Sample Gift Language for your Will or Revocable Living Trust

A bequest:

• is easy to arrange.
• will not alter your current lifestyle in any way.
• can be easily modified to address your changing needs.

Residual Gift Language

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

I give and devise to [name of charity(ies)], located in [town(s) and state(s)], 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 in a way that is related to your the charity’s mission).

Specific Gift Language

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

I give and devise to [name of charity(ies)], located in [town(s) and state(s)], the sum of $___________ (or a specific asset) to be used for its general support (or in a way that is related to your the charity’s mission).

Contingent Gift Language

Your favorite charity(ies) 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 [name of charity(ies)], located in [town(s) and state(s)], the sum of $ _______ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general support (or in a way that is related to your the charity’s mission).

Retirement Plan Beneficiary Language

You may name your favorite charity(ies) 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 substantial tax consequences. By naming your favorite Valley 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 your favorite Valley 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 have finished, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify your favorite charity. Donors should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax benefits of such gifts. We can also assist you with the proper language for your beneficiary designation to your favorite charity(ies).

Customized Language

Your attorney can provide you with customized beneficiary language that is specific to your goal and interest.

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