Best Examples of Sample Last Will and Testament for Charitable Bequests

Plain‑English Examples of Sample Last Will and Testament for Charitable Bequests

Most people don’t need a complicated estate plan to support a favorite charity. They just need clear language. The best examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests tend to fall into a few patterns:

• A fixed dollar gift to one charity
• A percentage of the estate to one or more charities
• A residuary gift (whatever is left after other gifts and expenses)
• A contingent gift (only if someone else has died or cannot inherit)
• A mix of family and charitable gifts

Below are detailed, realistic examples that lawyers routinely use and adapt.

Example of a Simple Cash Gift to One Charity

This is the most straightforward option. You decide on a dollar amount and name the organization.

Sample clause:
“I give the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to American Red Cross, a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia, Federal Tax ID 53‑0196605, or its successor organization, to be used for its general charitable purposes.”

Why this works:

• It uses a clear dollar amount.
• It names the charity and includes its tax ID, reducing confusion.
• It allows the organization to use the funds where most needed.

People often use this kind of language as a starting point when looking for examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests, then swap in their preferred charity and amount.

Authoritative charity directories, such as IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at irs.gov, can help you confirm the legal name and tax ID of U.S. charities before you finalize language like this.

Percentage‑Based Examples of Sample Last Will and Testament for Charitable Bequests

Fixed dollar gifts can become outdated because of inflation or changes in your net worth. Many attorneys now prefer percentage gifts, especially for younger clients.

Sample clause – single charity:
“I give ten percent (10%) of my residuary estate to Doctors Without Borders USA, Inc., a New York nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID 13‑3433452, or its successor organization, to be used for its general charitable purposes.”

Sample clause – multiple charities:
“I give twenty percent (20%) of my residuary estate, to be divided as follows: ten percent (10%) to Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., Federal Tax ID 91‑1914868, and ten percent (10%) to Feeding America, Federal Tax ID 36‑3673599, or their respective successor organizations, to be used for their general charitable purposes.”

Why these are among the best examples:

• They automatically scale with the size of your estate.
• They let you support more than one cause without constant updates.
• They name successor organizations in case of mergers or rebranding.

Estate planning research from organizations like the National Council of Nonprofits notes that percentage gifts are increasingly popular in 2024–2025 because they are easier to maintain over a lifetime as assets change.

Residuary Gift: Leaving “Whatever’s Left” to Charity

A residuary clause gives a charity everything that remains after debts, taxes, expenses, and specific gifts to people have been paid. Many real examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests use this structure to prioritize family, while still making a meaningful charitable impact.

Sample clause:
“I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, of whatever kind and wherever located, to The Nature Conservancy, a District of Columbia nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID 53‑0242652, or its successor organization, to be used for its general charitable purposes.”

This approach is common when:

• You want to be sure family and friends receive specific items or amounts first.
• You like the idea that the charity receives whatever is left, large or small.

Because residuary gifts can be significant, many donors coordinate with the charity in advance. Larger nonprofits often provide suggested wording and planned giving guidance on their websites.

Mixed Family and Charity Example of a Last Will with Bequests

Most people want a mix: loved ones first, charity second. Here is a realistic, integrated example of a simple will that includes both.

Sample integrated will excerpt:
“I give the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to my sister, MARIA LOPEZ, if she survives me.
I give my personal residence located at 123 Oak Street, Austin, Texas, to my son, DAVID LOPEZ, if he survives me.
I give the sum of Twenty‑Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID 62‑0646012, or its successor organization, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to my son, DAVID LOPEZ, if he survives me.”

This kind of structure appears again and again in real examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests:

• Named people receive specific gifts and the bulk of the estate.
• A charity receives a defined amount that will not accidentally consume the entire estate.

Contingent Charitable Bequests: “If My Heirs Don’t Survive Me”

Contingent gifts are a smart back‑up plan. You name people first, then direct assets to charity only if those people cannot inherit.

Sample clause:
“If my spouse, ALEX MORGAN, does not survive me, then I give the sum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) to The Trevor Project, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation, Federal Tax ID 95‑4681287, or its successor organization, to be used for its general charitable purposes.”

Another variation:

Sample clause – no surviving descendants:
“If none of my descendants survives me, then I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, in equal shares, to the following organizations, or their successor organizations, to be used for their general charitable purposes:
(a) World Wildlife Fund, Inc., Federal Tax ID 52‑1693387;
(b) Save the Children Federation, Inc., Federal Tax ID 06‑0726487.”

When people look for examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests that protect family first but still support nonprofits, contingent clauses like these often provide the right balance.

Examples Include Restricted Gifts for Specific Programs

Sometimes you want more control over how the charity uses your gift. Here is an example of a restricted bequest.

Sample clause – scholarship fund:
“I give the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, or its successor organization, to be used to establish or support scholarships for undergraduate students with financial need. If, in the judgment of the university’s governing board, it becomes impossible or impracticable to carry out this purpose, the funds may be used for a similar educational purpose that best reflects my original intent.”

