Crowdfunding Farewells — How GoFundMe Helps Families Cover Rising Cremation Costs
Published May 2025 • Data sources: NFDA 2024 Cremation & Burial Report; GoFundMe Giving Reports; Reuters Fact-Check; SunLife Cost-of-Dying Survey.
The NFDA reports that the median funeral-with-cremation cost rose from $5,110 in 2016 to $6,500 in 2024. Many families simply can’t cover that outlay. That’s where crowdfunding steps in: GoFundMe’s Memorial & Funeral category now raises over $330 million annually to help relatives afford dignified farewells.
Why Cremation Costs Keep Climbing
Even “direct cremation” (no memorial service) averages between $2,000 and $3,200. Add urns, permits, and a small reception, and costs quickly eclipse $5,000.
GoFundMe by the Numbers
| Metric | 2019 | 2021 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total raised | $190 M | $275 M | $330 M |
| Avg. donation | $65 | $73 | $81 |
| Avg. campaign goal | $8,200 | $9,600 | $10,900 |
| Avg. % of goal met | 71 % | 76 % | 79 % |
*Compiled from GoFundMe Giving Reports and platform API snapshots.*
Real-Life Success Stories
- “Celebrate Don’el Phillips” raised $18,200 in five days after going viral on local news (Local News Channel, April 2024).
- The LaRoche brothers’ dual memorial surpassed its $25,000 goal by sharing childhood photos and milestone stories (Campaign organizer update, GoFundMe, 2024).
- UK families used memorial crowdfunding twice as often in 2024 versus 2023 (SunLife Cost-of-Dying Study, 2024).
Five Tips for Maximum Impact
- Lead with the person. A favorite photo plus two heartfelt sentences about their life draws donors in more than a cost breakdown.
- Break down expenses. Transparency—show how each $100 covers permits, urns, or reception costs.
- Post updates every 48 hours. Regular updates correlate with a 20 % lift in donations.
- Ask for shares first. Every social share yields approximately $37 in additional gifts.
- Thank publicly. Acknowledging donors by name builds trust and encourages new contributions.
Is Crowdfunding Right for Your Family?
If privacy is paramount, consider funeral-home payment plans or credit-union memorial loans. But when loved ones want to help, a transparent GoFundMe link provides an immediate, heartfelt way to contribute.
Create My Campaign »This article is informational and not affiliated with GoFundMe Inc. Figures are based on public reports as of May 2025. Review platform terms and local regulations before launching a fundraiser.
