Making a donation in memory of a loved one: procedures and tax benefits
Introduction
After a death, many families look for concrete ways to honour the memory of their loved one. Beyond tribute ceremonies and traditional rituals, making a donation in memory of a deceased person has become an increasingly common practice in Switzerland.
This gesture allows the pain of grief to be transformed into positive action. It extends the deceased's commitment to a cause that was close to their heart: medical research, environmental protection, humanitarian aid or support for vulnerable people. For loved ones, it is also a way to give meaning to the loss and create a tribute through donation that endures over time.
In Switzerland, memorial donations also offer significant tax advantages. Depending on the association chosen, you can benefit from a tax deduction on your tax return. But how do you practically organise a donation in memory of a loved one? What are the steps to follow? How do you communicate this initiative in the obituary? And what are the actual tax benefits?
This guide takes you step by step through organising a bereavement donation, from selecting the association to the practical and tax aspects.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Making a donation in memory of a loved one allows you to honour their values whilst supporting a cause that was close to their heart. In Switzerland, these memorial donations can take several forms: one-off donation, collective collection or testamentary bequest. They offer tax benefits depending on the beneficiary organisation, with possible deductions on your tax return.
This guide details the practical steps for organising a memorial donation, choosing the appropriate organisation, communicating the initiative in the obituary and understanding the tax benefits. Wolky facilitates this process by allowing donation information to be integrated directly into online obituaries.
📚 Table of contents
Why make a donation in memory of a loved one
Making a memorial donation for a deceased person transforms grief into concrete action. This approach allows the values and commitments of the deceased to be perpetuated, whilst giving meaning to their passing.
A tribute through donation supports a cause that was close to their heart: medical research, environmental protection, child welfare or any other charitable mission. It is a way to extend their positive impact on the world.
This alternative or complement to traditional tributes offers comfort to loved ones. To discover other forms of commemoration, read our article on 10 original tribute ideas.
The different types of memorial donations
Several forms of bereavement donation exist depending on your wishes and situation:
- One-off donation: single payment made at the time of death by the family or loved ones
- Collective donation: collection organised at the funeral where several people contribute together
- Regular donation: monthly or annual payments as an ongoing tribute
- Testamentary bequest: provision made in the will of the deceased themselves
Each option meets different needs. The choice depends on your relationship with the deceased and your financial circumstances.
One-off donation and collective donation
A one-off donation represents a single payment made by an individual or close family. Simple and direct, it allows an immediate response after the death.
A collective donation brings together contributions from several people. At the funeral, an urn can be made available. Online, platforms facilitate collection and centralise payments to the chosen charitable organisation.
This collective approach amplifies the impact of the gesture and creates a sense of unity around the memory of the deceased.
Bequests and testamentary donations
A charitable bequest is a testamentary provision where the deceased leaves a sum, an asset or a percentage of their estate to an organisation.
This form of posthumous donation reflects a deep commitment. It allows lasting support for an important cause without impact on finances during their lifetime.
The bequest is part of an advance planning approach. To learn more about funeral preparation, read our guide on planning your funeral in advance.
How to choose the beneficiary organisation
The choice of organisation should reflect the values and commitments of the deceased. Favour causes they supported during their lifetime: fighting a disease, animal protection, humanitarian aid, culture or education.
Verify the transparency and credibility of the charitable organisation: publication of accounts, public utility recognition, accessible activity reports. Labels such as Zewo in Switzerland guarantee rigorous management of donations.
Consult close family to ensure the choice is consensual and truly honours the memory of the deceased.
Practical steps for making a memorial donation
Here are the concrete steps for making a memorial donation:
- Contact the chosen organisation and specify that it is a memorial donation
- Provide the name of the deceased and possibly the family's contact details
- Choose the amount according to your means
- Make the payment (bank transfer, card, cheque)
- Request a tax receipt for the donation tax deduction
Then inform the family of your gesture, either directly or via a message of condolence. This attention brings comfort to bereaved loved ones.
Communicating the donation in the obituary
Mentioning the possibility of making a donation in the obituary facilitates the process for loved ones. Common wordings include: "In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to..." or "The family suggests a donation to the association...".
Wolky allows a link to the chosen organisation to be integrated directly into the online obituary. Loved ones can thus easily access the bank details or donation form, considerably simplifying the process. To publish an obituary with this feature, visit our publication page.
Tax benefits of memorial donations in Switzerland
In Switzerland, donations to organisations recognised as being of public utility benefit from a donation tax deduction. This measure encourages generosity whilst reducing the donor's tax burden.
Amounts paid can be deducted from taxable income, thus reducing the tax due. The deductible percentage and caps vary according to Swiss cantons.
Keep all tax receipts provided by the organisation carefully. These supporting documents are essential when filing your tax return. To find out the specific rules for your canton, consult your cantonal tax administration.
Which organisations qualify for deduction
Not all associations allow a tax deduction. In Switzerland, only organisations recognised as being of public utility grant this right:
- Public utility associations and foundations
- Certified charitable organisations (notably Zewo label)
- Non-profit institutions recognised by the tax authorities
Before making your bereavement donation, verify the organisation's tax status on its website or contact it directly. This precaution ensures that your donation will be deductible.
Deductible amounts and caps
Tax deduction for donations is generally capped at 20% of net taxable income in most Swiss cantons. Some cantons apply different limits, more generous or more restrictive.
To declare your donations, enter the total amount in the appropriate section of your cantonal tax return. Attach the tax receipts provided by the organisations.
Donations exceeding the cap are generally not carried forward to the following year. Plan your donations accordingly to optimise the tax benefit.
Facilitating donations with Wolky
Wolky simplifies memorial donations by integrating a link to the chosen organisation directly into the online obituary. This feature allows loved ones to contribute in just a few clicks, without having to search for bank details.
When publishing your obituary, you can add the charitable organisation's information. The link appears clearly on the memorial page, accessible 24/7 to all visitors.
This option is in addition to other features: photos, anecdotes, messages of condolence. Wolky thus centralises all aspects of the digital tribute in a dignified and respectful space.
Making a donation in memory of a loved one offers a meaningful way to transform grief into positive action. Whether you opt for a one-off donation, a collective collection or a testamentary bequest, each gesture contributes to perpetuating the values of the deceased whilst supporting a cause that was close to their heart.
Tax benefits in Switzerland make this approach even more accessible: donations to organisations recognised as being of public utility are deductible from taxable income, within the cantonal limits in force. Remember to keep your donation receipts for your tax return.
To honour the memory of your loved one with dignity, publish an obituary on Wolky and mention the possibility for loved ones to make a memorial donation. This transparency facilitates tributes and allows everyone to contribute according to their means to a meaningful cause.
