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Recognizing Remarkable Women: Nominations Open for NFDA Inspiration Award
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is now accepting nominations for the third annual NFDA Inspiration Award. This prestigious award, presented during the NFDA Professional Women’s Conference, celebrates a distinguished and accomplished woman who has made meaningful contributions to the funeral service profession or a related field. NFDA thanks National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) for generously sponsoring this award. Nominations will be accepted online through February 17, 2025. The Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who …
Arizona Student Awarded the Foundation ’45 Scholarship
Congratulations to Nicole Caldwell for being one of only seven students awarded the prestigious Foundation ’45 Scholarship! This $5,000 scholarship, funded by the generous donors of the Funeral Service Foundation, supports students pursuing funeral service education at accredited institutions. Nicole’s dedication to her studies at Chandler-Gilbert Community College exemplifies the future of compassionate, professional service. Well done, Nicole—we are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing your growth and leadership in the Funeral …
2025 NFDA Meet the Mentors Program: Exclusive Opportunity for Funeral Professionals to Connect, Learn and Advocate in Washington, D.C.
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is proud to announce that its highly-praised Meet the Mentors program will take place from April 8-10, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This transformative event, held in conjunction with NFDA’s annual Advocacy Summit, offers a unique opportunity for emerging funeral service professionals to engage with leaders and experience the power of advocacy firsthand. Since its launch in 2011, and thanks to the generous support of the Funeral Service Foundation, Meet the …
Registration and Scholarship Application Open for NFDA 2025 Professional Women’s Conference
Registration is now open for the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Professional Women’s Conference, a premier event designed to empower female funeral service professionals. The conference will take place May 15-18, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. This intimate event, limited to 165 attendees, offers transformative educational sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and strategies tailored to the unique challenges women face in the funeral profession. The …
NFDA Champions Veterans’ Burial Benefit Access in Congressional Hearing
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) was invited to testify before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at an oversight hearing titled “Our Nation’s Hallowed Grounds: A Review of America’s National Cemetery Funeral Operations for Veterans and Servicemembers.” The hearing focused on assessing and improving the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) efforts to meet the needs of military families. NFDA was called …
New Idea Guide Helps Funeral Professionals Guide Families in Remembering Loved Ones in Meaningful Ways
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), through its consumer education initiative Remembering A Life, has developed an updated idea guide for funeral professionals to help them even better serve families at the end of life. Remembering A Life, through its website (RememberingALife.com), podcast, blog, conversation/activity cards, suggested reading, consumer brochures and other resources, educates people about the importance of remembering loved ones in meaningful ways. These resources help families navigate the unique end-of-life challenges but …
U.S. Cremation Rate is Projected to Climb to 61.9% in 2024
NFDA’s annual Cremation and Burial Report tracks critical data and offers funeral professionals key insights into consumer preferences. The U.S. cremation rate is projected to increase by 1.3% since last year to 61.9% for 2024, according to the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) 2024 Cremation & Burial Report. The rate of burial is projected to decrease by 1.3% over 2023 to 33.2.%. NFDA members receive complimentary access to this annual report; nonmembers can purchase the Cremation …
Arizona Funeral Director Selected for NFDA’s 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program Class
AFCCA is excited to announce that Marshall Loring of Messinger Mortuary in Scottsdale, Arizona, has been named among the select group of funeral service professionals for the 2024-25 National Emerging Leaders Program by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Marshall’s inclusion in this esteemed program is a testament to his dedication and potential within the funeral service profession. This year-long initiative is designed to cultivate leadership qualities through expert-led sessions and high-level networking, preparing participants …
Major Victory for NFDA and Funeral Service: U.S. EPA Finds Formaldehyde Used for Embalming Is Not Regulated Under the Toxic Substances Control Act
NFDA to host free member webinar on March 27 about the draft risk assessment. Earlier today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its draft of its determination of the health and environmental risks of formaldehyde under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for comment and peer review. NFDA and funeral service secured a major victory when the draft risk assessment indicated that formaldehyde used for embalming would not be subject to regulations under TSCA. …
New Legislation Introduced to Ease Funeral Expenses for Families
Families facing the unexpected loss of a loved one may find relief in new legislation introduced in the House of Representatives today. Endorsed by the National Funeral Directors Association, the “Funeral Coverage Act of 2024,” introduced by Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), would designate funeral expenses as a qualified expense eligible for coverage under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This means that families that have saved money for healthcare expenses can use those funds for funeral and …