How to Set Up a Memorial Fundraising Page
A guide from Cherished Book, where families make a memorial together.
A memorial fundraising page lets people give in someone's memory, to a charity they cared about or towards the funeral. This guide covers the choices, what to write, wording for "in lieu of flowers", and how to share the page so people can find it.
Charity, or funeral costs?
Most memorial fundraising pages do one of two things. An in memory page for a charity sends donations to a cause that mattered to them: the hospice that cared for them, a medical charity, an animal rescue. Many families ask for this "in lieu of flowers". A crowdfunding page for the family helps with the cost of the funeral, or supports a partner or children left behind.
Both are right. It helps to choose one main purpose, and to say plainly where the money goes, because people give more readily when they know.
Setting one up
A few decisions before you start make the page easier for everyone.
- Check whether the charity has its own in memory or tribute fund page. Many larger charities do, and they keep it open for years.
- For a charity, an in memory page on a site such as JustGiving sends the money straight to the charity. For family costs, a crowdfunding site such as GoFundMe is more usual.
- Decide who manages it. One person, agreed by the family, should own the page and thank donors.
- Use a photo they would have liked, and their name in the title.
- Set a target if it helps, or leave it open. Neither is wrong.
- Read the site's terms and fees before you share it, so there are no surprises later.
What to write
Keep it short and warm. Adapt these to your words.
“In memory of [name], who died on [date]. [She] was cared for so kindly by [hospice] in [her] last weeks, and we would love to give something back. Thank you for anything you can give.”
“Family flowers only, please. If you would like to, you can give in [name]'s memory to [charity], a cause close to [his] heart.”
“We have set up this page to help with the cost of [name]'s funeral. Every gift, however small, helps us give [him] the send-off [he] deserves. Thank you.”
Frequently asked questions
What is a memorial fundraising page?
An online page that collects donations in someone's memory, either for a charity that mattered to them or towards the costs of the funeral. Friends can give from anywhere and leave a message for the family.
Should we raise money for a charity or for the funeral?
Either is fine, and some families do both. A charity page suits "donations in lieu of flowers". A crowdfunding page suits help with funeral costs or support for the family. Say clearly which it is.
Can donations to an in-memory page get Gift Aid?
In the UK, a donation to a registered charity from a UK taxpayer can usually have Gift Aid added, and charity giving pages ask donors to confirm it. Money raised for a person or a family, such as funeral costs, cannot.
Does Cherished Book collect donations?
No. We never collect, hold or pass on money. A Premium memorial can show up to two links to a charity or giving page, such as JustGiving or GoFundMe, and giving happens on that site.
Last reviewed October 2026.
A memorial everyone who loved them can add to.
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