The most sagacious one from among you is he who remembers death the most, and the most prudent one from among you is he who is the most prepared for it.

At United Care Trust, we believe that communities are strongest when they come together to support one another—especially during life’s most difficult moments.

The Community Funeral Support Programme is a simple, practical model that allows organisations and community groups to establish a shared support system, ensuring that no family faces the financial burden of funeral costs alone.

United Care Trust supports organisations by:

• ✔️ Sharing practical experience and learnings
• ✔️ Providing programme structure, tools, and templates
• ✔️ Supporting organisations in setting up their own programme

We do not:

• ❌ Manage members
• ❌ Handle funds
• ❌ Operate the programme

Each programme is owned, governed, and run by the organisation implementing it.
 

This is a community-led model based on mutual support:

1. Members join the programme
2. Members contribute regularly or as needed
3. When a member (or dependent) passes away: 
   • Contributions are pooled
   • Financial support is provided to the family

• Reduces financial stress during bereavement
• Builds community connection and trust
• Creates a structured, transparent support system
• Flexible – designed to suit any community

This model can be used by:

• Community groups
• Faith-based organisations
• Cultural associations
• Social or professional networks

There is no minimum or maximum size — your organisation can design it to suit your community.

Each organisation defines:

• Membership – who can join
• Contributions – how much and how often
• Support Model – fixed amount or pooled contributions
• Coverage – member only or included dependents
• Conditions – e.g., waiting period, eligibility

We’ve created a comprehensive guide that walks you through:

• Programme design
• Governance structure
• Financial models
• Implementation steps
• Best practices

👉 Download the Programme Guide (add your PDF link here)

To help you launch quickly, we provide a complete implementation toolkit, including:

• Membership Registration Form
• Member Rules & Agreement Template
• Contribution Tracking Sheets
• Claim & Disbursement Form
• Communication Templates
• Launch Plan

• Member database
• Contribution tracking
• Claims and payout record

👉 Download the Starter Kit (add link here)
👉 Download Excel Templates (add link here)

Starting is simple:

1. Engage your community
2. Form a small working group
3. Define your model (contributions + support)
4. Set up governance and tracking
5. Register members
6. Launch and communicate

No. This is a community-led support model, not an insurance product.

The organisation implementing it is fully responsible.

We provide guidance, tools, and support—but do not operate the programme.

Support depends on contributions and the rules defined by each organisation.

This programme:

✅ Is community-owned and managed
✅ Works on collective contribution

This programme is NOT:

❌ Insurance
❌ Managed by United Care Trust
❌ A guaranteed financial product

If your organisation is interested in running this programme or would like guidance:

👉 Contact United Care Trust at info@unitedcare.org.nz and we will share the starter took kit