A charitable bequest is simply a distribution from your estate to a charitable organization through your last Will and Testament. There are different kinds of bequests. For each, you must use very specific language to indicate the precise direction of your assets, and to successfully carry out your final wishes. In any charitable bequest, be sure to name the recipient accurately. There are a few types of charitable bequests, for example:
- General Bequests are legacies left to certain people or causes that 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 to the cause of your choice.
- Specific Bequests are made when a particular item or property is bequeathed for a designated purpose. (i.e. pick-up trucks or cars bequeathed to the local food bank for use in their operations; dollar funds to be used in the operation of a local food bank to feed the needy)
- Residuary Bequests are made when you intend to leave the residue portion (any left-over property) of your assets after other terms of the will have been satisfied.
- Contingency Bequests allow you to leave a portion of your estate to a particular charity if your named beneficiary does not survive you.
Charitable Bequest Language –
Please feel free to change the numbers or percentages as you desire.
1. Bequest of cash “I bequeath the sum of $20,000 to Eternal Food Foundation”
2. Bequest of a percent of the estate “I devise and bequeath 30% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to Eternal Food Foundation.”
3. Contingent Bequest “If my brother Adam Smith survives me, I devise and bequeath 25% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to Adam Smith. If Adam Smith does not survive me, then I devise and bequeath 25% of my residuary estate, whether real or personal property and wherever located to Eternal Food Foundation.” For more information on how to start the process of your giving please contact our Giving Advisor Center
Eternal Food Foundation *Tax ID: 27-1813867
A QUICK NOTE
If You Don’t Believe In Jesus Christ, You Are Not Invited To Give.
You Cannot Give God Anything Unless You First Give Your Heart.
2 Corinthians 8 & 9