Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with the financial burden of funeral expenses can make the situation even more overwhelming.
Funeral expenses can quickly mount up, frequently putting a heavy financial burden on the bereaved family. The average cremation in the US costs $4,000 to $7,000, depending on the type. Many people struggle with unforeseen costs, including those for burial or cremation, caskets or urns, memorial services, and other related expenses.
In this article, you will discover a list of the top 15 charities that help with funeral costs. These organizations offer burial assistance for the uninsured, from financial aid to emotional support, ensuring that grieving families can lay their loved ones to rest with dignity and peace of mind. Let’s get this started.
| S.No | Name | URL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Children Burial Assistance | Children Burial Assistance |
| 2 | Final Farewell | Final Farewell |
| 3 | The Tears Foundation | The Tears Foundation |
| 4 | Funeral Consumers Alliance | Funeral Consumers Alliance |
| 5 | The Hebrew Free Burial Association | Hebrew Free Burial Association |
| 6 | Funeral Service Foundation | Funeral Service Foundation |
| 7 | Family of God Ministry | Family of God Ministry |
| 8 | Jewish Federation | Jewish Federation |
| 9 | Catholic Charities Burial Assistance | Catholic Charities |
| 10 | Masjid-AI-Wali | Masjid-AI-Wali |
| 11 | Department of Human Services | Department of Human Services |
| 12 | US Department of Veteran Affairs | US Department of Veteran Affairs |
| 13 | National Cemeteries | National Cemeteries |
| 14 | Social Security Administration | Social Security Administration |
| 15 | FEMA Funeral Assistance | FEMA Funeral Assistance |
| 16 | Office of Victims of Crime | Office of Victims of Crime |
| 17 | Veterans Benefit | Veterans Benefits |
| 18 | Medicaid Funeral Assistance | Medicaid Burial Benefits |
| 19 | County or Local Help | County or Local Help |
| 20 | Burial Assistance Programs | Burial Assistance Programs |
| 21 | Tribal Burial Assistance Programs | Tribal Burial Assistance |
| 22 | Crime Victim Burial Assistance Programs | Crime Victim Burial Assistance |
Jump to
- Charities that Help with Funeral Costs:
- Religious based
- Government organizations
- 11. Dept. of Human Services
- 12. US Dept. of Veteran Affairs
- 13. National Cemeteries
- 14. Social Security Dept.
- 15. FEMA Funeral Assistance
- 16. Office of Victims of Crime
- 17. Veterans Benefit
- 18. Medicaid Funeral Assistance
- 19. County or Local Help
- 20. Burial Assistance Programs
- 21. Tribal Burial Assistance Programs
- 22. Crime Victim Burial Assistance Programs
- 23. Red Cross Funeral Help
- Contact Details:
- State Help with Funeral Costs
- Tips for Finding State and Local Charities
- Funeral Fundraising Ideas
- Charities that Help with Funeral Costs UK
- FAQs about Charities that help with funeral costs
- Final Thoughts
Charities that Help with Funeral Costs:
1. Children Burial Assistance
Children Burial Assistance helps with funeral costs for a parent who has lost a child by providing financial aid for funeral expenses, including burial or cremation costs, caskets, transportation, and more.
They offer compassionate support and work closely with families to ensure a dignified farewell.
Eligibility typically includes income limits, proof of the child’s age and death, and documentation of funeral expenses.
2. Final Farewell funeral assistance
Final Farewell helps individuals and families who cannot afford total funeral costs, ensuring a dignified farewell for everyone.
They offer financial aid for funeral home services, cremation or burial fees, transportation, and memorial services.
They also guide affordable arrangements. Eligibility criteria include income limits, proof of financial need, and documentation of funeral expenses.
Official Website:
3. The Tears Foundation
The Tears Foundation provides financial assistance for funeral expenses and emotional support to families who have lost a baby due to stillbirth, miscarriage, or early infant death.
They cover costs like burial, cremation, caskets, and memorial services and offer ongoing support through counseling, support groups, and resources. They aim to alleviate financial burdens and provide compassionate care during grieving.
4. Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a national nonprofit that empowers families to make informed funeral decisions. They provide resources on funeral costs, legal rights, and alternative arrangements.
They advocate for fair pricing and ethical practices in the funeral industry. Their support is available nationwide, and there are no specific eligibility requirements.
5. The Hebrew Free Burial Association
The Hebrew Free Burial Association provides free, dignified burials for Jewish individuals who cannot afford funeral expenses.
They offer burial arrangements, graveside ceremonies, and support for grieving families, ensuring respectful burials regardless of financial situation.
