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. 

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.