Why this matters:

• It states a clear purpose (scholarships for undergraduates with financial need).
• It includes flexibility so the institution can adapt over time.

Universities and hospitals often publish their own examples of restricted bequest language. For instance, many academic institutions, such as those listed in the U.S. Department of Education’s resources, provide model clauses for scholarships, research, or endowments.

Real‑World Style Example: Supporting Health and Research

Healthcare and medical research charities receive a significant share of legacy gifts. Here is a realistic example of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests focused on health causes.

Sample clause – multiple health charities:
“I give fifteen percent (15%) of my residuary estate to Mayo Clinic, a Minnesota nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID 41‑6011702, to be used for medical research in cardiology; ten percent (10%) of my residuary estate to the American Cancer Society, Inc., Federal Tax ID 13‑1788491, for use in its general cancer research programs; and five percent (5%) of my residuary estate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Federal Tax ID 13‑3039601, to be used for research and patient support services.”

This reflects current trends:

• Donors splitting gifts between direct patient care and research.
• Specific disease‑focused charities receiving targeted support.

Health organizations like Mayo Clinic and NIH publish educational content about research priorities, which many donors review before deciding how to structure restricted bequests.

International Charities and Cross‑Border Giving

If you live in the U.S. but support international causes, you can still give through your will. Many global charities operate U.S. affiliate organizations that qualify as 501(c)(3) charities for U.S. tax purposes.

Sample clause – international focus via U.S. affiliate:
“I give the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to UNICEF USA, a New York nonprofit corporation, Federal Tax ID 13‑1760110, or its successor organization, to be used to support international child health and education programs.”

When searching for examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests with an international angle, check whether the organization has a U.S. entity. That often simplifies administration and may provide tax benefits for your estate under current U.S. law.

For general information on charitable deductions and estate tax rules, the IRS provides guidance at irs.gov/charities-non-profits.

Practical Drafting Tips Drawn from the Best Examples

Looking across all of these examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests, a few patterns stand out:

• Use the full legal name and tax ID where possible. Many charities list this on their websites under “Planned Giving” or “Leave a Legacy.”
• Mention successor organizations. Mergers and name changes are common. Adding “or its successor organization” helps your gift survive corporate changes.
• Decide between fixed amounts and percentages. Fixed sums are simple, but percentages adjust with your estate. Many modern wills blend both.
• Clarify restrictions carefully. If you restrict use of funds, add a “backup” sentence allowing similar purposes if your exact request becomes impossible.
• Coordinate with your attorney and tax advisor. Laws vary by state and country, and tax rules change. A clause that works well in California may need tweaks in New York or the UK.

In 2024–2025, estate planners also see more people pairing traditional wills with beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance. A will can direct your general estate, while beneficiary forms name charities directly for specific assets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charitable Gifts in Wills

Can you show more examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests?

Yes. Beyond the clauses above, here is a compact example of an entire simple will focused mostly on charity:

“I give the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to my friend, JORDAN SMITH, if JORDAN SMITH survives me. I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, in equal shares, to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., Federal Tax ID 13‑1644147, and Amnesty International USA, Federal Tax ID 52‑0851555, or their successor organizations, to be used for their general charitable purposes.”

This structure appears frequently in real examples when someone has few close heirs and wants most of their estate to go to nonprofits.

What is a good example of a small charitable bequest?

If you want to keep things modest and simple, you might use language like:

“I give the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) to my local public library, currently known as Springfield Public Library, Springfield, [State], or its successor organization, to be used for books and educational materials.”

This is a practical example of a small gift that still has a meaningful impact.

Do I need a lawyer if I copy these examples?

These examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests are educational, not legal advice. Many jurisdictions recognize handwritten or form wills, but small wording errors can cause big problems. An attorney licensed in your state can:

• Confirm that your will meets local signing and witnessing rules.
• Coordinate charitable gifts with tax planning and beneficiary designations.
• Help avoid accidental disinheritance of family members.

If cost is a concern, look for legal aid organizations, state bar referral services, or law school clinics, many of which are listed on state court or bar association websites.

Can I change the charity later without rewriting my entire will?

Possibly. Some people:

• Use a separate “charitable bequest schedule” referenced in the will, which can be updated more easily, or
• Name a donor‑advised fund (DAF) in the will, then change the DAF’s charitable recommendations during life.

However, whether this works for you depends on your jurisdiction and how your will is drafted. Talk with your attorney before relying on this approach.

Are charitable bequests tax‑deductible for my estate?

In the U.S., charitable bequests to qualified organizations can reduce the taxable value of your estate under current federal estate tax rules. Many estates are below the federal threshold, but state estate or inheritance taxes may still matter. Tax rules change, so review current guidance on irs.gov or consult a qualified tax professional.

These examples of sample last will and testament for charitable bequests are meant to give you language you can actually recognize and adapt, not abstract theory. Use them as a reference point, then sit down with a qualified attorney to tailor the wording to your assets, your family, your country or state, and the organizations you care about most.