What is a Charitable Bequest?
In general, a charitable bequest is a written statement in a will which directs that a gift be made to charity upon the death of the person who established the will (the testator). A planned giving officer may offer prospective donors sample bequest language to include a gift to the charity in their wills. Legal counsel for the charity should approve such sample language. The provision of sample language can provide: the correct legal name of the charity and its location provisions for an endowment gift encouragement for a specific percentage bequest. Caution: State laws vary concerning the requirements for a valid will. Donors should always be directed to: (1) seek professional legal advice in the preparation of a will and (2) secure counsel on all estate planning issues. Types of Bequests Specific Bequests A specific bequest bequeaths a certain dollar amount or certain other property (such as a home, art collection, etc.). This is the most popular form of bequest. Indeed, gifts of sp
