Five Ideas for Recognizing National Grief Awareness Week in Your Community

Helping families navigate the complicated and highly-individualized journey through grief and loss is a natural extension of the services you provide as a deathcare professional. Sometimes, though, the simple act of just recognizing that it’s okay to grieve can be as important as providing the proper tools to help them deal with their loss.

National Grief Awareness Week, which is observed during the first week of December, presents a powerful opportunity for deathcare professionals to show your community that grief is normal, unique, and perfectly acceptable. Sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the week is designed to “raise awareness about grief and loss” and — and it’s a perfect time for funeral homes to deepen family support and strengthen community outreach. 

Here are some ideas gleaned from SAMHSA’s plethora of grief and loss resources:

Normalize grief and encourage conversation

SAMHSA reminds us that grief is “a natural response to loss” and emphasizes that many people experience it differently and may feel isolated. The deathcare community is uniquely positioned to open respectful dialogue during pre-arrangement meetings, service planning, or aftercare/follow-up. Encourage clients and families by reminding them that “there’s no wrong way to grieve” and provide them with resources like SAMHSA’s tip sheet How to Support a Person Who Is Grieving a Loss of Life. By framing grief as expected and shared rather than something to hide, you create an environment of trust and affirmation.

Offer tangible resources and recommendations

Many families may feel lost in the days and weeks after a funeral. Consider creating or curating a short “grief support guide” specific to your community. List local support groups, faith-based grief ministries, grief-informed counselors, and online resources. Include guidance on when grief may require additional support (for example, complicated grief or long-term, intense reactions) and provide contact info for 988, the US crisis line, if urgent help is needed. Embedding this into your aftercare communication acknowledges the ongoing nature of bereavement.

Mark National Grief Awareness Week within your organization

Use this designated week as a moment to show your team’s empathy and community leadership. Simple actions could include sharing social-media posts using the hashtag #NGAW with the graphics and messaging from SAMHSA’s toolkit, which we’ve shared here; hosting a small remembrance event (e.g., a light-a-candle vigil or memory tree for those lost) in your chapel; or offering a brief no-cost “grief check-in” meeting with families served earlier in the year. Engaging in this way reinforces that the relationship doesn’t end with the service.

Train staff in grief-sensitive communication

Behind the scenes, your team plays a vital role. Encourage staff to become familiar with foundational grief concepts: that grief may involve emotional, mental, and physical responses; that it does not follow a linear path; and that cultural, faith, and individual factors shape reaction. Role-play simple supporting statements and cues to listen more than speak. Such preparation ensures all client touchpoints—from funeral directors to administrative staff—demonstrate consistency and compassion.

Follow up long-term and build a memory-focused engagement strategy

The service may be over, but healing continues. Consider scheduling a follow-up call or sending a handwritten note on the anniversary of the loss (or during holidays, which SAMHSA recognizes may trigger reflections). Offer a quarterly email or print mailing with short grief-education content, or partner with local grief support organizations to deliver workshops or webinars. Demonstrating ongoing presence helps families feel less forgotten and reinforces the role of your practice as a pillar of support.

National Grief Awareness Week offers funeral professionals a meaningful occasion not only to raise awareness but to actively enhance care. By normalizing grief, providing resources, marking the week with intentional support, training your team, and maintaining long-term engagement, your practice can make a lasting difference in how families navigate their loss and healing.

Community Crowdfunding for Funeral Directors by Funeral Directors

Many funeral homes have experience with a  young child passing away in their community. 

The family  inquires about services after this sudden, tragic death of a loved one.  Many funeral homes offer to donate goods and services, but the funeral home still needs to cover cash advance items like published obituaries, cemetery open and close, death certificate filing, and more. Then the family and friends, with good intentions, set up a fundraiser using an online crowdfunding platform. 

A genuine action to help the family  inadvertently begins to reflect negatively on your funeral home, making it appear as if you didn’t help them out at all. All this, while the real story is that the funeral services have been donated.  The general public most likely doesn’t know this and doesn’t consider what is happening behind the scene.

“When a community is coming together to help a family in need, that’s good.   However, they should consider all needs of the family, not just the cost of the funeral”,  shared Jimmy Altmeyer, President of Altmeyer Funeral Home and Founder of Treasured Memories.

