Honoring Loved Ones in 2025: The In Memorial Gift

Making Memories Matter: The Gift of Giving 

When someone you love passes away, finding the right way to honor their memory can feel overwhelming. For many, the answer is simple: give back in their name.

An “In Memorial” gift is a donation made to a nonprofit in memory of someone who’s passed. It’s a way to keep their spirit alive by contributing to a cause they cared about. This simple but ever-so-useful gift turns the act of remembering into something that makes a difference.

This kind of giving is becoming more common in 2025. People want to do something that lasts—something that reflects who their loved one was—and charities are making it easier than ever to make that happen. Tribute pages, shared stories, and updates on the impact help turn grief into a meaningful tribute.

In this guide, we’ll explore what In Memorial gifts are, why they matter, and how to choose one that feels right. You’ll find ideas, tips, and answers to common questions, along with ways to ensure your gift truly honors the person you’re remembering.

Five reasons people choose in memorial gifts:

- They create a lasting legacy.

- They support causes that mattered most to the deceased.

- They bring comfort during loss.

- They strengthen communities.

- They mean more than flowers or cards.

If you or someone you know is interested in organizing a fundraiser or event in the name of someone who has passed, or if you’d like to create a customizable donation page, contact us here at Paybee. We have a group of professionals who can handle all the logistics during your time of grief, so you can focus on the things that really matter.

What Is An In Memorial Gift?

As was said earlier, giving a Memorial gift is one way to remember a loved one that feels more personal than just sending flowers or a card. But when you get into the details—how you actually make that gift—there are a few different options. Many simply choose to donate money—which is always appreciated—but there are other options too; options that can have a major impact long-term or help in different ways.

Usually, these gifts go to charities, hospitals, schools, or foundations tied to what the person cared about. Picking the right nonprofit makes the gift feel personal and something that really honors who they were. And these days, online platforms like Paybee and JustGiving make it easy for loved ones—both near and far—to share memories and come together to support a cause that mattered to the person they’re remembering.

Here’s a rundown of some of the popular in-memorial gifts you might see:

• Money gifts—one-time or regular donations to charities, like cancer research or mental health associations.
• Memorial funds—These are for long-term support and typically have a specific, larger goal. A scholarship fund is a great example of this, as it's set up to permanently help students in the community.
• Donated items—books, equipment, or other resources given to nonprofits or hospitals.

When you choose the right kind of donation you’re helping keep their spirit alive in a way that matters and in a way that would make them proud.

Benefits of In Memorial Gifts

A memorial gift is more than a donation. It’s a way to turn the pain of loss into something positive. Instead of stopping at flowers or a card, the gesture keeps going—sometimes for years—helping the causes that person cared about. It’s both personal and practical, a way to honor someone while making a real difference somewhere else.

Families often find comfort in that. Grief can make you feel helpless. Choosing a cause, making a contribution, seeing the person’s name connected to something good—it can ease that feeling. It’s not about removing the sadness, but about giving it a direction.

And, the impact often spreads further than anyone expects. A single tribute gift might keep a nonprofit program alive, buy supplies for a shelter, or make sure a student can keep going to school. On its own, it might seem like a small step, but combined with others, it becomes part of a much bigger story—one that keeps going long after the original gift is made.

For the organizations receiving these donations, the effect is immediate and long-term at the same time. Many operate on budgets that don’t leave much room to move. A steady stream of tribute gifts can give them some much needed breathing room. It allows them to commit to projects without wondering if the funding will run out.

There’s another side to this as well—legacy. When someone’s name is tied to ongoing work, it changes how they’re remembered. Friends and family see their influence living on, but so do strangers who only know the name through the programs that donation supports. Over time, the cause becomes part of their story, just as much as the story becomes part of the cause.

Five Key Benefits of In Memorial Gifts

1. They provide comfort and support for those who are grieving.
2. They help build stronger connections within communities.
3. They offer reliable funding that nonprofits can count on.
4. They serve as a meaningful way to honor personal values.
5. They create a lasting legacy that continues to make an impact for years to come.

Strategies for Giving Thoughtful Memorial Gifts

If you've suffered the loss of a loved one, organizing a memorial gift campaign can feel overwhelming.  However, focusing on one thing at a time can ease the stress, help start the healing process, and give you an opportunity to create a tribute truly fitting of the person you’re remembering.

Think about what mattered most to them

What were they passionate about? Choosing a cause that really meant something to them gives the gift more meaning.

