Become a Member
The Bay Area Funeral Consumers Association is a membership organization. We provide solid advice, and we negotiate discounts at contracted mortuaries, but we do not provide funding for funeral services.
We are an all-volunteer association that relies on the generous support of our local communities so that we can provide accurate information and advocate for consumers of funeral services at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
An individual, lifetime membership is $100.00, which is non-refundable and tax deductible. Your membership can save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses, help our mission of consumer advocacy, and promote transparency in funeral planning.
Join Us!
Step 1 - Purchase a Membership
Pay for your lifetime membership by clicking on the “Purchase Now” button. Your membership is securely paid through PayPal; an email address is required.
You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal acknowledging your payment.
Note:
If you are already a Member and would like to review or update your profile, please go to the Member Login page.
Step 2 - Access Your Profile
You will receive an email from us with your Membership number, username, and a link to setup your own unique password. Follow the instructions after clicking on the link. (Immediate Need members will receive a response within 24 hours.)
When creating your profile, be prepared to enter your Next of Kin information, as well as the Mortuary and Plan that you’ve chosen. If these haven’t been selected yet, you may always return to your profile to update it when you’re ready.
Keep your Membership number in a safe place – it entitles you to discounts at our member mortuaries. You will also want to put it on your Planning Form so your executor or survivors have it when needed.
Transfer Memberships
We Honor Transfers from Other Funeral Consumer Associations
We are part of a the national Funeral Consumers Alliance. If you are a member from another location, you can take advantage of our Member Benefits. To transfer your membership from another FCA, enter the FCA name, your membership number, and click “Purchase Now”. ($25 transfer processing fee.)
You will receive a confirmation email from PayPal acknowledging your payment and a Welcome letter from us that includes your new BAFCA Membership Number and instructions for creating your online member profile.
Membership Benefits
There are many benefits to becoming a member of our organization. One of the primary ones is having the peace of mind of knowing you have spared your loved ones the stress of decision-making in what will be a difficult time for them. We also want to assure you that your membership information is secure and we do not share our membership list with anyone or any other organization.
Beyond the valuable information and planning materials that we provide on our website, members are entitled to the following:
- Get member-only discounts at local cooperating mortuaries.
- Receive updates comparing prices at Bay Area mortuaries
- Be prompted from time to time to review and update your member information and mortuary/plan choices
- Be invited to sponsored events
- Receive a membership card to carry for emergencies
- Receive our semi-annual newsletter
- Have our Speakers Bureau speak to your church, civic or professional group on a variety of funeral related topics
- Be eligible to vote at annual meetings
- Be eligible to serve on our board of directors
- Be part of the member base strengthening our efforts to advocate at the state and national level for consumer interests relating to the funeral industry
- Be able to transfer your membership to other Funeral Consumer Association chapters (NOTE: not all chapters have discount arrangements with local mortuaries)
- Receive updates on legislative and regulatory matters relating to death care, organ and body donation, estate-planning, living wills and trusts, etc.
- Be kept up-to-date with emerging trends in the funeral services, such as home funerals, alkaline hydrolysis, body composting, and green burials
Member Responsibilities
Whether or not you become a member, it is important to educate yourself about your end-of-life options. It is your responsibility to choose the type of funeral arrangements you would like, put it in writing, and then discuss your wishes with your family. If you have set aside any funds for your funeral expenses, let your survivors know.
Other responsibilities include:
- Updating your membership information when you move, change your name, or need to update other planning information
- Supporting our educational and consumer advocacy work for the benefit of all.
- Spreading the word about our services to your friends and family members.