General Information

Mission

           The Funeral Information Society of the Piedmont (formerly the Memorial Planning Society of the Piedmont) is a regional, nonprofit organization that primarily teaches members how to plan simple, dignified, and economical funeral arrangements – or alternatives – for themselves and their families. FISP has no commercial interests and does not recommend prepaid funeral or burial plans.  

 

Picture is Courtesy of Edenpics.com

Picture: Edenpics-com (retouched)

 

Services

           Members respond daily to calls (434 923-7679) requesting general funeral information or membership materials. FISP also provides speakers for any educational activity concerned with final arrangements. Biannually FISP conducts a survey of local funeral and crematory costs and services that is available to members.  As an affiliate of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, FISP maintains a broad knowledge base about consumer rights and responsibilities. Virginians will find “Death Outside the Box,” a pamphlet produced by the FCA of the Blue Ridge, very helpful.

 

The national FCA is an invaluable resource. If you are unable to reach us locally, please call FCA toll free at 800 765-0107, email FCA@funerals.org, or write to Funeral Consumers Alliance, PO Box 10, Hinesburg, VT 05461.  

2009 Survey

         The 2009 survey of funeral establishments is included in the newsletter mailed to members in March 2009. The survey includes consumer information from over thirty funeral homes in Charlottesville/Albemarle, Waynesboro/Staunton, and surrounding counties. Cemetery information was updated in the spring of 2008.