Similar scenarios encouraged Jimmy and his team to create Treasured Memories Community Funding (TMC Funding): an online fundraising platform created for funeral professionals, by funeral professionals. TMC Funding allows funeral homes to bring crowdfunding in-house while securing funds for families in need to better serve their communities. 

Ultimately, this demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care while enhancing your firm’s public image.

Other community funding platforms exist by taking a portion of the funds raised. Treasured Memories has a 0% platform fee and we provide our services through donor tips.   100% of the donations will go to the family or charity of choice.

Treasured Memories Community funding not only helps a family pay for their loved one’s services, it can also be used to raise money for memorial donations, charitable events, sponsorships and other community organizations. 

“When we built the platform, we were focused on families in need,” explained Jimmy. “What we actually found out is that only 30% of the fundraisers are for families in need. 70% of the funds raised are for successful community outreach and memorial donations.” Crowdfunding can help funeral providers with all types of fundraisers:

Family Support – Funds can be raised for families in need of assistance with funeral, medical and other unexpected expenses.

Memorial Donations – Charities and organizations in someone’s name or in

support a family.

Charitable Events – Raise funds for a specific event happening in your community.

Community Fundraisers – For a local organization in need of support.

Support for Veterans – Raise funds for Veterans’ medical assistance, housing or other necessities.

Loving Pets and Animals – Raise money towards furry friends that require medical assistance, shelter or other efforts.

Community fundraising  opens the door for many funeral homes to support their communities.  When a fundraiser is created, the funeral home has the opportunity to help share the family’s story. 

Both the family and funeral home can begin sharing the fundraiser on social media.  Once the fundraiser is complete, the funeral director can present the check to the family or the organization of their choice.  

“Treasured Memories Community Funding has helped us build relationships in our community.  It has given the funeral home an opportunity to show how families impact the charities in their loved one’s memory,” shared Craig Roe, Vice President and General Manager for Michigan Memorial Funeral Home in Flat Rock, MI.

The increased  publicity will impact your funeral home’s reputation in a positive way .

Treasured Memories Community Funding presents opportunities to follow up with charitable organizations creating community engagement.  Outreach events have the potential to create a cycle of education, community involvement and positive attention for your funeral home.

For more information regarding community fundraising or getting started 

on our platform, please contact us at tmcfunding.com/contact-us.

A Little About Our Founder:

Jimmy Altmeyer, President of Altmeyer Funeral Home & Founder of Treasured Memories, graduated from Villanova University (BA, 1988) and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (Associate’s, 1989). He and his wife, Jocelyn C. Altmeyer, have three children: Simon Cameron, James Elijah, and Justine Virginia.

Preparation is Key to Helping Your Community Navigate Collective Grief

Two Deep South communities are still reeling from separate, yet equally devastating, October tragedies. In the early morning hours of Friday, October 10, a massive explosion leveled a munitions plant in McEwen, Tennessee, taking the lives of 16 employees. Later that day, a high school homecoming celebration in Leland, Mississippi turned deadly, as six people ranging in age from 18 to 41 were shot and killed.

These are the types of communities in which the saying “everyone knows everyone” rings absolutely true. McEwen has a population of just more than 1,700, and Leland is only slightly larger with about 3,600 people. A loss of 16 or 6 souls in one day in these towns can impact every resident; even if someone didn’t personally know a victim, they share in the grief of those who did.

“We have lost so many lifelong friends,” wrote one McEwen resident, who, according to The New York Times, was also a part-time employee at the explosives plant. “All their faces keep running through my head.”

A different kind of grief?

Community grief, or collective grief, happens when a society, group, or nation all experience extreme or sudden loss. It can occur after natural disasters like floods or tornadoes, during war, or, in these cases, a mass casualty accident or human-instigated violence. Collective grief isn’t limited to small towns like McEwen or Leland, either; people all over the country are praying for the families who lost loved ones this weekend. However, the residents of these communities are the hardest hit, and they’re the ones who will be left suffering the consequences long after their tragedy slips from the national headlines.

