The Basics
1. What is a Candlelight Fund?
A Candlelight Fund is a fund set up in memory of a loved one who has died. It’s a way of creating a lasting memorial to someone special while supporting CAFOD’s life-changing work overseas. You, your friends and family can donate to the fund, and you can share memories and photos on your online page, and light a virtual candle on a birthday or anniversary.
2. Will it cost me anything to set up a Candlelight Fund?
No, Candlelight Funds are free to set up.
3. What will I receive from CAFOD when I set up a Candlelight Fund?
When you first create your fund, you will receive two emails.
The first will give you more information about your fund and how to share and personalise your page.
The second will be a welcome and thank you email from the CAFOD Candlelight team.
You will also receive our annual Candlelight Newsletter and prayer card as part of our All Souls mailing in November, updating you about your fund and sharing stories from other Candlelight Supporters and our partners overseas.
4. Will my Candlelight Fund have a dedicated webpage?
Yes, once you have set up your fund you will get a QR code to share that will link your friends and family to your dedicated page. There is also an opportunity to add some text and pictures about the person you are dedicating it to, so you can share the QR code with anyone who might appreciate this too.
5. Is there someone I can speak to directly about my Candlelight Fund?
Of course! If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for or you simply wish to talk about your loved one, please email Maggie at candlelight@cafod.org.uk or call her on 020 7095 5348.
6. Why have we moved to a new site?
Since we first offered online Candlelight Funds 7 years ago, the number of funds has increased incredibly as our supporters engage with this special way
of supporting CAFOD’s work in memory of a loved one. We want to offer an improved experience for our Candlelight Supporters and have been experiencing issues with our internal site.
Our new Candlelight Funds will retain the look and essence of our current Funds but with additional features, offering a simpler and more accessible experience. You can even add music or video, and light a virtual candle on a significant date.
Setting Up
7. I'm experiencing problems with my fund, what do I do?
Call Maggie in our Remembrance team 020 7095 5348 or email candlelight@cafod.org.uk
8. Do I need to create a profile?
When you create an online Candlelight Fund you will need to also create a user profile using your email address and creating a password.
For current online Candlelight Funds, when our new site goes live you will receive a link to set-up a new profile on the new Candlelight site which will already be linked to your existing Candlelight Fund(s).
9. Do I need a new password for the new site?
If you are creating a profile for the first time, you will set a password as a part of that profile creation.
For current online Candlelight accounts, when you click the link we’ve sent you to set-up a new profile on the new Candlelight site, you will be asked for a new password - this can be your existing password or a new one.
10. Can I add words and photos on my Candlelight Fund?
Yes, you can edit your Candlelight page on the site, or you can send details you wish to upload to candlelight@cafod.org.uk. You can also edit your page after is has gone live.
For current Candlelight Funds, all words and photos will be transferred safely and securely from our old online Candlelight Fund system.
11. Can I remember more than one person with my Candlelight Fund?
Of course. If you’d like to add more than one person to your Candlelight Fund we would be honoured to do so. Please get in touch with Maggie on 020 7095 5348 or email candlelight@cafod.org.uk
For current Candlelight Funds, the name of the Candlelight Fund will remain the same.
12. I’ve already raised some money in my loved one’s memory. Can this be added to my Candlelight Fund?
Yes of course, contact Maggie on 020 7095 5348 or email her on candlelight@cafod.org.uk and she can help you with this. In fact any donation that you make to CAFOD, either to appeals or buying World Gifts, can be linked to your fund, get in touch with Maggie and she will help you.
13. How can I share my Candlelight Fund with friends and family?
Once you have created your fund, the email you will receive will give information on how to share your fund with family and friends.
14. Can my page be private?
Yes, you have the option to make your Candlelight Fund private or public and can change this in your page settings on the new site, otherwise just get in touch with Maggie by phone or email 020 7095 5348 candlelight@cafod.org.uk
Donations
15. How do I know when someone donates to my Candlelight Fund?
As the organiser of your fund, you can choose to be notified when someone donates to your fund - or just check on your page when you visit it.
16. Can I set up a regular gift for my Candlelight Fund?
Yes, you can do this by calling Maggie on 020 7095 5348. Or you can complete the online form here but still do let Maggie know so she can link it to your fund.
17. Can I donate offline and have this added to my Candlelight Fund?
Yes, you can call Maggie on 020 7095 5348 to donate over the phone or send a cheque in the post to: CAFOD Candlelight Funds, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB.
Please do not send cash in the post.
In fact, any donation you make to CAFOD be it to an Appeal or buying World Gifts, can be linked to your Candlelight Fund. Get in touch with Maggie and she will help you
18. Can I make an anonymous donation to my Candlelight Fund?
Yes, you can choose to remain anonymous when making a donation online. Simply select the option when you make your donation.
19. Can I claim Gift Aid for donations made to my Candlelight Fund?
Yes, make sure you declare yourself a Gift Aider when donating. You can also download a Gift Aid declaration here on our website or by calling Supporter Care on 0303 303 3030.
20. I'm experiencing problems donating / accessing my fund, what do I do?
Call Maggie on 020 7095 5348 or email candlelight@cafod.org.uk, failing that call Supporter Care on 0303 303 3030.
21. Can I close my Candlelight Fund?
Yes, we can deactivate your Candlelight Fund, just call Maggie on 020 7095 5348 or email candlelight@cafod.org.uk, failing that call Supporter Care on 0303 303 3030.
22. I have a query on the total amount of my fund
Contact Maggie on 020 7095 5348 or email
23.Gift Aid
Historic donations to your Candlelight Fund will not have shown Gift Aid. Future regular gifts and donations made by post or phone will show as one amount (including the Gift Aid) e.g. a £10 donation with Gift Aid will show as £12.50 and full amount added to your fund total. A donation made directly by you to your Candlelight Fund on the MuchLoved site will show the Gift Aid amount e.g. £10 (+£2.50 Gift Aid) and added to the fund total.