Make It Easy to Contribute

While you can always donate directly to a particular charity, platforms like Paybee or GoFundMe make it simple for friends and family, near or far, to contribute as well.

Make It Heartfelt

When you share the campaign, write simple, honest messages sharing why the cause matters and how people can help. A personal message will always resonate more than a formal announcement.

Make It Easy For Family and Funeral Services To Help

If you're looking for donations instead of flowers, say so clearly in the obituary or service details. Let those handling arrangements know so they can help spread the word.

Make Donors Feel Valued

After all is said and done, send a thank-you note sharing how much was raised and what it will support. It shows contributors their generosity made a real difference, and a little appreciation goes a long way. 

Trends in In Memorial Gifts for 2025

While losing someone close to you is hard, finding a way to honor their memory can bring some comfort. While flowers and cards are still common, the ways in which people are remembering loved ones are changing.

Digital memorial pages aren’t just online obituaries anymore. They’ve become places where loved ones share stories and photos and make donations to causes the person cared about. Last year, about 65% of memorial donations happened this way—a sign this trend is growing fast.

There’s also a rise in eco-friendly gifts. Planting trees, adopting green spaces or supporting environmental causes they cared about lets a person’s memory live on in a way that benefits the planet—and aligns with the sustainability values so many hold dear.

Last, but not least, is the ever-so-popular social media. Social media is another way memorial gifts can get noticed. By sharing fund links on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly known as Twitter), families can reach far beyond their immediate circle. This wider reach helps gather more support and brings together people who want to honor the same memory.

Challenges in Offering In Memorial Gifts 

At first glance, memorial gifts may seem pretty straightforward: pick a cause, donate, and honor someone’s memory. But they're not without their challenges.

Problem: Family disagreements are, perhaps, the most common challenge when it comes to Memorial gifts. One family member may want to donate to an animal shelter, while another family member may feel strongly about putting those funds towards medical research. When emotions are raw, even the smallest of differences can feel much bigger.

Solution: If the family can’t agree, have a quick chat or group message to settle on one cause. If unable to come to a unanimous decision, some families choose to split donations between two separate charities.

Problem: Donor confusion is another challenge. Many people aren’t familiar with memorial giving—surveys from 2023 found about 20% didn’t even know it was an option. So, it’s no surprise some donors are unsure where to give or what happens with the funds.

Solution: If donors are confused about how to give, share a direct donation link or include a note with easy instructions. For the tech savvy, adding a QR code to funeral programs helps too, taking them directly to the donation site with the click of a button.

Problem: Sometimes logistics cause issues, too. Maybe the donation page isn’t set up yet. Or the nonprofit takes a few days to process the money. Sometimes instructions aren’t clear. These little problems can take away from what’s meant to be a kind gesture.

Solution: Double-check that the donation page is fully set-up and ready to go live before sharing the campaign publicly. Fundraising platforms like Paybee can make sure your page goes online seamlessly and will be with you every step of the way.

An In Memorial Gift: The Sympathy Gift That Gives Back

Memorial gifts are more than just writing a check. They’re a way to keep someone’s memory alive and to bring people together. When you give in someone’s name, you’re not only helping a cause they cared about, you’re also creating a ripple that can last for years.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a big fundraiser or some small donations from a few friends. What counts is that it feels right and that it reflects what the person stood for. That’s why picking a cause that really connects with their values makes all the difference.

In a nutshell, here's what you need to know about In Memorial Gifting:

• Find a cause that means something to you and the person you’re honoring.
• Talk with family and friends to make sure everyone is on board.
• Pick a reliable nonprofit or platform to manage the donations.
• Share the details clearly—whether that’s in an obituary, at a service, or online.
• Keep in touch with the organization to see how your gift makes a difference.

At the end of the day, it’s really about turning loss into something that lasts—and making sure that legacy keeps growing.

If you'd like more information, contact our fundraising team here at Paybee. We're the fundraising experts and can help your memories make a lasting impression.

FAQ's: Honoring Loved Ones With Memorial Gifts

What’s a good amount to give as an in memorial gift?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Give what feels right to you. Every donation counts, no matter how large or small—it all helps honor the person’s memory.

How do I pick the right nonprofit for an In Memorial gift?

When it comes to making a Memorial Gift donation, you should take into consideration the causes your loved one supported or cared about the most. If you’re not sure, talking with family or a close family friend can make it easier to decide.

Are memorial gifts tax-deductible?

Most often, yes. Donations to registered nonprofits usually qualify. Still, it’s smart to check with the charity or a tax expert if you want the details.