Leaving a gift in your Will is a deeply personal decision and a powerful way to support causes you care about long after you're gone. For charities, a thoughtful and well-crafted Sample Letter for Legacy Giving can be an invaluable tool in communicating the impact of these generous contributions and encouraging supporters to consider leaving a lasting legacy. This article explores the components of such a letter and provides examples to inspire your own communications.
Understanding the Sample Letter for Legacy Giving
A Sample Letter for Legacy Giving serves as a template or an illustrative example of how an organisation can approach potential donors about including them in their Will. It’s designed to be informative, heartfelt, and clear, explaining the significance of legacy gifts and how they enable charities to continue their vital work. The importance of these letters lies in their ability to inspire and educate, making the often sensitive topic of Will-making feel accessible and rewarding.
When crafting or adapting a Sample Letter for Legacy Giving, several key elements should be considered:
- Personalisation: While it’s a sample, the tone should feel personal and grateful.
- Clarity: Explain what a legacy gift is and the different ways someone can leave one (e.g., a specific sum, a percentage of an estate, a residual bequest).
- Impact: Clearly articulate how legacy gifts make a difference to the charity’s mission and beneficiaries.
Here’s a basic structure often seen in a Sample Letter for Legacy Giving:
- Opening: A warm greeting and expression of gratitude for the supporter’s existing relationship with the charity.
- The Ask: Gently introduce the concept of leaving a legacy.
- Impact Statement: Detail the tangible difference such gifts make.
- Information and Support: Offer resources or contact details for those who wish to learn more or discuss their intentions.
- Closing: A heartfelt thank you and a hopeful look to the future.
Sample Letter for Legacy Giving: Expressing Gratitude for Past Support
Dear [Supporter Name],
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support of [Charity Name]. Your generosity has helped us to [mention a specific achievement or ongoing impact].
As we look towards the future, we often reflect on the incredible individuals who have made our work possible. Many of our most significant achievements have been made possible by the foresight and kindness of supporters who have chosen to remember [Charity Name] in their Will. These legacy gifts are truly the bedrock of our long-term planning, enabling us to continue our mission for generations to come.
We understand that making a Will is a deeply personal matter. If you are considering how to make a lasting impact, we would be honoured if you would think of [Charity Name]. Even a small percentage of your estate can make a world of difference to those we serve. Should you wish to learn more about how your legacy could help, our dedicated legacy team is available to offer confidential support and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Thank you once again for everything you do. Your support means the world to us and to those we help.
With warmest regards,
The Team at [Charity Name]
Sample Letter for Legacy Giving: Highlighting a Specific Project Funded by Legacies
Dear [Supporter Name],
We’re writing to you today with immense hope and excitement about a project that is transforming lives, thanks to the generosity of our legacy supporters.
Our recent initiative, "[Project Name]," which focuses on [briefly describe the project's aim, e.g., providing essential educational resources for underprivileged children], has already seen remarkable success. This project, which was fully funded by gifts left in Wills, has enabled us to [mention specific outcomes, e.g., equip ten new classrooms, provide over 500 children with learning materials]. These are not just numbers; they represent brighter futures and opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach.
Leaving a gift in your Will to [Charity Name] is a powerful way to ensure that vital projects like "[Project Name]" can continue to thrive and expand. It’s an investment in a better future, a testament to your compassion that will echo through the lives of many. If you would like to discuss how you might contribute to future projects through a legacy gift, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our legacy team at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Thank you for being a part of our community and for considering how you can leave a lasting impact.
Sincerely,
The [Charity Name] Team
Sample Letter for Legacy Giving: Offering a Free Will Writing Service or Partnership
Dear [Supporter Name],
We understand that writing or updating your Will can sometimes feel like a daunting task. To help make this process easier, [Charity Name] has partnered with [Partner Solicitor Firm Name] to offer our supporters a complimentary Will writing service.
This special service is available to anyone who is considering leaving a gift to [Charity Name] in their Will. Our dedicated partners at [Partner Solicitor Firm Name] will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your wishes are clearly documented. By taking advantage of this offer, you can secure your own future while also making a profound difference to the causes you care about.
To find out more about this exclusive opportunity and how to book your free Will writing appointment, please contact our legacy team on [Phone Number] or email us at [Email Address]. We believe that everyone should have the peace of mind that comes with having an up-to-date Will, and we’re delighted to be able to support you in this way.
With sincere thanks,
[Charity Name]
Sample Letter for Legacy Giving: Sharing a Supporter's Story
Dear [Supporter Name],
We recently received a very special message from the family of the late Mrs. Eleanor Vance, one of our long-time supporters. Eleanor had a deep passion for [mention cause, e.g., animal welfare] and was a devoted friend to [Charity Name] for over 20 years.
In her Will, Eleanor thoughtfully left a gift that has enabled us to [explain impact, e.g., establish a new sanctuary for rescued animals, fund a vital research programme into animal diseases]. Her family shared with us that Eleanor often spoke about her hope that her lifelong commitment to [cause] would continue to make a positive impact even after she was gone. We are so incredibly moved and grateful that her wish has been realised through her generous legacy gift.
Stories like Eleanor’s are a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy that can be created through simple, heartfelt decisions. If you, like Eleanor, wish to leave a lasting mark and support the future of [Charity Name], we would be honoured to discuss how your own legacy can create similar hope and positive change. Please feel free to reach out to us at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Warmly,
The [Charity Name] Team
Sample Letter for Legacy Giving: Responding to an Enquiry
Dear [Enquirer Name],
Thank you so much for reaching out to [Charity Name] and for your interest in leaving a legacy gift. We are deeply touched that you are considering making such a significant contribution to our work.
Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most impactful ways to support our mission of [briefly state mission, e.g., providing shelter for the homeless, protecting endangered species]. These gifts help us plan for the future, ensuring that we can continue to [mention key activities or impact areas] for years to come. Whether it's a specific sum, a percentage of your estate, or a particular item, every legacy gift is cherished and makes a profound difference.
We’ve enclosed a small brochure that provides more detailed information about the different types of legacy gifts and how they help us. We also understand that you may have specific questions or wish to discuss your intentions in confidence. Please don’t hesitate to call our dedicated legacy officer, [Legacy Officer Name], on [Phone Number] or email them at [Email Address]. They will be more than happy to assist you.
Thank you again for your incredible generosity and for thinking of [Charity Name].
With sincere gratitude,
[Charity Name]
In conclusion, a well-crafted Sample Letter for Legacy Giving is more than just a piece of paper; it's a bridge connecting a supporter's values with a charity's ongoing mission. By providing clear information, heartfelt appeals, and practical support, charities can inspire individuals to consider leaving a legacy that will continue to benefit their cause for many years to come. Whether used as a direct communication or as an internal guide, understanding the power and purpose of these letters is essential for any organisation that relies on the enduring generosity of its supporters.