Eligibility is based on financial need and Jewish heritage, with required documentation including proof of income and evidence of Jewish ancestry.
6. Funeral Service Foundation
The Funeral Service Foundation is a nonprofit supporting funeral service professionals and their communities.
They offer scholarships, educational opportunities, and grants to enhance the profession and promote compassionate care.
Their programs focus on advancing skills, supporting bereavement initiatives, and aiding community outreach. Eligibility for support varies by program.
Official Website:
Funeral Service Foundation – Strengthening Funeral Service
7. Family of God Ministry
Family of God Ministry assists individuals and families with funeral costs for those facing financial difficulties.
They provide financial aid for burial or cremation, caskets, and related expenses.
In addition to financial support, they offer emotional guidance and resources to help families during the grieving process, ensuring everyone receives a dignified farewell.
Religious based
8. Jewish Federation
The Jewish Federation provides financial assistance for funeral expenses, including burial or cremation fees, caskets, and related costs.
They ensure that Jewish traditions are respected and offer resources and guidance for navigating the funeral planning process according to Jewish customs.
9. Catholic Charities Burial Assitance
Catholic Church Charities offers financial aid for funeral expenses and spiritual support, including prayers, counseling, and bereavement services. They assist with costs such as burial or cremation fees, caskets, and other related expenses.
10. Masjid-AI-Wali
Masjid-AI-Wali is a mosque or Islamic center that also assists individuals and families within the Muslim community who need support with funeral costs. They aim to ensure that Islamic funeral customs and practices are upheld during times of loss.
Masjid-AI-Wali can offer financial aid to help cover funeral expenses, including burial or cremation fees, caskets or urns, and related costs.
They can also provide guidance and resources to help families navigate funeral planning through Islamic traditions. Additionally, they offer emotional support and spiritual counseling to those grieving the loss of a loved one.
Government organizations
11. Dept. of Human Services
The Department of Human Services offers financial aid to eligible individuals and families to help with funeral costs.
This assistance can cover burial or cremation fees, caskets, urns, transportation, and other related expenses. Availability and specifics vary by state or locality.
12. US Dept. of Veteran Affairs
The US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) supports honorably discharged veterans and their families.
They provide burial benefits and assistance with funeral expenses as a token of appreciation for their service. The VA offers a range of burial benefits to eligible veterans, including access to national cemeteries, gravesite markers or headstones, and financial assistance for funeral expenses.
They have programs and resources to ensure veterans receive a dignified farewell, including support for maintaining remains and military funeral honors.
Veteran spouse burial benefits
Veteran spouse burial benefits provide spouses, dependents, and survivors with a final resting place in VA national cemeteries, including burial with the veteran and headstone inscription.
These benefits are available even if the veteran isn’t buried in a VA cemetery or has passed away before the veteran. To check eligibility, apply for Pre-Need Burial Eligibility.
If needed, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office and provide the veteran’s discharge documents. Families are responsible for funeral provider costs.
Click here to know more details.
13. National Cemeteries
National cemeteries, managed by the US Department of Veteran Affairs, provide burial services to veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependents.
These cemeteries offer a final resting place that honors the service and sacrifice of those who served in the military. National cemeteries provide burial services for eligible individuals, including interment of remains, gravesite preparation, and perpetual care of the burial site.
They offer veterans the opportunity to be laid to rest in a hallowed ground alongside fellow service members, symbolizing their dedication to the nation.
14. Social Security Dept.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support to eligible individuals and their families, including some assistance with funeral costs.
This support is intended to ease the financial burden on families during the loss of a loved one. The SSA offers a one-time death benefit payment to the surviving spouse or dependent children of an eligible individual.
This payment can be used to help cover funeral expenses.
15. FEMA Funeral Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers funeral assistance to individuals who have lost loved ones in a federally declared disaster.
This program provides financial support to help cover funeral expenses incurred due to the disaster. The FEMA Funeral Assistance program offers financial assistance to eligible individuals for costs such as burial or cremation, caskets or urns, and transportation.
It is specifically designed to provide support during extraordinary circumstances when disaster-related deaths occur.
16. Office of Victims of Crime
The Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) provides assistance and support to individuals and families who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to a crime.
They offer financial aid to help with funeral expenses and other related costs. The OVC provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and families to cover funeral costs resulting from a crime.
This can include expenses for burial or cremation, caskets or urns, and transportation. The program aims to provide support and alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by crime victims.
17. Veterans Benefit
Veteran’s benefits from the VA include financial support for funeral costs. This can cover burial or cremation fees, transportation, and related expenses. Eligibility depends on the veteran’s service history, disability status, and other criteria.
