Family Foundation funds funeral costs for NH residents who can’t afford them

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Screenshot 2019 09 25 at 6.59.57 PM


phaneuf family foundation logoMANCHESTER, NH — The non-profit Phaneuf Family Foundation launched this summer to provide financial assistance for funeral and cremation arrangements for needy individuals and families in New Hampshire and Vermont.

The foundation will also:

  • Provide financial support to hospice and other caregiver organizations

  • Present scholarships to students attending a New England Mortuary College

“The Phaneuf Family Foundation provides us the ability to assist families in need, as well as those who pass away without family to honor them,” said Arthur O. “Buddy” Phaneuf, President of Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium. Phaneuf also serves as a trustee and Chairman of the Board of the foundation. “I am also very happy to support the next generation of funeral directors through scholarships to mortuary school.”

Financial assistance has long been available through city, town and state welfare departments to New Hampshire and Vermont families who cannot afford the total cost of a cremation or funeral service. Welfare departments will typically pay an average of $750, and the most inexpensive service at funeral homes in New Hampshire averages $1,000, meaning that families still need to come up with some money.

“We have encountered many families that need help even with that small amount. Our foundation will help fill that need,” Phaneuf said. “Everyone deserves a dignified farewell.”

More information on donation requests can be accessed on the foundation’s websitephaneuffoundation.org. Donations are eligible for deceased residents of the states of New Hampshire and Vermont, and the donations will cover a range of costs, ranging from a transportation fee for a service to a complete cremation.

Requests for distributions for a cremation or funeral may be made by a family member, friend, funeral director, social worker, hospice or nursing home employee or other interested party.

Requests for donations to hospice or caregiver organizations should be made by the director of the hospice or caregiver organization. Requests for scholarships should be made by the student. The scholarship portion of the program will launch in 2020.

Information on donating to the foundation can be found here.

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Phaneuf Funeral Homes

Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium