Frequently asked questions

Reception stage design, florals, lighting, a backdrop, and complete food and catering arrangements for the reception.

A memorial stage setup with a podium, floral tributes, a portrait display, and lighting, plus complete food and refreshment arrangements for the gathering.

No. We do not provide or fund cremation, burial, caskets, funeral home services, transportation, or legal death registration. We provide the memorial stage setup and the food for the gathering.

No. We do not book venues or plan weddings. We provide the reception stage decoration and the food.

No. We do not provide the wedding ceremony itself, photography, attire, transportation, or legal marriage registration.

No. We do not provide funeral home services or transportation. Our support is for the memorial gathering: the stage setup and the food.

Both programs are meant for individuals and families facing financial hardship. Because every family’s situation is different, please reach out to us. Our team will review your circumstances, determine the eligibility requirements that apply, and get back to you. Support depends on your application, eligibility, and the funding available.

There is no cost to ask. Whether the support is provided at no charge depends on your application, eligibility, and the funding available at the time. We will be open with you about what we can offer before anything is agreed.

We review each request individually, looking at the family’s circumstances and the funding available. We contact you to talk it through before we commit to anything.

Email us at [email protected] or call +1 (708) 501-8715. Tell us which program you need and the date of your event. A few lines is enough to start. Both are on our Get Support page.

We serve families across Illinois. Most of our work is in Chicago and nearby communities such as River Grove, Elmwood Park, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Niles, Skokie, Evanston, and Schaumburg. If you live elsewhere in Illinois, please still reach out.

Yes. Uplift International NFP is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity, so donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please speak with a tax advisor about your own situation.

Yes. Tell us in the donation form, or email us after you give, whether your gift is for Wedding Reception Support or Memorial Service Support. We use your gift for that program.

Donations pay for the stage setup and the food at wedding receptions and memorial gatherings. If you have questions about how gifts are used, email or call us and we will answer them.

Caterers, florists, decorators, lighting and event rental businesses, faith and community groups, foundations, and professionals can partner with us through in-kind services, program funding, sponsorship, referrals, or pro bono skills. See our Partner with us page, then write to us from the contact page and we will talk through what fits.