A donation in memory of someone is a gift made to a charity in the name of a person who has died, often in place of flowers or as a lasting tribute. It is one of the simplest ways to support a grieving family and to keep a person’s values alive after they are gone. This guide explains how it works, how to make one, what to write in the message and how Muslim families approach giving on behalf of a loved one.
What Is a Donation in Memory of Someone?
A donation in memory of someone, also called a memorial donation or tribute gift, is an ordinary charitable gift with one extra detail: the donor names the person being remembered. The charity records that name and, in many cases, sends a card to the family to say a gift was made. Most charities do not state the amount in that card.
It should not be confused with a gift made in honor of someone. A donation in honor of someone usually marks a living person or an occasion such as a birthday, wedding or retirement. A donation in someone’s memory marks a person who has passed away. The giving process is almost identical for both.
How to Make a Donation in Memory of Someone
Making a donation in memory of someone usually takes a few minutes online. These steps cover the basics:
- Pick a cause that fits the person’s life, such as a hospital that treated them, a school they supported or an issue they spoke about often.
- Check the charity before you give. Our guide on how to vet a charity before donating explains what to look for.
- Look for a memorial or tribute option on the donation page. If there is none, use the comment field or contact the charity and ask how to record the name.
- Enter the name of the person and, if you want the family notified, their mailing address or email.
- Keep your receipt. If you plan to claim a deduction for a gift of $250 or more, you need a written acknowledgment from the charity. It goes to you as the donor, not to the family.
Whether a gift is deductible depends on the charity’s status and your own tax situation, so ask a tax professional if you are unsure.
Donation in Memory of Someone Wording: Examples You Can Use
A short and sincere message is enough. You can adapt any of these:
- “A donation has been made in memory of [Name]. Our thoughts are with you and your family.”
- “In loving memory of [Name]. A gift has been made in their name to [charity].”
- “[Name] was always the first to help others. A gift has been made in their memory to carry that kindness forward.”
- “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. May Allah forgive [Name] and grant them Jannah. A donation has been made on their behalf.”
If you are the family receiving the gift, a simple thank-you note works well: “Thank you for your donation in memory of [Name]. Your kindness meant a great deal to us.” There is no need to mention the amount.
Donation in Memory of Someone in Islam
Islam encourages giving on behalf of the deceased. In a hadith recorded by Bukhari and Muslim, a man told the Prophet (peace be upon him) that his mother had died suddenly and asked whether she would be rewarded if he gave charity for her. The Prophet said yes, and the narration is explained here. In another report, Sa’d ibn Ubadah asked which charity was best for his mother and was told that providing drinking water was best, as recorded in Sunan an-Nasa’i. Scholars broadly agree that charity given for a deceased person benefits them.
In South Asian families this is often called isal-e-sawab. A donation in memory of someone can be a one-time gift of money or food, or it can be an ongoing gift. Our explainer on what is sadaqah jariyah covers the ongoing kind, and our page on ongoing charity and water projects shows how a lasting gift such as clean water works in practice. Most scholars say a sincere intention is enough, so no fixed words are needed.
Flowers are not part of Islamic funeral custom, so many families welcome charity instead. If you are writing a sympathy message to a Muslim family, mentioning a donation in memory of someone is a thoughtful and fitting gesture.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Donation in Memory of Someone
Q1. What is a memorial donation?
A memorial donation is a gift to a charity made in the name of someone who has died. It is also called a tribute gift or a gift in memory of someone.
Q2. What is an appropriate memorial donation amount?
There is no set amount. Give what is comfortable for you. The meaning of the gift matters more than its size.
Q3. Will the family know how much I gave?
Usually not. Most charities tell the family who made the gift and in whose name, but they do not share the amount.
Q4. Can I make a donation in memory of someone online?
Yes. Most charities have a tribute or dedication field on the donation form. If yours does not, contact the charity and ask them to record the name.
Q5. Can I give in memory of someone who died years ago?
Yes. Many people give on an anniversary or at a time that feels meaningful. In Islam there is no time limit for giving on behalf of the deceased.
Q6. Who gets the tax receipt for a memorial gift?
The donor does. The family does not receive a deduction for a gift they did not make.
This article offers general information and is not tax or religious advice. For a tax question speak with a tax professional and for a religious ruling speak with a qualified scholar.