Losing someone changes everything. But one thing doesn’t have to change: the good they brought into the world.
A memorial fundraiser for Volunteers of America Michigan honors their life by helping veterans not miss a meal, ensuring seniors have housing, and giving struggling families the stability they need. Every donation becomes part of their living legacy—proof that their compassion continues.
HOW IT WORKS
Set up takes less than 5 minutes.
Facebook Memorial Fundraiser
Perfect if your family and friends are active on Facebook. Set up takes 3 minutes, and Facebook sends automatic reminders to your network. 100% of donations go directly to VOA Michigan.
General Memorial Fundraiser
Best if you want more control or need to share beyond Facebook (email, text, obituaries, service programs, etc.). You can customize everything and share the link anywhere.
Setting up your fundraiser:
- Fundraiser Name: “In Memory of [Their Name]” or “Honoring [Their Name]’s Legacy”
- Goal: Consider a meaningful amount—perhaps $1 per year of their life, or any amount that feels right
- Description: Share why they would have cared about VOA Michigan’s mission. Mention their values, their compassion for veterans/seniors/families, or any personal connection to our work.
- Photo: Upload a favorite photo of your loved one
“As we grieve the loss of [Name], we’re honoring [his/her] memory by supporting Volunteers of America Michigan, which provides housing and services for Michigan veterans, seniors, and families—causes [he/she] cared deeply about. If you’d like to contribute to [his/her] memorial fund: [Your Fundraiser Link]”
Post on social media: Share on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms:
“We lost someone irreplaceable, but their kindness doesn’t have to end. I’ve started a memorial fund for Volunteers of America Michigan in [Name]’s honor. Every donation helps Michigan veterans, seniors, and families—exactly the kind of neighbors [he/she] would have wanted to help. [Link]”
If including in service materials: Some families choose to include donation information in printed programs or on memorial cards, particularly when they’ve requested donations in lieu of flowers. This is entirely optional and should only be done if it feels right for your family.
As donations come in, you’re creating something beautiful: tangible proof that their life made the world better. Every dollar provides:
- Safe housing for seniors
- Meals and support for veterans
- Stability for families in crisis
- Hope for Michigan neighbors who feel forgotten
You can share updates with donors about the impact their gifts are making in your loved one’s name. Many families send thank-you notes mentioning both the donor’s kindness and the life being honored.
“In Lieu of Flowers” Guidance
Many families request memorial donations instead of flowers. Note, you can replace the Fundraiser link with voami.org if you choose not to host a fundraiser but wish to guide others to give in memory of your loved one.
Here are some examples of how to include a memorial gift in obituaries, service programs, and announcements:
Sample obituary language:
“In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Volunteers of America Michigan in [Name]’s honor: [Your Fundraiser Link]”
For service programs:
“The family requests that memorial gifts be directed to Volunteers of America Michigan, continuing [Name]’s commitment to helping Michigan neighbors. Donate at: [Your Fundraiser Link]”
Email to family and friends:
“As we grieve the loss of [Name], we’re comforted knowing we can honor [his/her] memory by supporting causes [he/she] cared about. We’ve created a memorial fund for Volunteers of America Michigan, which provides housing and services for Michigan veterans, seniors, and families. If you’d like to contribute: [Your Fundraiser Link]”
What Your Memorial Fund Creates
When you honor someone through a VOA Michigan memorial fundraiser, you’re creating something that lasts:
A Living Legacy Every person helped is a testament to the values your loved one held. Their compassion lives in every veteran housed, every senior supported, every family given hope.
Comfort in Action Grief can feel helpless. A memorial fund gives you something meaningful to do—a way to channel loss into purpose.
Community Connection You’re inviting others who loved them to participate in something good together. Shared grief becomes shared impact.
Lasting Change Long after flowers fade, the lives changed through their memorial fund remain. Their name becomes associated with second chances and renewed hope.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
Your memorial fundraiser embodies this: transforming grief into kindness, loss into legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can include the link in service programs, display it on a card at a memorial table, or share it in the obituary. Many families also send a follow-up email to attendees with the link.
Yes, you can have a donation box and direct people to give online or by check payable to “Volunteers of America Michigan” with “In Memory of [Name]” in the memo line.
There’s no limit. Many families keep memorial funds open indefinitely, especially around anniversaries or birthdays. Others close after a set period. It’s entirely your choice.
Yes, you’ll receive notifications of donations (though donors can choose to give anonymously). You can send thank-you notes to honor both the donor and your loved one.
Absolutely. If your loved one was a veteran, you can note donations should support veteran services. If they were passionate about senior care, you can direct funds there. Contact us at comms@voami.org to arrange.
Start Their Legacy Today
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need perfect words. You just need to start.
Every memorial fundraiser honors someone irreplaceable and helps Michigan neighbors rebuild their lives. That’s a legacy worth creating.
Need help or have questions?
We’re here during this difficult time.
Contact us: comms@voami.org | (248) 945-0101