Although collective grief is unique, it is not completely different from the personal grief a person goes through after the death of a loved one. This grief can occur in the same stages — denial, anger, acceptance, etc. — but on a much larger scale. Therefore, the services that deathcare professionals offer to individuals and families at their times of need are still just as relevant and needed when a community-wide loss occurs.

How you can help

“This type of an event is absolutely devastating to any community,” says Bob Arrington, a well-respected deathcare professional whose Jackson, Tennessee funeral home is located just an hour from the devastated town of McEwen. “Funeral professionals have a lot to offer in many fields dependent on someone requesting the needs. 

In the aftermath of a traumatic community event, many people find comfort in being with others who most likely understand the feelings they’re experiencing. As a deathcare professional, you can leverage your leadership skills and provide assistance by coordinating a public memorial service or vigil and relieving the burden of logistics from victims’ families and authorities. 

You could also offer your funeral home or chapel as a safe, communal space where members of the community can come together to mourn, alleviating the isolation they might feel if they were mourning their losses alone. And when the time is right, you can leverage your expertise in aftercare by connecting community members to appropriate grief resources, hosting grief support groups, or leading educational workshops.

Of course, this assistance can be offered in addition to the ways your community and individual families will need your hands-on and immediate professional deathcare expertise. You may be called upon to set up and man a temporary morgue, for example, or to restore the dignity of a deceased victim whose body has been marred by a violent act.

Preparation is key

Although no one wants to think that a mass casualty event will ever impact their own community, Arrington recommends that every deathcare establishment and professional be prepared ahead of time.

“I feel the best action funeral professionals can take is before an event happens,” Arrington says. “Be prepared and have a plan you can pull off the shelf, whether it be prepared and coordinated through the state associations, regions or districts. That way the projected physical support, grief support, etc. is roughed out and all it needs is fine tuning for the circumstance. In this case, we are dependent upon the unknowns and it becomes reactionary.”

Inside the Power of Community: Why Funeral Home Leaders Are Leaning Into Peer Groups

Barbara Welch didn’t hesitate when I asked her about the value of being part of Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

“I wish I had found Selected earlier,” she said. “There isn’t a problem I have that someone else can’t solve.”

That sentence hit like a hammer. In an industry where owners and directors often operate in their own silos—head down, phones glued to their ears, living in the grind—that kind of support is rare. And powerful.

This Is More Than a Networking Group

If you think associations are just about annual conventions, chicken dinners, and shaking hands in the hotel lobby, you’re missing the point.

What Barbara described isn’t networking. It’s masterminding. Real problem-solving in real time with people who actually get it.

Through Selected’s forums, study groups, and roundtables, she can drop a question into a thread and get a dozen answers from top operators across the country in minutes. Not weeks. Not buried in email chains. Minutes.

“I can ask a question that might feel dumb to me, but to them, it’s easy. And they give me answers I can use tomorrow.”

That’s operational gold.

Collective Brains. Individual Businesses.

Here’s the truth: No one funeral home has all the answers anymore.

• Cremation rates are climbing.
• Staffing expectations are shifting.
• Consumers want speed, options, and experience.
• Tech isn’t optional anymore.

Trying to figure it all out on your own is how good operators get left behind.

Study groups flip the script. One owner might have a killer approach to creative benefits packages. Another has solved night-call burnout. Someone else cracked the code on cremation service upsells. You walk away with playbooks you didn’t have to write yourself.

This is collective intelligence at work.

Vulnerability Is the Cheat Code

Barbara didn’t sugarcoat it. She said these groups only work when people show up ready to be real.

“I’ve heard the word ‘vulnerable’ a lot today. We talk about financials. We lay out problems. It’s real-world problem solving.”

That level of openness doesn’t happen in a trade show booth. It happens in tight-knit circles of owners who know they’re not competing with each other—they’re fighting the same fight.

And here’s the kicker: it’s not just for the big players. Whether you’ve got 10 rooftops or one, a team of 100 or just you and a handful of staff, the power of collective thinking levels the playing field.

When one person in the group figures something out, everyone wins.

The Pace of Change Isn’t Slowing Down

The profession’s slow pace is over. Cremation isn’t “the future”—it’s the now. Consumers aren’t waiting for us to catch up.

That’s why what Barbara shared matters. Access to a trusted group of problem solvers can be the difference between growing and just surviving.

