WHEELING, IL— The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) continues to demonstrate its staunch commitment to the future of the profession. In February 2026, CANA’s leadership voted to remove annual Association Membership dues for funeral service and mortuary science programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). As a result, accredited programs educating the next generation of funeral service professionals can now access CANA’s expertise, education, and community—at no cost.
Through a complimentary Association Membership, accredited programs receive full access to CANA’s educational offerings, professional resources, industry research, and statistics that support instruction and curriculum development. Programs also gain access to CANA’s complete archive of The Cremationist magazine, along with discounts on training programs and events.
Students, faculty, and staff affiliated with a school that holds a complimentary Association Membership receive free digital access to CANA. This access connects them to professional education, industry resources, and a national network of cremation professionals through CANA’s digital platforms and participate in discussions through the CANA Connect CommUnity forum.
“Offering complimentary membership to schools means so much to me,” said CANA Board President Lindsey Ballard, owner of Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation in Minnesota and a graduate of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). “It’s an honor to be part of an organization that is so progressive and committed to investing in our profession’s future. We care deeply about funeral service and are proud to give back in a way that supports those just beginning their careers.”
“For some schools, allocating funds for professional association memberships can be challenging,” said CANA Executive Director Barbara Kemmis. “By eliminating this financial barrier, we are living our value of inclusivity. The Board intentionally addressed issues of access and equity to ensure more programs—especially public colleges and universities—can benefit from CANA membership.”
Eligible programs were invited to claim their complimentary membership via email in March, and program directors are welcome to reach out via the CANA website when the timing is right for them Students, faculty, and staff can make their profiles anytime via the CANA website: cremationassociation.org.
“We understand that every program operates on a different schedule,” said CANA Membership & Operations Manager Kenjuana Hall. “Our goal is to meet educators where they are and provide ongoing support as they prepare students for meaningful careers in funeral service.”
This initiative was developed following a recommendation from CANA’s Membership Advisory Group and reflects the Board of Directors’ commitment to investing in the next generation of professionals. By offering full Association Membership to accredited programs at no cost, CANA continues to strengthen its community, advance equity across public and private institutions, and expand access to the resources that support excellence in cremation education and practice.
For more information about complimentary Association Membership for accredited programs, or to learn how to participate, visit cremationassociation.org.
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About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,500 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
