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Memorial donation wording and messaging examples

Whether you're making a donation in memory of someone, sending a sympathy card or including donation information in an obituary, these memorial donation wording examples can help.

 
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How to word a memorial donation card

Writing a memorial donation card to tell friends or family that a donation was made for their loved one can be a delicate task. To help, we’ve put together a few tips for wording a memorial donation card. 

 1. Personalize the message 

Make your message personal by including a happy memory or describing your relationship with the departed. This can be very comforting for the grieving family.

2. Share which cause will receive the donation 

It can be meaningful to donate to a cause that was important to the departed. Mention the charity’s or organization’s name on your card. This shows how the person’s life made a difference and can comfort their family and friends. For example, you could write: “In [NAME]’s memory, I have made a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to provide hope for children and their families.”

3. Use positive language 

Use positive language within your message. This can give family and friends extra comfort and hope while remembering the individual and their influence on their community. 

4. Proofread the message 

Since this is a highly sensitive matter, it’s important to check your spelling and other details of the message for errors. Pay special attention to the names of individuals and causes, as well as any accomplishments or personal information you’ve included within the message. This adds an extra layer of consideration and care.

 
 

Simple memorial donation card phrases 

Here are some helpful phrases you may choose to include within your card:

  • “Sending love and prayers during this difficult time…”
  • “With deepest sympathy on the loss of [NAME]”
  • “In loving memory of [NAME], we have made a donation to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE]…”
  •  “In memory of [NAME], a contribution has been made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE]…”
  • “Our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult time…” 
  • In remembrance of a wonderful life, a memorial gift has been made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE]."
  • "May the memory of [NAME] continue to inspire others. A donation has been made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE] in their honor."
 
 

Memorial donation wording for obituaries

Families often include memorial donation language in obituaries or memorial announcements to provide guests with an alternative to flowers. Here are some helpful phrases you may choose to include in an obituary:

  • "In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE] in memory of [NAME]."
  • "The family requests that memorial contributions be made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE] in memory of [NAME]'s life and legacy."
  • "Those wishing to honor the memory of [NAME] may make a charitable contribution to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE] ."
 
 

Frequently asked questions

  1. Yes. Many families request memorial donations in lieu of flowers as a way to honor a loved one's memory while supporting a charitable organization.

  2. An appropriate message is sincere, respectful and personalized. It's common for your message to express sympathy, remembrance and support for the family.

  3. Keep the message simple to acknowledge the donation gift and honor the individual being remembered. Examples include, "A donation has been made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE] in memory of [NAME]" or "In loving memory of [NAME], a gift has been made to [ORGANIZATION/CAUSE]"

  4. You may include a personal note explaining that a memorial gift has been made in memory of their loved one.

    If you choose to make a gift to St. Jude in memory of someone, you will have your choice of notification options during the donation process.

 
 
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Make a memorial donation today

A memorial gift to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one's life while helping children and families facing childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Make A Memorial Donation

 
 

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