• You can’t outwork this wave.
• You have to outthink it.
• And the fastest way to do that is to plug into people who’ve already solved what you’re struggling with.

This is what the next era of independent funeral service looks like: shared intelligence, not isolated hustle.

A Network That Actually Works

Barbara joined Selected in 2016. She’s still talking about how it changed the game for her business. That says something.

“It’s where I want to be with my family-owned independent mortuary.”

This isn’t about selling memberships. It’s about recognizing the shift happening right under our feet. The most successful operators in death care are no longer the loudest—they’re the best connected.

The Takeaway

If you’re running an independent funeral home and trying to figure it all out alone, you don’t have to.

Plug into a mastermind. Join a study group. Get in rooms where problems are being solved at the speed of text messages. Because the next decade of funeral service will belong to the people who collaborate faster than everyone else.

Learn more about Selected Independent Funeral Homes: https://www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/

OGR and Premier Preneed Marketing Launch Partnership to Strengthen the Independent Funeral Home Community

INDIANAPOLIS (August 28, 2025) – The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), the leading professional association dedicated to independently owned funeral homes, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Premier Preneed Marketing that will help expand OGR’s reach and strengthen the voice of independently owned funeral homes across the US and Canada. This generous incentive removes financial barriers to joining OGR, allowing more funeral home owners to connect with a supportive network, access industry-leading education, and benefit from exclusive member resources.

Through this partnership, Premier Preneed Marketing will fully sponsor the first year of OGR membership dues for funeral homes that become Premier Preneed Marketing customers and join OGR. Current Premier Preneed Marketing customers who join OGR will also have their first year of dues covered. In addition, the company will continue to subsidize dues in the following two years, allowing members to receive a significant reduction in their second and third years of membership.

“This partnership reflects OGR’s commitment to strengthening our relationship with our supply partners and ensuring that independent funeral homes can more easily access the resources and support they need to prosper,” said Wendy King, CAE, CVA, Executive Director/CEO of OGR. 

Program Highlights:

New Members: If a non-member funeral home is a current customer of Premier Preneed Marketing – or becomes one – Premier will pay for their first year of OGR membership in full, then contribute $1,000 toward their second year, and $500 toward their third year of membership.

Current OGR Members: Because Premier Preneed Marketing values and supports OGR’s current members – and not just new ones – the company is making it easier for member funeral homes to attend PROGRESS, OGR’s signature annual event, by offering a partial reimbursement of registration fees.

“Premier Preneed Marketing is proud to partner with OGR in supporting the mission of independently owned funeral homes,” said Jeff Wright, President of Premier Preneed Marketing. “By making OGR membership more accessible, we’re not only helping funeral homes connect with valuable resources and a trusted network, but also ensuring that the independent voice remains strong in our profession for years to come.”

Funeral homes can take advantage of this partnership by contacting Gary Del Vecchio, OGR Director of Member Development, at GDelVecchio@OGR.org or 512-334-5504, ext. 145, or Michelle Fong, Premier Preneed Marketing at michelle.fong@premiersmi.com or 330-697-9343.  

About the International Order of the Golden Rule

The International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) is an association of independently owned and operated funeral homes dedicated to ethical service to all. Founded in 1928, it is our mission to make independent funeral homes exceptional. We do this by building and supporting member interaction, information exchange and professional business development through a wide range of programs, services and resources. For more information, visit www.ogr.org.

About Premier Preneed Marketing

Premier Preneed Marketing is a leading provider of preneed solutions, helping funeral homes grow their businesses and serve families with thoughtful pre-arrangement options. For more information, visit www.premierpreneed.com. 

Last week I attended a Blue Ocean Tour seminar planned and produced by Alan Creedy and Danny Jefferson.  It was my first time on one of these events and it was an incredible learning experience including tours of Death Care facilities, a National Cemetery, discussons, learning experiences, and simple brainstorming of ideas with a group that included funeral home owners, retired funeral home owners, non-funeral director funeral home business executives, and funeral home supply company executives.

During one of our brainstorming discussions the group touched on what I call “funeral poverty”.  That being the fact that sometimes at the time of an unexpected death families are simply strapped for cash and do not have savings in place or the ability to secure credit in such a short time period.

