How to Write a Legacy Letter

7 Questions to Help Build Your Legacy

Throughout life, you create goals and values based on your own experiences. With the help of a legacy letter, you can talk about your wishes in more detail and forge a personal connection with future generations.

Centuries ago, families used storytelling to pass down values, beliefs and ethics. Today, storytelling is an effective way to preserve your philanthropic goals by providing insight and wisdom to friends and family after you pass away.

Although wills and trusts are legal documents used to outline your intentions for the people and causes you cherish most, they don’t express why you were inspired to make certain decisions. A legacy letter, also known as an ethical will, can fill that gap. This document can help supplement your estate plan and is the perfect tool to discuss your connection to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Foundation.

Your letter should feature the principles that guide your life. It may provide critical details that outline family traditions and clarify how you want your legacy to be followed.

How to Write a Legacy Letter

A Special Gift

Your legacy letter is a special gift to others. It’s an opportunity for you to provide deeper insight into your life and offer personal lessons.

In preparing your own story, think about your major influences and motivation—experiences that shaped your values. The following questions can help you get started.

What values are most important to you? How do you follow these in your daily life?
What major events affected your view of life?
Who has been the biggest influence on your life? How have you influenced others during your lifetime?
What are you most grateful for personally and professionally?
What are the most important lessons you have learned from your loved ones, friends or colleagues?
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
What advice do you want to leave your loved ones?

How to Write a Legacy Letter

Start the Conversation

You can preserve your legacy letter in many ways:

A simple written letter.This is the easiest way to create a permanent record of your values that will not become outdated with changing technology.

Online tools.In addition to your letter, you can add photos to highlight specific points you address. You can also create a website or post on social media.

Film a video testimonial.A recording can provide an added dimension and bring your story to life in your own voice. Everyone has a story to tell. Be sure that your loved ones know yours. Remember to share your connection to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Foundation in your letter and feel free to contact us if you would like to include a gift to the ASGE Foundation in your estate plan.

Your reflections are life lessons to share with future generations. They may provide you with new perspectives on life and will likely be eye-opening to your children, grandchildren and other individuals who have played a significant role in your life.

How to Write a Legacy Letter

Next Steps

Once you’ve answered the questions outlined in this guide, take the time to have a meaningful discussion with your loved ones about the principles that are most important to you. Then you can begin to weave those values and beliefs into your legacy letter. This can be a touching way to pass down life lessons long after your lifetime and build your legacy.

Ashley Gill, CFRE
Director of the Foundation
Phone: 630-570-5639
Email: agill@asge.org
3300 Woodcreek Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515

Meet the team

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results. California residents: Annuities are subject to regulation by the State of California. Payments under such agreements, however, are not protected or otherwise guaranteed by any government agency or the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Association.Oklahoma residents: A charitable gift annuity is not regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department and is not protected by a guaranty association affiliated with the Oklahoma Insurance Department. South Dakota residents: Charitable gift annuities are not regulated by and are not under the jurisdiction of the South Dakota Division of Insurance.

How to Write a Legacy Letter

7 Questions to Help Build Your Legacy

Your letter should feature the principles that guide your life. It may provide critical details that outline family traditions and clarify how you want your legacy to be followed.

How to Write a Legacy Letter

A Special Gift

Your legacy letter is a special gift to others. It’s an opportunity for you to provide deeper insight into your life and offer personal lessons.

In preparing your own story, think about your major influences and motivation—experiences that shaped your values. The following questions can help you get started.

What values are most important to you? How do you follow these in your daily life?
What major events affected your view of life?
Who has been the biggest influence on your life? How have you influenced others during your lifetime?
What are you most grateful for personally and professionally?
What are the most important lessons you have learned from your loved ones, friends or colleagues?
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
What advice do you want to leave your loved ones?

How to Write a Legacy Letter

Start the Conversation

You can preserve your legacy letter in many ways:

A simple written letter.This is the easiest way to create a permanent record of your values that will not become outdated with changing technology.

Online tools.In addition to your letter, you can add photos to highlight specific points you address. You can also create a website or post on social media.

How to Write a Legacy Letter