Funeral costs checklist
When a loved one dies, decisions come fast and money comes from many people. This checklist helps the family see every cost in one place, so contributions go where they are needed.
- Free to start. Zanja keeps 5% of each donation and nothing else.
- Supporters give with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Zamtel Kwacha, Visa and Mastercard.
- Cash out to mobile money or a Zambian bank account (minimum K50).
Costs to plan for
- Mortuary fees and body preparation.
- Coffin or casket.
- Transport: hearse, buses for mourners, and travel for close family.
- Burial site fees and grave preparation.
- Tent, chairs and lighting hire at the funeral house.
- Food for mourners: mealie meal, relish, cooking oil, charcoal or gas.
- Programmes, photos and the funeral notice.
- Clothing and items for the burial.
Organise contributions
Agree on one treasurer and one place to give. A single link means relatives in town, in the village and abroad all give the same way, and the family can see every contribution. On Zanja you can list the costs as items so people give towards the coffin, transport or food, and others can promise to bring mealie meal or chairs.
Keep records
Record who gave and what was spent. A clear record avoids disagreements after the funeral and makes thank-yous easy. You can download the list of contributors from your dashboard.
Ready to start?
It's free. Zanja only keeps a small fee from what is given.
Make a list of funeral costsFrequently asked questions
Who should handle the money?
Choose one trusted person, agreed by the family. Using one link instead of personal numbers means everyone can see the total.
Can relatives abroad contribute?
Yes. They can give by Visa or Mastercard on the same link, and the family receives it in Kwacha.
