Bequest Language

A gift to your favorite charity in your will or revocable trust proclaims your confidence that they will continue to further their mission for generations to come and make a difference in the lives of others. A bequest:

• Is easy to arrange.
• Will not alter your current lifestyle in any way.
• Can be easily modified to address your changing needs.

Specific Bequest Language

Naming your favorite charity as a beneficiary of a specific amount from your estate is easy:

I give and devise to [ORGANIZATION NAME], located in [CITY], [STATE], the sum of $___________ to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific affiliate, fund or program).

Residual Bequest Language

A residual bequest comes to the charity after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid:

I give and devise to [ORGANIZATION NAME], located in [CITY], [STATE], all (or a percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific affiliate, fund or program).

Contingent Bequest Language

A nonprofit or its affiliates can be named as a contingent beneficiary in your will or personal trust if one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled:

If (insert name) is not living at the time of my demise, I give and devise to [ORGANIZATION NAME], located in [CITY], [STATE], the sum of $ _______ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific affiliate, fund or program).

Retirement Plan Beneficiary Language

You may name a nonprofit as a beneficiary of your IRA or other qualified retirement benefits. Donors should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax benefits of your gift.

Naming a nonprofit organization as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh or profit-sharing pension plan will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings. It can be costly to pass such assets on to heirs because of heavy tax consequences. By naming the charity as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, the donor maintains complete control over the asset while living, but at the donor’s death the plan passes to support the charity free of both estate and income taxes.

• Making a charitable gift from your retirement plan is easy and should not cost you any attorney fees. Simply request a change of beneficiary form from your plan administrator. When you are done, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify the nonprofit you are supporting. The nonprofit can usually assist you with the proper language for your beneficiary designation.