Thank you for investing in the future of funeral service by joining or renewing your membership with MFDA. It’s great to know we can rely on members such as you to support YOUR association’s efforts as we move forward in the coming year. MFDA is more than an association; we are an extension of your staff. We are an advocate for your success as a funeral service professional.

Firm, Individual, and Associate Members - Why join our community of funeral professionals through MFDA?

Advocacy & Representation

• Strong advocacy with policymakers and the Minnesota Department of Health on your behalf. MFDA staff, lobbyist, general counsel, and leadership participate in discussions with Minnesota Department of Health Mortuary Science staff to communicate questions/issues to represent our members. Please contact us with your concerns – we’re here for you.
• 2026 legislative session will focus on MFDA priority legislation including internship changes and reciprocal license modifications.

Legal Resources

• Free 30-minute consultations with MFDA Legal Counsel Michael Sharkey for mortuary-specific guidance.
  

Consumer Education

• Access to our consumer video campaign promoting the value of funeral service. Contact us to receive access to this members-only video.
• Customize videos with your funeral home logo and voiceover for just $125.
• Additional consumer education focused videos coming in 2026.
• Enhanced online directory to help consumers find MFDA member funeral homes on our website.

Professional Development & Events

• Discounted registration fees for MFDA member funeral directors, transfer care specialists, and preneed insurance agents for MFDA events, conferences, and training.
• Free CEU opportunities throughout the year (in-person and virtual) for all members.
• Join us on Gull Lake at our 135th Annual Convention at Cragun's Resort, Brainerd – May 12-14, 2026. We will host an MFDA golf tournament on May 12.
• After a successful inaugural event this year, our Women in Funeral Service (WIFS) Conference is returning in 2026.

• Have a new transfer care specialist (TCS) staff who needs to complete training before registering with MDH? MFDA offers TCS virtual on-demand training with a discounted rate for members.

Wellness & Networking

• We are planning our first small group Wellness Day Retreat for our member funeral directors on January 31, 2026. More details to come next week.
• MFDA Online Community provides timely communications, peer connections, and best practices.
• New members-only networking event is coming this fall!

Career Development

• MFDA staff participate in career exploration initiatives at schools and career fairs.
• Our Career Center is exclusive for MFDA members and offers a 50% discount on job postings (use code "MFDA50").
• Free career brochures (digital or printed) for member funeral homes to use in their funeral homes, school presentations, and career fairs.

Allied Members - What type of visibility benefits are there as an MFDA Allied Member?

• Advertising & Visibility Benefits:

  • In 2026 we are bringing back a digital version of our Bulletin newsletter. Issues will be available in March, July, and December. We will have discounted ad rates for our Allied Members.
  • Listing in our online membership directory with links organized by category (casket suppliers, embalming supplies, insurance, software, vehicles, etc.)
  • Featured Allied Member listing in the Bulletin.
  • Banner advertising opportunities on MFDA's Online Community (350+ active members).
    
  • Discounted ad opportunities to include your logo and link to your website included in MFDA emails to members.
  • Access to use the "MFDA Allied Member" logo in your own marketing materials.
    

   

  Conference & Event Opportunities:

  • Discounted exhibitor registration fees at MFDA's Annual Convention (May 12-14, 2026 at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd, MN).
  • Convention sponsorship opportunities (highlighted in the Convention & Expo prospectus and on our website).
  • Sponsorship opportunities for educational events, including our 2nd Annual Women in Funeral Service (WIFS) Conference.
  • Logo placement at sponsored events.
  • Speaking opportunities at conferences and educational programs.
  • New members-only networking event coming this fall!

   

  Access & Engagement:

  • Full access to MFDA's Online Community, featuring current and urgent industry news.
  • Access to all communications sent to members.
  • Access to MFDA Funeral Home member contact info in our Online Directory.
    
  • Invitation to serve on committees relevant to Allied services.

MFDA membership structure includes the following categories:

Firm - membership pricing based on number of reported cases in 2024 (data used from MDH Office of Vital Records): 

• $15 per case for up to 250 cases
• $10 per case for cases over 250 and up to 1,000
• $5 per case for cases over 1,000
• 2% discount applied on total cases to excluding children, ship-outs, and welfare cases
• Minimum base fee of $600

Individual - Open to licensed funeral directors who are not owners and work for a funeral home who is not an MFDA member - $600

Associate - Open to funeral homes with their main location in a surrounding state (North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin) - $600

Allied - Companies that sell goods and services to the funeral industry - $400

Emeritus - Retired funeral directors with no affiliation with a member firm - $150

Student - Individuals who are currently enrolled in a recognized School of Mortuary Science (Must provide Mortuary Science School name) - Free

Individual, Associate, Allied, Emeritus, and Student members can join online below! Funeral Home Firms please reach out to MFDA staff to receive your application Firm with your 2024 case information.