A professional guide to sharing your connection to causes you supported, expressing why their mission mattered, and communicating hopes for your legacy gift.
When you choose to support a charitable organization in your estate plan, you're making a powerful statement about what matters to you. You're extending your values, your compassion, and your commitment to making the world better beyond your own lifetime. Whether you've been involved with this organization for years or simply believe deeply in their mission, this gift represents your desire to create lasting change, to address needs that won't disappear when you do, and to invest in solutions that align with your deepest convictions about what the world needs.
Your connection to this organization is personal and meaningful. Perhaps they served someone you love, addressed an issue you care deeply about, represented values central to who you are, or simply did work you believed needed to be done. You may have volunteered, donated regularly, served on their board, or witnessed firsthand the difference they make. Or maybe you never had direct involvement but were moved by their mission and wanted to ensure it continues. Either way, this gift is intentional—you're choosing to allocate resources toward work you believe matters, work that will continue long after you're gone.
Writing a message to a charitable organization serves important purposes. It shares why their mission resonated with you personally, creating a narrative for your gift that inspires continued dedication to the cause. It clarifies any specific wishes for how your gift should be used, if you have preferences. It expresses gratitude for the work they do and the impact they create. It provides context that helps them understand what this gift represents and why it matters. And it offers encouragement to continue the mission, knowing that supporters believe in their work enough to invest in it as part of their legacy. This letter transforms a financial transaction into a meaningful partnership that extends beyond your lifetime.
These prompts will help you communicate your connection to the cause, express hopes for impact, and create meaningful context for your legacy gift.
Begin by acknowledging your planned gift and what you hope this letter provides to the organization.
Dear [Organization Name] Team,
I have included [organization name] as a beneficiary in my estate plan, and I wanted to share some thoughts about why your mission matters to me. This gift is [a portion of my estate / designated for specific work / an unrestricted contribution / intended to support your mission]. I hope this letter provides context for [why I'm giving / what this represents / my connection to your work].
Share your personal connection to the mission—why this cause resonates with your values, experiences, or convictions.
I've supported [organization name / this cause / this mission] because [someone I loved was affected by this issue / I witnessed this need firsthand / this aligns with my deepest values / I believe this work is essential / my family struggled with this / I experienced this personally / I'm passionate about this cause]. This matters to me because [I've seen the difference it makes / no one should have to face this alone / this issue deserves more attention / future generations need this work / this addresses root causes / this creates lasting change].
Share your history with the organization—how you became involved, what you witnessed, or why you chose them.
I [volunteered with your organization for X years / have been a supporter since [year] / witnessed your work firsthand when [experience] / learned about you through [source] / served on your board / was helped by your services / chose you because of your approach to this issue]. I've seen how you [serve with dignity / create real change / address this need effectively / operate with integrity / prioritize those you serve / maximize impact / stay true to your mission]. [Specific memory or observation that demonstrates their impact].
Share the impact you've seen from their work or the change you hope your gift will help create.
I've witnessed how your work [saved lives / provided hope / created opportunities / protected the vulnerable / advanced research / preserved what matters / served those in crisis / changed policy / educated communities / restored dignity]. I hope this gift will [continue this vital work / expand services to more people / support research toward solutions / sustain programs that matter / help you reach more of those in need / provide stability for your mission / create lasting change]. The impact of your work is [measurable and meaningful / life-changing / essential / inspiring / exactly what's needed].
Share any specific wishes for how the gift should be used, or give unrestricted permission if you trust their judgment.
Regarding this gift: [I'd like it designated for [specific program/purpose] / I prefer unrestricted use where needed most / Please consider using it for [area of focus] / I trust your leadership to allocate this where it creates the most impact / If possible, I'd love to see it support [specific initiative]]. I understand that [circumstances change and you may need flexibility / unrestricted gifts often create the most impact / you know better than I what's most needed / your board will make wise decisions about allocation]. [I trust your judgment / Use this where it matters most / My main priority is supporting your mission].
Explain what this gift represents beyond the financial amount—your values, hopes, or commitment to the cause.
This gift represents [my commitment to this cause / values I've held my entire life / hope for a better future / gratitude for the work you do / my belief that this issue matters / a lifetime of caring about this / my desire to create change beyond my lifetime]. I'm giving this because [I believe in what you're doing / the work won't end with my life but my support can continue / I want to be part of the solution / this cause deserves resources / I'm grateful for what you do / this is how I want to be remembered]. This is about [investing in what matters / creating lasting impact / supporting work that changes lives].
End by thanking them for their work and expressing hope for the continued impact of their mission.
Thank you for the work you do. Thank you for [your dedication to this cause / serving those who need it / never giving up / the lives you've changed / your integrity / staying true to your mission / making a difference / the hope you provide]. I hope this gift [supports your continued impact / helps you reach more people / provides stability / contributes to lasting solutions / honors those you serve]. Please continue this vital work knowing that supporters like me believe deeply in what you're doing.
[May your mission continue to thrive / Keep fighting the good fight / Continue changing lives / Your work matters].
[With gratitude and hope / In support of your mission / With deep respect / Gratefully],
[Your name]
Use this template in A Final Message to create, store, and ensure your words reach the organizations you support when they receive your legacy gift.
Start Writing Your Final Message