18. Medicaid Funeral Assistance
Medicaid funeral assistance helps cover funeral costs for eligible individuals.
- Eligibility: The deceased or their estate must qualify for Medicaid.
- Coverage: Varies by state, often covering burial or cremation fees.
- Application: Contact your local Medicaid office for details and provide the necessary documentation.
- State Variability: Assistance and amounts differ by state.
Contact Details:
FSSA: DFR: About the Burial Assistance Program (in.gov)
19. County or Local Help
County or local governments often have programs or resources to assist individuals and families with funeral costs.
These programs aim to support those who cannot qualify for other forms of assistance. County or local help can include financial aid for funeral expenses, access to discounted services, or referrals to community organizations that offer burial assistance.
The specific programs and services available can vary depending on the location and the resources provided by the county or local government.
20. Burial Assistance Programs
Burial assistance programs are offered by various nonprofit organizations or community-based initiatives to assist individuals and families with financial support for funeral expenses.
Burial assistance programs can provide financial aid for burial or cremation costs, caskets or urns, transportation, and related expenses.
These programs often have specific eligibility criteria, such as income limits or residency requirements. They aim to ease the financial burden on families during their loss and ensure a dignified farewell for their loved ones.
21. Tribal Burial Assistance Programs
Tribal burial assistance programs are specific to Native American tribes or nations.
They offer support to tribal members and their families and ensure that cultural traditions and customs are respected during funeral arrangements.
Tribal burial assistance programs can provide financial aid for funeral costs, including burial or cremation fees, caskets or urns, transportation, and related expenses.
22. Crime Victim Burial Assistance Programs
Crime victim burial assistance programs are available to individuals and families who have lost a loved one as a result of a crime.
These programs aim to provide financial support and resources during a difficult time. Crime victim burial assistance programs offer financial aid to cover funeral expenses resulting from a crime.
This can include expenses for burial or cremation, caskets or urns, transportation, and related costs.
23. Red Cross Funeral Help
If a death is related to a disaster, such as a house fire, you can contact the American Red Cross at 1–800-RED-CROSS for assistance.
They provide a fixed amount of financial aid to help with burial expenses. Additionally, the Red Cross offers health, mental health, and spiritual care services to support coping with the loss.
You can find the complete guide here
Contact Details:
Phone: 833-429-0094
funeral assistance for cancer patients
State Help with Funeral Costs
State assistance for funeral costs varies widely across the United States, and the type of help available can depend on the state or county where the deceased resided. For instance:
- Georgia doesn’t provide direct state assistance for funeral or burial costs but offers help through county Departments of Family & Children Services, with contributions ranging from $350 to $1,200.
- Hawaii offers assistance under the “Funeral Program Payment,” with benefits up to $400 for funeral expenses and $400 for burial.
- Illinois assists those receiving support from specific programs, with benefits up to $1,103 for a funeral and $552 for cremation/burial.
- Maine has a General Assistance program for burial and cremation, with maximum benefits of $785 and $1,125 for burial, paid directly to the funeral director.
Tips for Finding State and Local Charities
Look for Local Memorial Societies:
Local memorial societies are nonprofit groups that teach and support people and families in making funeral and end-of-life plans.
These organizations frequently have resources and knowledge about regional organizations that aid with funeral expenses.
Reach out to churches and other religious organizations
These groups are frequently very active in the communities where they are located and can have programs or resources that might help people and families with the cost of funerals.
They could also put you in touch with local churches that help with funeral expenses.
Call 211
Call 211 to learn about state and local aid programs, including those that assist with burial costs. A confidential helpline called 211 connects people with local resources and services.
Dial 211 on your phone to contact a knowledgeable operator who can tell you more about regional programs and charities that offer aid with funeral costs.
They can provide information on eligibility requirements and application processes and walk you through gaining access to these services.
Funeral Fundraising Ideas
Exploring various funeral fundraising ideas can provide the financial assistance needed during such challenging times. Here are some innovative and meaningful ideas gathered from multiple sources:
- Benefit Sports Tournament: Organizing a sports event based on the deceased’s favorite sport can serve as a tribute and a fundraising activity. Securing a low-cost venue like a park or community center allows for broad participation, and attendees contribute by paying for their participation.
- Restaurant Fundraiser and Storytelling Night: Partnering with a local restaurant for a fundraiser can benefit both parties. The restaurant gains new customers and community recognition, while the event provides an opportunity to share memorable stories about loved ones.
- Community Mural Project: For someone who was an active community member, creating a mural in their honor could be a poignant way to commemorate their life and contributions. This project raises funds and enriches the community’s cultural landscape.
