Have you ever observed that after a loved one departs, some people request donations in place of flowers? The concept is that while the flowers will fade over time, a donation will benefit the surviving family. It’s always a good idea to comply with those requests.
Sometimes you’ll be asked to donate to a specific organization, while other times you’ll be asked to donate to your favorite charity. That brings us to the focus of this guide. Below, we’ll be having an in-depth look at how to make a donation in memory of someone.
What Is a Memorial Donation?
A memorial donation is a charitable gift made in memory of someone who has passed away. It’s easy to make a memorial donation; all you have to do is pick an organization and a donation amount. The funds can then be donated to the organization through their website, by mailing a check, or by placing it in an envelope provided by the funeral home at the funeral or visitation.
What’s the Appropriate Way to Make a Memorial Donation Appropriate?
Making a donation in memory of someone who has passed away is often acceptable. It’s a thoughtful gesture in honor of the deceased, and their loved ones are likely to appreciate it.
If the obituary requests memorial donations instead of flowers, it signifies that the family wishes for people to make donations in their loved one’s honor rather than send flowers. In such scenarios, a memorial donation is an ideal solution.
If the obituary requests flowers, that doesn’t rule out making a memorial donation as well. Following the family’s wishes is a good idea, so if they’ve requested that flowers be given to a certain area, consider sending a small floral arrangement along with a memorial donation.
You can still make a memorial donation if the obituary doesn’t mention it. The family may not have considered it, or they may have opted not to mention it in the obituary.
Some obituaries propose making a donation to the family to assist with funeral expenses. That’s still considered a memorial gift, and it may be much-needed if the death was sudden and/or the family is struggling financially.
How Much Should You Donate?
There’s no fixed amount that you must donate in memory of someone. A memorial donation might be as small or as huge as the donor desires. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to honor someone special with a donation, $5 is an excellent choice. If that’s all you can afford, there’s no shame in donating a few dollars.
On the other hand, if you have the resources and would want to make a larger memorial donation, the recipient will undoubtedly appreciate it. Any amount donated in memory of a loved one is a thoughtful gesture.
How Do You Donate in Memory of Someone?
If you intend on attending the funeral or visiting the surviving family, that’s a convenient place to make a memorial donation. Here, donation envelopes, provided by the funeral home with an area for you to write your name and address, will almost certainly be available. You can place cash or a check in this envelope and drop it in the designated basket or box.
However, if the deceased’s family has designated a memorial donation charity organization, you should follow their lead. Organizations receiving memorial donations are usually chosen because the deceased had a specific affection for that cause, or because they expressed a wish for friends and relatives to support the organization before their death.
If you’re looking for a reliable charitable organization to make a donation in memory of someone, you can check on Food For Life (FFL). Here, you can rest assured that your memorial donation to the late loved one will be used appropriately.
What Do You Write on a Donation Card in Memory of Someone?
You can send money and a note to the organization, as well as a donation letter to the survivors, to honor the family’s wishes. It’s nice if you want to send flowers as well, but it’s not often required. Simply ensure that your donation is at least equal to the cost of flowers. More is always welcome. Keep in mind that the majority of charity donations are tax-deductible.
When the survivors want you to donate to a charity of your choice, you must follow the memorial donation etiquette. When making a donation in someone’s honour, write the following on the donation letter:
- The name of the deceased
- The address of the deceased
- The names of the family of the deceased
- The address of the surviving family members
- Your name
- A consoling remark conveying condolences to people who knew the deceased.
- A message of hope to the deceased’s family
Besides these, you can also include something that you want to express to the family directly. Whatever you choose to write, you must do it out of sincerity. This format can also be employed to write a sample donation letter in memory of someone which is often written by the deceased before their passing to potential donors.
When Should You Donate?
If you find that the family has asked for financial memorials/gifts, you should make your donation as quickly as possible when an obituary or death notice is published in a newspaper, on a funeral provider’s website, or on social media.
Making donations in memory of the deceased to a funeral or memorial ceremony as quickly as possible ensures that your gift reaches the intended recipient. If you’re unable to make a cash gift before the funeral or memorial ceremony, attempt to do so within seven days following the event. In this way, the relatives of the deceased will be grateful for your efforts.
Final Words
Making a donation in memory of someone is a way to express your honour for the deceased. No one prays to be in such situations but it’s a life event. All we need to do is to be prepared when the time comes.
While making your donations, you must do it the right way just as the family of the deceased wants it. Most times, the family would request you donate through a charity organization. In that case, Food For Life (FFL) has got you covered in making sure your donations are delivered properly to the family of the deceased.
