Appeal: Speed and Simplicity in a Time of Need
The platform's messaging focuses on getting a fundraiser started quickly and easily. It promises that users can "set up your free memorial fundraiser in minutes" and "reach your goal fast," emphasizing rapid setup and social media-driven outreach. FundRazr's standout feature is its 0% platform fee model, where 85-95% of donors optionally cover the payment processing costs. This means families can potentially keep 98.5% of funds raised, making it one of the most cost-effective options available.

Fee Structure:

Platform Fee: 0% with Optional Tips model; covered by donors in Fee Recovery model
Payment Processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (varies by region/payment processor)
Nonprofit Rates: Reduced rates may be available for memorial funds set up through nonprofits
Average Kept: Campaigns typically keep 98.5% of funds raised due to donor-covered fees

Key Features Highlighted for Memorial Fundraising:

Free Setup: It is free to create a memorial fundraiser.
Social Media Integration: Emphasis is placed on sharing the fundraiser "with friends, family – and even strangers – on social media."
Flexible Funding: Choose between "Keep It All" (immediate access) or "All or Nothing" (goal-based) campaigns
Multiple Payment Options: PayPal, Stripe, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Quick Payouts: Funds deposited regularly (daily, weekly, or monthly) based on your preference
International Support: Available in 25+ countries via Stripe and 26+ via PayPal

Global Accessibility:

Supported Processors: Stripe (25+ countries) and PayPal (26+ countries)
US/UK/Canada: Full support for both payment processors
Other Countries: Stripe or PayPal depending on location
Mobile Payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank payments (US only)

Security and Trust:

Direct Processing: Funds go straight to your PayPal/Stripe account
No Fund Holding: FundRazr never touches or holds your money
Secure Compliance: PCI-compliant through trusted payment partners
Transparent Tracking: Real-time dashboard with full financial visibility

Ideal For	Less Ideal For	Key Considerations
Families wanting maximum cost control	Those preferring simple, fixed fee structures	Donor willingness to cover fees significantly impacts final costs
Tech-comfortable families able to choose between models	Campaigns in unsupported countries	"Keep It All" vs. "All or Nothing" choice affects fund access timing
International families needing multi-currency support	Those uncomfortable explaining fee options to donors	Payment processor availability depends on country
Situations where 98.5% average retention is appealing	Very urgent need for same-hour fund access	Regular payout schedules provide predictable access

NOTE: FundRazr offers exceptional flexibility with its dual pricing models. The Optional Tips approach allows most families to raise funds with 0% platform fees. Verify supported countries and payment processor availability for your location.