The discussion led to the thought of crowdfunding vehicles as a way to bring in some money to pay for services.  At least one funeral director in the group said that he has had clients who do crowdfunding but the funeral home received none of the proceeds and he was still left with a really tough to collect receivable.

That’s when I mentioned that a friend of mine in funeral service, Jimmy Altmeyer, had created a program that can crowdfund for funeral expenses but is much more than that.  It is a funding device created by funeral directors for funeral directors that can help funeral homes assist members of their community for projects of all types.

I wasn’t familiar enough with the concept to speak in any great capacity at the Blue Ocean Tour about it but the discussion led me to reach out to Treasured Memories Community Funding (TMC Funding) to get more information and pass that information on to the readers of Funeral Director Daily.

The following is an article I received from the good people at TMC Funding for publication in today’s FDD.  I hope you enjoy it and learn about another product that may be able to help your business.

Many funeral homes have experience with a  young child passing away in their community. 

 

The family  inquires about services after this sudden, tragic death of a loved one.  Many funeral homes offer to donate goods and services, but the funeral home still needs to cover cash advance items like published obituaries, cemetery open and close, death certificate filing, and more. Then the family and friends, with good intentions, set up a fundraiser using an online crowdfunding platform. 

 

A genuine action to help the family  inadvertently begins to reflect negatively on your funeral home, making it appear as if you didn’t help them out at all. All this, while the real story is that the funeral services have been donated.  The general public most likely doesn’t know this and doesn’t consider what is happening behind the scene.

 

“When a community is coming together to help a family in need, that’s good.   However, they should consider all needs of the family, not just the cost of the funeral”,  shared Jimmy Altmeyer, President of Altmeyer Funeral Home and Founder of Treasured Memories.

 

Similar scenarios encouraged Jimmy and his team to create Treasured Memories Community Funding (TMC Funding): an online fundraising platform created for funeral professionals, by funeral professionals. TMC Funding allows funeral homes to bring crowdfunding in-house while securing funds for families in need to better serve their communities. 

 

Ultimately, this demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care while enhancing your firm’s public image.

 

Other community funding platforms exist by taking a portion of the funds raised. Treasured Memories has a 0% platform fee and we provide our services through donor tips.   100% of the donations will go to the family or charity of choice.

 

Treasured Memories Community funding not only helps a family pay for their loved one’s services, it can also be used to raise money for memorial donations, charitable events, sponsorships and other community organizations. 

 

“When we built the platform, we were focused on families in need,” explained Jimmy. “What we actually found out is that only 30% of the fundraisers are for families in need. 70% of the funds raised are for successful community outreach and memorial donations.” Crowdfunding can help funeral providers with all types of fundraisers:

 

Family Support – Funds can be raised for families in need of assistance with funeral, medical and other unexpected expenses.

Memorial Donations – Charities and organizations in someone’s name or in support a family.

Charitable Events – Raise funds for a specific event happening in your community.

Community Fundraisers – For a local organization in need of support.

Support for Veterans – Raise funds for Veterans’ medical assistance, housing or other necessities.

Loving Pets and Animals – Raise money towards furry friends that require medical assistance, shelter or other efforts.

 

Community fundraising  opens the door for many funeral homes to support their communities.  When a fundraiser is created, the funeral home has the opportunity to help share the family’s story. 

 

Both the family and funeral home can begin sharing the fundraiser on social media.  Once the fundraiser is complete, the funeral director can present the check to the family or the organization of their choice.  

 

“Treasured Memories Community Funding has helped us build relationships in our community.  It has given the funeral home an opportunity to show how families impact the charities in their loved one’s memory,” shared Craig Roe, Vice President and General Manager for Michigan Memorial Funeral Home in Flat Rock, MI.

 

The increased  publicity will impact your funeral home’s reputation in a positive way .

 

Treasured Memories Community Funding presents opportunities to follow up with charitable organizations creating community engagement.  Outreach events have the potential to create a cycle of education, community involvement and positive attention for your funeral home.

 

You can learn more by looking at the Treasured Memories Community Funding website here.

 

For more information regarding community fundraising or getting started on the TMC Funding platform, you can click here. 

