COLUMBARIUM FUNDING PRIMER
October 10, 2008
Has your organization decided that a columbarium would be a valuable addition to your
member services? If you have, you are probably wondering how to finance it. Here are
some practical ideas to get started and help you through the planning process:
Pre-sales: Many organizations pre-sell niches to start the project off. Selling niches may
also encourage subsequent sales: 1) Sales provide a form of social proof to prospects. 2)
There is now less availability within the columbarium. Your members will not know that
niches are selling unless you tell them: through a newsletter, etc.. When they see blank
face plates, they may assume that the niches haven’t sold.
Fundraisers: A fundraiser is a great one-time event that provides entertainment and
benefits a good cause at the same time. Events can include dinners, fairs, lectures, etc. If
your fundraiser appeals to a larger audience and just benefits the columbarium project
you will garner funds outside of the initial base and expose more people to your project,
possibly even people outside your organization.
Capitol Campaign: A capitol campaign is a long-term campaign to raise funds for large
physical assets. In the case of a columbarium, it would include the structure(s) and land
development. Capital campaigns have the ability to attract larger donations and tithe type
arrangements.
Sponsorships: Often people are willing to sponsor a specific item or area in return for a
naming opportunity. This could involve pavers, benches – or even the entire garden.
On-going Donations: Sometimes it is more practical for people to donate funds to the
project over time, similar to tithing. It is helpful to set up a giving program with an
official title, specific cause, periodic dollar amount and payment schedule. In fact, it’s
common to have multiple giving programs at various dollar amounts allowing many
people to become part of the organization.
Benefactors: A columbarium project is often anchored by a single large donor who may
be an individual or a family. Money and land are common in this situation.
Estate Donations: Some people in your organization may consider donating some portion
of their estate to your organization through estate planning. These are funds that will
arrive in the future and contribute to the maintenance and/or expansion of your memorial.
project.
Donations In-kind: While some members may not have spare funds, they may be able to
donate time and materials towards the project. Business owners, especially, often donate
(and deduct) services, materials or used equipment. This is often used for landscaping,
campaign materials and other pieces of the project that would normally have to be
purchased.
Outside Funding: If your burial ground subsidizes some niches for lower income
individuals, you may be able to get funding from some level of government. Checking
with state and federal officials will help guide you to applying for grants. You may also
be able to attract donations from philanthropists if you publicize the charity in the media.
You will note that loans haven't been mentioned until now. Since loans cost money, they
should be your last recourse. First leverage one of your strongest assets, volunteers in
your community, to help you fundraise You have a good chance of raising ample funds
without a loan.
Regardless of which mix of fundraising tools you use, be sure to have: an overall goal,
donation levels, and a plan to thank donors. The more planning and participation you
have towards your goal, the more successful and rewarding it will be for your
organization and community.
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