What is the Funeral Consumer Alliance?
We are a non-profit, non-sectarian, all volunteer organization dedicated solely to providing information on end-of-life decisions. We are affiliated with the national Funeral Consumers Alliance, which coordinates over 150 State and local groups. We were incorporated in December of 1997, and received our 50l(c)(3) status in 1998 (which means donations are tax deductible). We cover all of Connecticut, and our goal is to help our members and the general public to make informed, affordable choices in accordance with their personal beliefs.
We are not in the funeral business, we do not merchandize anything, we do not sell "pre-need" insurance, and we do not stress a particular approach. We do not use "cooperating" funeral and cremation establishments. Instead, our goal is to help members and the general public make end-or-life choices reflecting their own philosophy and purse.
We do encourage everyone to plan ahead. Although people frequently express a desire for simple, dignified services, and inexpensive disposition of the body, these requests are often forgotten or ignored. Grief, social custom, and the need to make immediate decisions without sufficient information often cause survivors to agree to arrangements that neither comfort the bereaved, nor reflect the wishes of the deceased. As a result, survivors may spend more than necessary.
FCA has forms to deal with issues including living wills, financial organization, and body, organ and tissue donation. We also have a variety of pamphlets on burial, cremation, funeral and memorial services and costs. Members receive a funeral/cremation price survey of establishments in their area, as well as newsletters and special mailings (some of our articles are available online). FCA also offers speakers on end-of-life decisions for meetings and workshops.