Introduction

Creating a Last Will and Testament is essential for ensuring that your wishes are honored after your passing. One impactful way to leave a legacy is through charitable bequests. These provisions allow you to designate a portion of your estate to a charity or nonprofit organization you support. Below are three diverse examples that illustrate how to structure charitable bequests in your will.

Example 1: Simple Charitable Bequest

Context

This example is suitable for individuals who wish to leave a specific amount of money to a charity without any complex stipulations.

I, [Your Name], of [Your Address], declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. I hereby give and bequeath the sum of $10,000 to [Charity Name], a nonprofit organization located at [Charity Address]. This bequest is made in recognition of the valuable work [Charity Name] does in [brief description of the charity’s mission or purpose].

Notes

• Ensure the charity is a registered nonprofit to ensure the bequest is honored.
• You can specify the purpose of the donation (e.g., for a specific project or general use).

Example 2: Residual Charitable Bequest

Context

This example is ideal for individuals who want to allocate the remainder of their estate to a charity after fulfilling other bequests.

I, [Your Name], of [Your Address], declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. After the payment of all my debts, expenses, and specific bequests, I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest and residue of my estate, both real and personal, to [Charity Name], a nonprofit organization located at [Charity Address]. This bequest is made with the hope that it will further [Charity Name]’s mission of [brief description of the charity’s mission].

Notes

• This type of bequest ensures that your loved ones are taken care of first before the charity receives its portion.
• Consult with an attorney to ensure your residual bequest is correctly structured.

Example 3: Conditional Charitable Bequest

Context

This example is for individuals who want to leave a bequest to a charity contingent upon a certain event, such as the passing of a family member.

I, [Your Name], of [Your Address], declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. In the event that my niece, [Niece’s Name], predeceases me, I hereby give and bequeath the sum of $5,000 to [Charity Name], a nonprofit organization located at [Charity Address]. This bequest is made in memory of my niece, who was passionate about [brief description of the charity’s mission].

Notes

• Conditional bequests can be complex; consulting with a legal professional is advisable.
• Specifying the reason behind the donation personalizes the bequest and may encourage the charity to honor your wishes.

By considering these examples of sample Last Will and Testament for charitable bequests, you can ensure that your legacy supports the causes you care about while providing for your loved ones.