 

A Little About the Founder of Treasured Memories Community Funding:

Jimmy Altmeyer

Jimmy Altmeyer, President of Altmeyer Funeral Home & Founder of Treasured Memories, graduated from Villanova University (BA, 1988) and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (Associate’s, 1989). He and his wife, Jocelyn C. Altmeyer, have three children: Simon Cameron, James Elijah, and Justine Virginia.

Funeral Director Daily take:  We are happy to provide information on another “tool in the toolbox” for those that work to satisfy Death Care clients’ needs.  This type of platform, controlled by the funeral home, is a much needed addition to what is presently available to funeral homes.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Funeral Service Foundation Launches IMPACT 1000 Giving Program to Strengthen Funeral Service Community

Collective giving initiative allows individuals to give more by giving together

Brookfield, Wis. – The Funeral Service Foundation is proud to announce the launch of IMPACT 1000, a collective giving initiative designed to unite funeral professionals in making a lasting difference within the funeral service community. 

By combining individual contributions, IMPACT 1000 members will amplify their impact, supporting vital programs that help grieving families, strengthen the funeral service profession, and ensure its continued growth and innovation.

“IMPACT 1000 empowers individuals to join together and contribute to the Foundation’s mission of supporting the funeral service community” said John Heald, Chair of the Funeral Service Foundation. “Whether you are a funeral service professional, a member of an organization or someone with a shared passion for the profession, your membership and contribution will play a crucial role in advancing the future of funeral service.”

Why Join IMPACT 1000?

• Give Back: Create a lasting impact on the profession that has given so much to us.
• Build Community: Connect with like-minded professionals who are committed to strengthening funeral service.
• Learning & Education: Gain access to valuable educational and networking opportunities while learning more about the Foundation’s initiatives.
• Make a Difference: Directly contribute to impactful projects that improve the funeral service profession and support grieving families.

Exclusive Benefits for Members

IMPACT 1000 members receive a range of exclusive benefits designed to enhance their involvement in the Foundation’s efforts:

• A vote on designated grant funds.
• An invitation to the Foundation’s Annual Donor Reception.
• Access to an annual call with Foundation leadership.
• A chance to participate in unique networking opportunities.
• Recognition in Foundation publications and at the NFDA International Convention and Expo.
• Individuals who make a pledge during this inaugural year will be considered “Founders” in perpetuity. 

Who Can Join IMPACT 1000?

IMPACT 1000 is designed for individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in funeral service. Membership is personal, and each individual’s participation makes a significant impact. Members can choose to contribute $1,000 per year for five years ($5,000 total) or make a one-time payment of $5,000. Additional flexible payment options are available online. 

Together, IMPACT 1000 members will ensure the Funeral Service Foundation’s mission thrives and continues to support grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.

For more information about IMPACT 1000 or to join today, visit FuneralServiceFoundation.org/IMPACT1000.

ABOUT THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOUNDATION – FuneralServiceFoundation.org
Since 1945, the Funeral Service Foundation has served as the philanthropic voice of the funeral profession and has been identified as the charitable arm of the National Funeral Directors Association since 1997. Donors and volunteer leaders’ profession-wide support the Foundation’s mission to lift grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service. 

Last week it seemed that every time I turned around I heard a news story about debt. . . . Here’s one that’s titled “Over nine million student loan borrowers could see their credit scores tank as delinquencies are poised to hit record highs“.  Or this one from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York titled “Household debt balances continue steady increase; Delinquency transition rates remain elevated for auto and credit cards”. 

Even our nation’s financial well being is in the news — here’s a story about that titled “U.S. could run short of money to pay its bills by August without a debt limit deal, CBO says.”

Any way that you look at it I think you will find a certain portion of our society living in a world where one missed paycheck or one bad incident could spiral their financial well-being down.  And, according to this article from Great Britain, it’s a problem in Death Care there — that is families not having enough resources to fully pay a loved one’s funeral bill.

If you are operating a funeral home there are times when compassion reigns and you have to make the decision to provide services without a guarantee of payment.  It may not be the best business practice but it just is the way that most Death Care practitioners are wired.

