Alleviate Your Misconceptions About Memorial Donations And Do Them Right

When many people die today, their obituaries or death notice will often ask loved ones and others who want to make a gift in memory of the deceased to not provide flowers. They will be asked to provide a gift or financial donation in the name of the deceased to a particular organization, charity or cause. These are known as memorial donations. Most people believe it is a good idea to honor these requests. It is possible to provide a memorial donation to an organization working to provide a cure for the ailment that caused the death of the deceased. There may be a request to provide a financial donation to an organization the deceased was connected with and more.

What is a Memorial Donation?

A memorial donation could be the result of a request from a deceased's family members. It is also possible requesting memorial donations is part of a deceased's will and more. Making a memorial donation is a way to show respect to the family of the deceased as well as honoring the requests of the deceased. Should someone not be sure if a memorial donation has been requested, it is possible to check with a funeral coordinator. They should have all the necessary information. It is also often listed in the obituary. If a person wants to make a memorial donation, they should do it as soon as possible after learning about it. People are advised to make a memorial donation within ten days after a funeral or memorial service.

Common Memorial Donation Misconceptions

• Tax Deductible – Many people who make memorial donations may not realize their donation could be tax deductible. If a person has a question about their donation being able to be deducted on their tax return, they should speak with a tax professional.
• Family Notification – It’s not common for an organization to notify family members of the names of the people who provided a donation in the name of the deceased. It is common for an organization like the American Cancer Society and others, to send a card to the family acknowledging a donation was received in the name of the deceased.
• Not Just Cash – A person can make a memorial donation of cash but can also provide property as well as securities. This could involve real estate as well as personal property. People have donated vehicles, plots of land, boats and more.

Memorial Donation Etiquette

The families of the deceased are probably not concerned with the amount of a memorial donation. They will appreciate any amount. It is important a person not donate more than is comfortable for their budget. In this situation, the thought is more important than the actual dollar amount. It is acceptable to make an online donation, but the family may not be immediately aware a donation had been made in the name of the deceased. Many people will make a financial gift equal to the amount they would have spent on sending flowers. It is acceptable to speak with the family about the organization that will receive the donations. This information could also influence the amount of a donation. Such a request should only be done when the memorial service has been over for a few days.

When a person decides to donate using a personal check, it important they don’t make it out to Memorial Fund. It is also not a good idea to list the name of the family as the payee on the personal check. If the exact name of the organization receiving the memorial donation isn't immediately known, it is possible to contact them directly.

Some people will put cash in the sympathy card and drop them off after the memorial service or funeral. Should the family request people make a donation to a specific organization, charity or cause, it should never be done by giving cash to the family. This will provide the family with the burden of getting the donation to the desired organization. It can make the grieving process even more difficult.

It is important to remember when someone donates to a memorial fund, the recipient can use the money as they feel is necessary. It is possible for memorial donations to help the deceased's family with debts and more. Should a person want their donation to be used in a certain way, it is also possible to request this from an organization.