Home - About NFDANFDA's Mission Statement: The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is the worldwide resource and advocate across all facets of funeral service dedicated to high ethical standards and helping members provide meaningful service to families.
Consumer Advocacy
NFDA is dedicated to serving the public, as well as its members. In order to help members provide quality service to families, NFDA offers a number of consumer resources to explain and give a greater understanding on topics such as planning funerals and life tributes, types of losses, grief and bereavement, consumer tips, and links to support and charitable organizations.
NFDA service representatives are available to respond to general questions consumers may have about funeral service. Our representatives may be contacted Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST at 800-228-6332 or via e-mail anytime at nfda@nfda.org.
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History
On January 14, 1880, a group of 26 Michigan undertakers held the first meeting of what would be established in 1882 as the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA). Today, NFDA is the oldest and largest national funeral service organization in the world.
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NFDA Code of Professional Conduct
Upon joining NFDA, members agree to abide by NFDA’s Code of Professional Conduct (PDF - 460KB)**. This code addresses the funeral director's obligations to the families they serve and the decedents, as well as the public, government and NFDA. The code assures consumers of the high ethical standards upheld by NFDA members. Violations of the code may subject the member to disciplinary action in accordance with the NFDA Constitution and NFDA Bylaws.
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Professional Development
NFDA's professional development programming offers more innovative continuing education opportunities and resources than any other funeral service organization to meet the needs and flexible schedules of funeral service professionals. Options include conferences, seminars, workshops, home study alternatives, online learning, teleconferences, web seminars, and the only national preplanning certification program.
NFDA programs and events cover the skills funeral service professionals need to know to provide excellence in service to families and to run successful businesses. As NFDA continues to conduct research and monitor trends, we also regularly update continuing education programming as well as career resources and information for the profession and the public.
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Meetings & Events
NFDA's Annual Convention & Expo is the largest annual event of its kind in the world, featuring cutting-edge speakers, workshops and a trade show that has grown to become the worldwide leader in funeral service. NFDA's Website also posts the exhibit floor map, listing suppliers from the trade show throughout the year.
In addition to our main event, NFDA also sponsors an annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., an annual Leadership Conference in various cities across the country, and numerous continuing education programs. The NFDA Events Calendar displays all upcoming funeral service-related events.
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Communications
Whether it is breaking news or in-depth coverage, NFDA is the leading resource for information on emerging trends and issues for funeral directors and consumers. NFDA also publishes the profession’s premier monthly magazine, The Director; The NFDA Bulletin, NFDA Supplier Dispatch and the NFDA Annual Report. The NFDA publications serve as an advertising opportunity to funeral service-related suppliers. In addition, NFDA maintains a members-only threaded discussion forum for funeral service professionals seeking information in the areas of technical skills, business and management and enhancing service to families.
NFDA also provides members with public relations programs that help them enhance their community relations and help consumers understand the role of funeral service. NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence is a distinguished program that establishes a premier standard for funeral service excellence, with high-profile national recognition. Recipient funeral homes are honored for their outstanding service, professional integrity and dynamic public relations programs. In 2002, almost 300 funeral homes nationwide participated in NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence program.
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Research & Information
NFDA conducts and funds research in areas of health, safety, the environment, and consumer and member interest s to help members stay on top in meeting the needs of today's families. This research allows NFDA to track important statistics and information about members, the funeral service profession, trends, and vital issues affecting funeral service.
NFDA also supports outside research through funding grants to individuals with purposes that are consistent with NFDA's strategic objectives as determined by the NFDA Executive Board. Projects are required to be of national importance, as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion.
NFDA also houses the Howard C. Raether Library, a unique collection of books, periodicals, proceedings, and other materials dealing specifically with funeral service topics through the ages. A non-lending library, the collection is open to researchers on weekdays by appointment.
Through the NFDA Resource Store members and others who are interested can order research reports as well as everything from survey compilations to informational packets to legal and regulatory information. It is a one-stop source for funeral service information.
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Partnerships
NFDA maintains affiliations with allied organizations in fields such as sociology, psychology, healthcare and theology.
NFDA also strongly supports the Funeral Service Foundation (FSF), who through charitable gifts and grants, provides resources for public awareness and education, the support of funeral service and allied professions, the improvement of children’s lives, and career and professional development. FSF is classified as a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
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Contact Information
For more information on funeral service, the National Funeral Directors Association or NFDA membership, contact NFDA at:
National Funeral Directors Association (Headquarters)
13625 Bishop’s Drive
Brookfield, WI 53005
Toll-free: 800-228-6332
Phone: 262-789-1880
Fax: 262-789-6977
E-mail: nfda@nfda.org
NFDA Washington, D.C., Office
400 C Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202-547-0441
Fax: 202-547-0726
E-mail: jfitch@nfda.org
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