However, if you are not getting paid what you deserve for conducting funeral services the long-term consequences over time are not good.  Here’s an article titled “Is continuous accounts receivable a problem?”  I suggest you read it just for a little reminder that growing accounts receivables can sink a great business.

So, I think it behooves every funeral home and cemetery to have many tools in their toolbox for helping clients pay for the services that they are provided.  Those tools should include pre-arrangments with financial arrangements tied to them, down-payments, the use of credit cards, the acceptance of insurance funding, and more.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

And, in the world we live in today, one option for families to pay their obligations may be through community funding — most often referred to as “crowdfunding”.  When you think about it, online community funding today is not so much different than what happened for decades when friends, relatives, and acquaintances stuffed cash or checks into memorial cards to be used by the family.

For sure, many of these donations were for “memorials” and expected to be used “in memorium” of the deceased.  But, I conducted enough funerals over the years where friends and relatives hoped that the money they put forward would go towards the family paying a funeral bill that might have been out of their current reach without help.

I recently became aware of a community funding product that can be used for this purpose.  Take a look at what Treasured Memories Community Funding has been able to do for people by clicking here.  They can help families collect funding for “Memorial” projects or other uses.

As a matter of fact, Treasured Memories Community Funding can be used by funeral homes and aligned with others in their communities to raise funds for a variety of uses — memorials, family help, charitable events, community fundraisers, and more.

Take a look at this page on their website and you will see some stories where Treasured Memories Community Funding helped children whose mother passed away, helped start an education fund for children whose father passed away, and, yes, even helped families raise money to pay for funeral costs.  You will also find a “Memorial Fund” music foundation started to raise money in memory of a person who loved the arts.

I’m in the Baby Boomer generation and our generation has grown philanthropical giving.  Generally, we give to organized causes, especially those we can get a tax deduction from.  It’s how we grew up.

However, if we look to the Millenial generation (born between 1980 and 1999) who are between 25 and 45 years of age at this time, we see that they are already making their mark in charitable giving.  According to this article from Foundation Source over 85% of Millenials give charitably.  In addition, they are tech savvy and probably more likely to give to causes through social media campaigns, such as those that can be offered by Treasured Memories Community Funding, than other generations.

If I still ran my funeral home I would look into how Treasured Memories Community Funding could become a part of it. . .not only to help my client families but my community as well.

More news from the world of Death Care:

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Foundation Partners Group Forms New Advisory Board to Enhance Strategic Growth and Community Impact

WINTER PARK, Fla. (March 3, 2025) – In one of his first actions as leader of the second largest provider of funeral services in the United States, Foundation Partners Group CEO John D. Smith today announced the creation of a new Community Advisory Board to help guide the company’s leadership team during a pivotal time of growth and transformation.

Smith, who was named Foundation Partners CEO in January, has dedicated his career to building innovative consumer experiences and transforming legacy business models across multiple industries. As Chairman and CEO of Icon Parking, he was named the National Parking Association’s Innovator of the Year in 2023 for leveraging digital technology to significantly improve the customer experience and produce major efficiencies and cost savings for Icon.

The new advisory board underscores Smith’s commitment to balancing innovation with the deeply rooted traditions of funeral service, as he builds on the company’s strong foundation to ensure that families receive compassionate care and modern end-of-life solutions. His ability to implement strategic initiatives, optimize operations and build high-performing teams has consistently delivered measurable results.

“Our mission is to bring ease and comfort to families,” Smith said. “That’s why our first three Community Advisory Board members are former funeral business owners, who represent the best in service to families. They are smart, creative problem solvers who have proven track records of success. Their advice and counsel will be invaluable as we look to accelerate performance and bring our local funeral homes, cemeteries and direct-to-consumer cremation providers together with modern tools and resources to make the end-of-life experience as easy as possible for families we serve.”

Advisory board members include:

Mark Krause, a fourth-generation funeral director and former president of Krause Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Krause is a nationally recognized leader and educator, who built an innovative portfolio of businesses designed to provide services to families across a wide spectrum of needs from high-touch, traditional services to simple direct cremation.

Kevin Waterston, a recognized cremation pioneer who, along with his brother, founded the Cremation Society of Minnesota in 1980 to complement the services of his family’s Minneapolis funeral home. Over the next 30-plus years, the Waterstons grew the business to five locations, becoming the leading provider of cremation services in Minnesota.

