A good memorial fund page answers four things in a few short paragraphs: who they were, what happened, how gifts will help, and how people can take part, such as sharing a memory. Keep it honest and simple. People want to know the person and know their gift matters.
Keep It Short and True
People are not looking for a perfect obituary. They want to know who this person was and how they can help. Four short parts are enough, and you can always add more later.
For Steve's page, we led with where his heart lived: with his wife and four kids. We said exactly what the gifts would do, which was keep the kids' college plans on track. We said no gift was too small. And we told people that if giving was not possible, sharing the page or leaving a memory meant just as much.
Sam Farrington, FounderA Simple Structure
- 1Who they were
One or two sentences about the person and what they loved most.
- 2What happened
Share only what you are comfortable sharing. "Passed away suddenly" is enough.
- 3How gifts will help
Funeral costs, household bills, or a fund for the kids. Be specific if you can.
- 4An invitation
Ask people to share a memory or pass the page along. Families treasure these.
Opening Lines
If you knew [Name], you knew where his heart lived: with his family.
[Name] loved a good joke, a long hike, and anyone who needed a friend.
[Name] was a wife, a mom, and the first person anyone called for help.
Explaining How Gifts Will Help
Gifts will help carry forward the plans [Name] always had for the kids, starting with college.
Gifts will help [Name]'s family with bills and everyday needs in the months ahead.
Gifts will help the family cover funeral costs so they can focus on being together.
Inviting People In
There is no obligation, and no gift is too small. If giving is not possible right now, please share this page or leave a memory.
If you have a memory of [Name], please share it below. The family will read every one.
If [Name] ever showed up for you, with a favor, a laugh, or just his time, this is a way to show up for his family now.
A Full Example
Elena was a second grade teacher who knew every student's name and favorite color. She passed away suddenly on September 8. Gifts will help her family with funeral costs and bringing her home. If you have a memory of Elena, please share it below. Her family will read every one.
Common Questions
How long should a memorial fund description be?
Three or four short paragraphs is plenty. Most people read it on a phone.
Should I share the cause of death?
Only if you want to. Saying they passed away suddenly or after an illness is enough.
Can I change the page after it is live?
Yes. You can edit the story, photos, and service details any time.
What if I cannot find the words?
Pick a few words that describe them and use our story starter. It writes a first draft you can change.