Established 2021

We Can Help Grieving Families, Together.

$14,000+ donated to grieving families. 0% administrative fees.

13%

Child poverty rate in 2024, leaving millions of families with zero emergency savings.

$9,000

The average cost of a funeral in 2025. An impossible sum for a grieving family.

100%

Of your donation to The Henzi Foundation goes directly to funeral bills.

Turning Grief into Grace

The loss of a child is an emotional tsunami. In 2025, it has also become a financial catastrophe. With funeral costs rising over 11% in the last three years, families are often forced to choose between debt and dignity.

The Henzi Foundation steps into that gap.

We have already distributed over $14,000 in direct aid as of 2025 and this keeps growing. We do not cut checks to parents; we pay funeral homes and service providers directly. This ensures two things: complete transparency for our donors and one less administrative burden for a heartbroken mother or father.

We are a family-run organization and we are proud to be able to help grieving families in our community. We pay for the foundation's expenses so your donation goes to a funeral home or service provider directly.

Read our full mission →
Frankie Mascot

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To aid in providing financial relief to families or caregivers of children to assist with the final expenses due to an unexpected loss.

Our Vision

We aim to provide this relief regardless of the child's race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or cause of death. All funds paid out would be directly to those providing the service such as funeral homes, obituary and legacy services, etc.

Nonprofit Status

  • ✓ We are a corporate nonprofit entity, registered in the State of Ohio on 1/5/21.
  • ✓ The Henzi Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity, effective 1/8/2021 as determined by the IRS.
  • This means all donations to The Henzi Foundation are tax deductible.
Meet the Team Donate Now

Inspired by Rachel's Loss

The Henzi Foundation was born from heartbreak and hope.

When Rachel Henzi lost her precious son Frankie Antunes, the devastating grief was compounded by an impossible financial burden. Like so many families facing the unthinkable loss of a child, Rachel couldn't afford the funeral costs on her own. In her darkest moment, she had to rely on the kindness of others to give Frankie the dignified farewell he deserved.

That experience-the crushing weight of both emotional and financial devastation-inspired Rachel and her family to create The Henzi Foundation. They understood firsthand what it means to face the impossible choice between honoring your child's memory and financial ruin.

Today, The Henzi Foundation ensures no other parent faces that same crushing weight alone. We step into that gap between grief and financial burden, providing direct assistance so families can focus on what matters most: saying goodbye with dignity and beginning the long journey of healing.

Every dollar we raise honors Frankie Antunes' memory by helping other families avoid the financial crisis that compounds the already unbearable pain of losing a child.

Help Us Honor Frankie's Legacy Meet Our Team

Funeral Costs

What We Cover

The cost of dying in America is just like living in it - expensive.

In fact, for most middle and lower income households a funeral can mean also a great financial loss. Worse yet, these are the most at-risk groups to face such a loss in America.

Get our report below on the potential blow losing a family member might have on those who are unprepared.

Sample Costs

See below for a list of some of the most expensive parts of laying someone to rest

  • Casket or urn

    A metal casket can cost $2,500

  • Burial Vault

    This enclosure can cost $1,500

  • Embalming

    $750 to $800

  • Funeral Services

    $2,000 to $2,500

  • Transportation

    $200 to $1,000 depending on hearse

Why We Need Your Help

The loss of a child is unimaginable. The financial devastation that follows is preventable.

The Economic Reality

Funeral costs average $9,000 to $12,000 - an impossible sum for families already struggling. This isn't a luxury expense; it's the basic cost of saying goodbye with dignity.

For families living paycheck to paycheck, this represents months of income. For those in poverty, it's an insurmountable barrier that compounds their grief with financial ruin.

The Double Blow

Low-income families face a cruel reality: they are more likely to experience child loss due to limited access to healthcare, and they are least prepared to handle the financial burden when tragedy strikes.

These families often lack emergency savings, insurance coverage, or the financial safety net that could help them navigate this crisis. The system fails them twice - first in prevention, then in support.

Financial Blindsiding

Most families never see this coming. Financial experts don't recommend life insurance for children. Parents focus on saving for college, not funerals. No one plans for the unthinkable.

When tragedy strikes, families are left scrambling. They're grieving, making impossible decisions under duress, and facing bills they never anticipated. Many are forced to choose between honoring their child and financial stability.

Lack of Community Support

While neighbors may organize fundraisers and friends set up GoFundMe campaigns, this support is inconsistent and unreliable. Many families lack the social networks or community resources to mobilize help when they need it most.

The Henzi Foundation exists to ensure that when a family faces the unthinkable, they don't face it alone. We step in immediately, paying funeral homes directly so families can focus on healing, not bills. Your donation doesn't just cover costs - it lifts a crushing weight, allowing parents to grieve without the added burden of financial panic.

Every dollar you give goes directly to a funeral home. Zero administrative fees. Complete transparency. Maximum impact.