Rick Tuss, a licensed funeral director and former co-owner of Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematory in Punta Gorda, Florida. From 2012 to 2019, Tuss and his partner modernized and grew the business based on a culture of caring with a strong emphasis on community involvement.

“By concentrating on best practices, emerging opportunities and an expanded vision for the future, we will begin our next chapter of innovation, excellence and service. Looking ahead, we also see this board as an opportunity to draw on the experience of innovative thinkers from other areas of the end-of-life planning and care community — a community that has expanded far beyond traditional funeral service to all aspects of ending well,” Smith said.

About Foundation Partners Group 

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more. 

Pictured above (l-r): Mark Krause, Rick Tuss, and Kevin Waterston

How Community, Passion, and the Right Support Turned a Vision into Reality

Owning a small business is more than just a job—it’s a commitment to serving others. For Mike McBride, a former police officer in New Hyde Park and dedicated funeral director, that commitment was made possible with the help of Live Oak Bank. With their support, Mike overcame financial challenges to purchase the funeral home he had managed for years, turning his passion for helping families into a thriving business that honors both his community and his family’s legacy.

Owning a small business is more than a job—it’s a commitment to serving others. This is a story of resilience, dedication, and community impact that highlights how a strong relationship with the right bank can transform dreams into reality. For a funeral home owner in New Hyde Park, New York, it wasn’t just about running a business; it was about honoring a legacy and serving the community with purpose.

The funeral home, established in 1956, has deep ties to the New Hyde Park community. Its owner, a former NYPD officer, wanted to pursue a second career after retiring young. Starting as a part-time pallbearer, he discovered his passion for funeral services, a profession that blends compassion and responsibility. When the opportunity arose to purchase the funeral home he had managed for decades, he turned to Live Oak Bank to navigate the complex financial process.

Live Oak Bank recognized that his goal wasn’t just about ownership but about continuing to care for families during their most difficult times. Financial hurdles, including a premium asking price, threatened the acquisition. However, through guidance and education, the bank worked to align the seller’s expectations with the buyer’s goals. Their relationship-first approach ensured a solution that worked for both parties, empowering the former officer to secure his dream of owning the business.

The story goes deeper. Years before this, the owner experienced a heartbreaking loss when his daughter Katie was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. Despite a fierce battle, Katie passed away in 2008, leaving an irreplaceable void. Determined to keep her memory alive, he turned tragedy into purpose by creating Katie’s Run, an annual community event and fundraiser. What began with 300 participants grew to over a thousand registrants a decade later, becoming one of the community’s most cherished events. The funeral home became the epicenter of this movement, bringing people together to celebrate life, honor Katie, and make a difference.

Katie’s Run is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a reflection of the family’s passion and the community’s support. Volunteers, local organizations, and families come together every year, finding joy in knowing they’re part of something meaningful. From the children’s race to the award ceremony, every moment is filled with smiles, gratitude, and a sense of togetherness. People leave not only with memories but with the satisfaction of having made a difference.

This success story underscores the importance of relationships. Without Live Oak Bank’s guidance, the acquisition of the funeral home might not have been possible. By listening to the owner’s story, understanding his passion, and providing the right support, the bank helped transform a vision into reality. This relationship-based approach allowed the business to thrive while creating a legacy of love and service that continues to impact the community.

Small businesses like this funeral home are more than financial transactions; they are pillars of the community. When owners receive the right support—both emotionally and financially—they can overcome challenges, achieve their dreams, and make a lasting difference. Whether it’s guiding families during times of grief, organizing events to bring people together, or keeping a loved one’s memory alive, these businesses remind us of the profound role small businesses play in our lives.

Through compassion, community connection, and trusted relationships, businesses can grow into something far greater than themselves. This story proves that with dedication, support, and a commitment to serving others, dreams can be realized, and legacies can live on.

For more on Mike’s story: https://youtu.be/-MCG1lOEzis?si=-DVIVp_EAB3uBIki

For more information on Live Oak’s products and services contact Andrew Kennedy, VP of Funeral Home and Cemetery lending, at andrew.kennedy@liveoak.bank.