- Memorial Potluck: Hosting a potluck where guests bring dishes that were either favorites of the deceased or remind them of the person is a heartfelt way to bring people together and share in the memory of a loved one.
- Tree Planting Event: A tree-planting event symbolizes growth and life continuing. It can be made into a fundraising event where participants donate to have a tree planted in memory of the deceased. This gesture offers a lasting tribute that friends and family can visit and cherish.
- **Compile and Sell Recipe Books**: Gathering and compiling favorite recipes of the deceased into a cookbook is a unique way to celebrate their life and culinary tastes. Selling these books can raise funds while sharing beloved recipes with a broader audience.
- Hug-a-Grams: This unique idea involves sending hugs to friends and family for a fee, potentially including a personalized note. It’s a warm, comforting way to support each other while raising funds.
- Non-Event Fundraiser: A creative and low-effort fundraising idea where you invite people not to attend an event. Instead, they donate the money they would have spent on going out directly to pay for the funeral expenses.
- Penny Drive: Collecting spare change from community members can add up. Partner with local businesses to place collection jars in high-traffic areas, explain the cause, and encourage donations.
- Memories Night is an event centered on sharing favorite memories of the deceased. It can involve a dinner or a more casual gathering where guests can share stories and donate towards funeral costs.
- Bake Sale: A classic fundraising approach, bake sales can bring a community together through the shared love of food. All proceeds go towards funeral expenses.
- Sing-a-thon: Organize a singing event featuring the deceased’s favorite songs. Charge admission and sell concessions, and attendees can request songs for additional donations.
- Charity Auction: Solicit donated items from local businesses and hold an auction. This raises funds and can include personal items that tell a story about the loved one.
- Silent Auction: Like a charity auction, bids are placed silently. This can be an engaging way to raise funds, with the potential for unique and meaningful items up for grabs.
- Walkathons: Encourage community members to participate in a walkathon in memory of their loved ones. This can foster a sense of community support and solidarity.
Also Read: 12 Best Funeral Fundraiser Wording Examples You Can Use
How to raise a successful funeral fundraise?
Create an Emotional Fundraising Story: Write a moving account of your loved one’s influence.
Including this tale in your fundraising effort can arouse sympathy and establish an emotional connection with potential donors.
Establish a Practical Fundraising Goal:
Choose a reasonable goal for your fundraising effort based on the anticipated funeral costs. Distinguish the costs and explain how the money will be used. This openness will help potential donors better comprehend the goal of the fundraising.
Use trustworthy Online Fundraising sites:
Use trustworthy online fundraising sites like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Givebutter to create your fundraising campaign.
To reach a larger audience, these platforms include simple setup, sharing possibilities, and secure payment processing.
Engage Your Social Network:
Use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread the word about your fundraising initiative to your friends, family, and acquaintances.
To increase the impact of your plea, encourage them to spread the word about it among their contacts.
Express your gratitude by publicly thanking your donors: This demonstrates how much you value their support.
Send them a message, an email, or a handwritten letter of appreciation. Thank you notes help to maintain a sense of community and promote ongoing support.
Charities that Help with Funeral Costs UK
- The Funeral Expenses Payment (UK Government)
- Quaker Social Action
- Salvation Army Burial Assistance
- The Royal British Legion
- The Child Funeral Charity
- The Society of St Vincent de Paul
- Turn2us
- The Cinnamon Trust
- Cruse Bereavement Care
- The Family Fund
FAQs about Charities that help with funeral costs
Does the VA pay for funeral costs?
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers burial benefits to eligible veterans and their families. These benefits can help cover funeral costs.
Does Medicare pay for funeral costs?
There are no Medicare funeral benefits provided. Medicare is a health insurance program that primarily provides coverage for medical services and treatments for eligible individuals 65 years or older or those with certain disabilities.
Does the Red Cross help with funeral expenses?
If the death is due to a disaster like a house fire, you can reach out to the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-Cross.
What is the best fundraising platform for funeral expenses?
GoFundMe is the best platform for funeral expenses due to its ease of use and broad reach.
Is there any funeral assistance for cancer patients?
Yes, organizations like the American Cancer Society offer financial aid for funeral expenses. Local charities and community groups may also provide support.
Final Thoughts
Organizing a funeral and managing the bills associated with it can be difficult and upsetting. Services are available to lessen the financial strain and offer support during this trying time.
Individuals and families who find it challenging to pay for funeral expenses might receive support from charitable organizations, government programs, and community initiatives.
Reach out, ask for assistance, and let them lead you through paying respect and dignity to your loved one’s memory.