7 Funeral Fundraising Ideas to Cover Costs

Funerals in the U.S. now cost close to $8,000 on average, and that price tag catches a lot of families off guard. When the bill outpaces what's in savings, many turn to community fundraising to close the gap.

Asking for help with funeral or memorial costs isn't just about the money — it gives friends, neighbors, and coworkers a way to show up for you. Whatever you raise can go toward the funeral or cremation itself, a life celebration event, or even a scholarship set up in your loved one's name.

Below are seven straightforward ways to raise funds for a funeral or memorial.

Online crowdfunding

Setting up an online fundraiser is one of the fastest ways to gather donations for funeral or cremation expenses. Most crowdfunding platforms let you launch a campaign for free, and a well-shared page can spread quickly. Keep in mind, though, that sites like GoFundMe typically take a processing fee out of what you collect.

Look for a GoFundMe template built for funerals to get your campaign started faster. Once it's live, share it widely and set a goal that feels realistic rather than aspirational. Include a few photos of your loved one, too — a page with a face and a story tends to draw far more support than one without.

A potluck in their memory

Sharing a meal has always been a natural way to bring people together after a loss. Invite friends and relatives to a potluck, ask each person to bring a dish, and charge a modest entry fee at the door. A friendly raffle for the best dish can add a bit more to the total. Because coordinating a potluck takes real effort, keep a shared list so dishes don't overlap, and don't hesitate to hand the logistics to a friend or relative if you're not up for it yourself.

A bowl-a-thon

A bowling fundraiser works well because it draws people of every age. Have teams register with an entry fee, and consider selling custom t-shirts printed in memory of the person who died.

Because bowling naturally brings out some friendly rivalry, reach out to local businesses and ask them to donate prizes for the top teams — it's an easy way to get more of the community involved.

A bingo night

Bingo night is another fundraiser that welcomes all ages. Charge either a flat entry fee or a per-game fee to raise money for funeral and burial costs, and sell snacks and drinks on the side for extra income. Local shops and organizations are often willing to donate prizes for the winners.

To give the evening more meaning, pick a theme that honors your loved one and set out a guest book where people can leave a note of condolence.

A memorial walk or run

A memorial walk or run tends to draw a good turnout, especially in nice weather. Ask participants to register by making a donation to the memorial fund or crowdfunding page, and post the event details on your loved one's memorial Facebook page to reach more people. Sell personalized t-shirts or water bottles at the event, and make time to thank everyone who came out to support you.

A penny drive

Small change adds up faster than you'd think. Place penny jars in as many spots around town as you can, and spread the word both online and by talking to people directly. Ask local restaurants and shops if they'll host a jar, and print flyers that share a bit about your loved one along with your fundraising goal.

A bake sale

A bake sale is one of the simplest and cheapest fundraisers to run. Ask family, friends, and neighbors to donate baked goods, then set up in a busy spot where lots of people will pass by. Promote it online and hang flyers around the neighborhood to bring in more traffic. You can even pair the bake sale with your online crowdfunding page — just bring a laptop so people can donate on the spot.

Why timing matters when fundraising for a funeral

Keep in mind that several of these ideas take real time to plan and pull off — which can be a problem if you need money right away. One way to sidestep that pressure altogether is to plan and pay for a funeral in advance. Pre-planning locks in today's prices and spares your family the scramble of fundraising under a tight deadline later on.