Sample Bequest Language for Donors to Include in a Will
General Bequests
These bequests that are left to certain people or charities come from the general value of the estate and are made by designating a specific dollar amount, a particular asset or a fixed percentage of your estate.
General bequest language:
“I give, devise and bequeath to NAME OF CHARITY/LOCATION the sum of $________(or a description of the specific asset), for the benefit of NAME OF CHARITY and its general purposes.”
Specific Bequests
These bequests are made when a particular item or property is bequeathed for a designated purpose (e.g., instruments bequeathed to the local school district for use in music education; dollar funds to be used in the operation of a school or church.)
Specific bequest language:
“I give, devise and bequeath to NAME OF CHARITY/LOCATION the sum of $_______ (or a description of a specific asset), for the benefit of NAME OF CHARITY to be used for the following purpose: (state the purpose). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of NAME OF CHARITY it is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose.”
