What to Do If a Fundraiser Organizer or Recipient Has Passed Away

What to Do If a Fundraiser Organizer or Recipient Has Passed Away

We understand that managing a fundraiser after the loss of a loved one is the last thing you want to be dealing with. If you need to take care of a GiveSendGo fundraiser connected to someone who has passed, we're here to walk you through your options and what we'll need to move forward.

Your Options

Option 1: Transfer the Fundraiser to the Executor or Legal Administrator

If you would like the fundraiser to remain active, we can transfer ownership to the executor or legal administrator of the estate. Once transferred, they will be able to:

  • Update the fundraiser, with the ability to edit it and post updates
  • Review donation activity
  • Transfer funds the fundraiser has raised

This option may be the right fit if you want the fundraiser to continue and a trusted executor or legal administrator is prepared to take over its management.

If someone in the family already has lawful access to the recipient's verified account and connected banking, they may be able to request transfers from the dashboard directly without a formal ownership change. If you're not sure whether that applies to your situation, contact us and we'll guide you.

Option 2: Refund Eligible Donations and Close the Fundraiser

If the fundraiser cannot continue and you'd prefer to return funds to givers, we can refund eligible donations and then close the fundraiser. Refunds cover the donated amount minus any original processing fees. Once refunds are complete, the fundraiser will stop accepting new donations, and the page will remain viewable as a record. No further changes can be made.

This may be the right choice if the fundraiser can no longer continue and you'd like to return donations to givers.

Required Documentation

To proceed with either option, the executor or legal administrator of the deceased's estate will need to provide:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport, with a note showing the date)
  • A copy of the obituary or death certificate
  • Proof of executor status (a will, court documentation, or other legal paperwork naming the executor or administrator of the estate)

To get started, Contact Us with your documentation and let us know which option you'd like to proceed with. Our team will walk you through the rest.