How to ask for funeral contributions (with WhatsApp message samples)
Updated 6 October 2026
Quick answer
Ask once, clearly and kindly: say who passed away, when the funeral is, how people can give (MoMo number or a contribution link, and the name on the account), and who to call with questions. Send it from a family member people know, post it in the family and church WhatsApp groups, and send a short reminder a few days before the funeral. Thank everyone afterwards, whatever they gave.
What a good request includes
- The name of the person who died and how they're related to the family sending the message.
- The dates: the one-week observation if it hasn't happened yet, and the burial and funeral.
- Exactly how to give: a MoMo number with the account name, or a contribution link. People hesitate when the name on the account doesn't match a family member they know.
- A contact person (name and phone number) for questions.
- A sincere thank-you. Don't name an amount unless it's a group with agreed dues, like a welfare association.
Scammers copy funeral posters and swap in their own MoMo number. Always state the account name, and ask people to confirm with the contact person if they see a different number anywhere.
Message samples you can copy
Dear family and friends, With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved [Name], [relationship, e.g. father of Kofi and Ama], on [date]. The burial and funeral will take place on [date] at [place]. Your prayers and presence mean a lot to us. If you wish to support the family, you can send your contribution to: MoMo: [number] ([account name]) For any enquiries, please call [contact name] on [phone number]. Thank you for standing with us. [Family name] Family
Dear [Church/Association] members, We regret to inform you of the death of [Name], [relationship to member, e.g. mother of our member Bro. Kwame Asante]. The funeral is on [date] at [place]. Members wishing to support the bereaved family can give through [the welfare secretary / this link: …] by [date]. May the Lord comfort the family. [Name], [Position]
Dear colleagues, Our colleague [Name] lost [his/her] [relationship] on [date]. The funeral will be held on [date] at [place]. We are putting together a contribution from the office to support [him/her]. If you would like to take part, please send your contribution to [name / MoMo number / link] by [date]. Thank you for your kindness.
A gentle reminder: the funeral of our late [Name] is this [day, date] at [place]. Thank you to everyone who has already supported the family. If you'd still like to contribute, you can do so here: [MoMo number (account name) or link]. God bless you.
Where to send it
Most families in Ghana collect through WhatsApp: a family group, the church group, and a separate funeral group for friends and colleagues. Pin the request in each group so new members see it, and keep the details identical everywhere so nobody wonders which number is real.
Put the same details on the funeral poster and the one-week announcement. If you share a link, a QR code on the poster lets people give from their phone without typing a number.
Keeping track of who gave
The hard part isn't asking, it's keeping an accurate record when money comes in by MoMo, bank transfer and cash at the table over several weeks. Families who fall out over funeral money usually fall out over the record, not the amount. A funeral contribution list that everyone can see is the simplest fix.
Memora does this for you: share one contribution link or QR code, people send MoMo and submit their payment proof, you confirm it, and they get an SMS receipt. Cash given at the funeral is recorded on the same list by whoever is at the table.
Collect and record funeral contributions with Memora
One contribution link and QR code for everyone. Donors send MoMo and get an SMS receipt once you confirm it, cash at the table goes on the same list, and the report is ready for the family meeting.
Questions people ask
Is it okay to ask for money for a funeral?
Yes. In Ghana, contributing to a funeral is expected and seen as support for the family, not charity. Among the Akan, funeral donations (nsawa) are a long-standing custom. Ask respectfully, be clear about how the money will be used, and thank everyone.
Should I say how much people should give?
Not in a general request. Let people give what they can. Agreed amounts belong to groups with their own rules, like a welfare association or an office that has set dues. See how much to give at a funeral in Ghana.
How do I stop scammers using our funeral poster?
State the account name next to the MoMo number, give one contact person to confirm with, and share a single official link. Tell people in the groups to report any other number they see.