Frequently Asked Questions

Joining GFD

For over 60 years, GFD has been a trusted provider of not-for-profit preneed sales to funeral establishments and individuals in Canada. Our organization was founded in 1961 by a passionate group of bereavement service professionals with a commitment to serving the bereavement sector and the public.

Today, GFD is a vibrant and dynamic Members-based organization that supports bereavement professionals across the country. We offer a wide range of services to our Members, including monitoring and investing bereavement funds, exceptional Member support, and assistance in helping the public pre-plan their last wishes. Below is a list of just some of the benefits that GFD provides to its Members:

Benefits:

Increased Competitiveness – GFD offers a range of carefully selected financial products that are customized to meet the specific needs of our Members. This ensures that our Members can offer their clients the best funding options that align with their investment habits, finances, and lifestyles, giving them a competitive edge over others in the industry.

Business Growth with Training – GFD offers our Members free training that equips them with the skills to effectively reach and communicate with potential clients and grow market share. Our comprehensive training program covers product knowledge, presentation delivery, and seminar management and has a proven track record of success, as evidenced by documented case studies of Member establishments.

Savings in Terms of Marketing Costs – GFD offers its Members a range of customizable marketing materials that can be ordered at cost to provide new and potential clients with informative and compelling content. By providing these materials, Members can avoid the expense of hiring a marketing company or an in-house marketing professional to create unique and effective marketing collateral.

Enhanced Reputation – Over 60 years ago, GFD was created by the bereavement sector to serve the bereavement sector. Since then, we have been providing our Members with the products and services needed to deliver professional and well-rounded service to their clients. Let us help you establish a strong reputation for service and respect within your community.

Visibility – Our team is here to support you in organizing and hosting information sessions, group presentations, and conducting marketing campaigns to increase visibility for your establishment in the community.

Up-to-date Reporting – Our online tools grant Members access to up-to-date and historical reports, enabling them to report on and evaluate their past and current performance with precision.

EFT – GFD’s Electronic Funds Transfer makes transactions quick, efficient, and hassle-free.

Easy-to-use Online Tools – Our Members have access to our NetSuite system anytime through a secure, gated portal. This portal allows Members to easily submit and track their applications and claims, as well as view and download reports.

If you want to join GFD, send us an email. As soon as we receive your information, our business development team will contact you to provide you with all the necessary information and resources.

Just a desire to take your business to the next level. Then, we’ll assist you with completing some basic paperwork so you can get started. And if you need help transferring funds from other financial institutions to GFD, we’re happy to assist with that as well.

As an organization dedicated to serving our Members, GFD has been quietly but consistently building a legacy of service to the bereavement sector for over 60 years. We prioritize the best interests of our Members in every business decision we make and work closely with provincial regulators to ensure compliance. Our mission is to provide bereavement professionals with top-quality products and support, enabling them to deliver compassionate and meaningful care to Canadian families.

GFD offers a range of products to support the bereavement sector, including Trust, Insurance, and Travel Assistance Plans, as well as Care & Maintenance programs for Cemeteries. To learn more about these products, please contact us by email or by phone at 1-800-268-2466.

With GFD, there are no penalties for cancellations or early withdrawals of Trust accounts for bereavement establishments and their clients. Our insurance products also offer competitive terms for our Members and their clients in the event of an early cancellation or other administrative change.

Funds Management

We offer a variety of options including Trust, Insurance, and Travel Assistance Plans, as well as Care & Maintenance programs for Cemeteries. If you would like more information about any of our products, please email or call us at 1-800-268-2466.