Sample Bequest Language for Donors to Include in a Will
General Bequest Language
These bequests that are left to certain people or charities 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.
“I give, devise and bequeath to St. Christopher's Inn the sum of $________(or a description of the specific asset), for the benefit of St. Christopher's Inn and its general purposes.”
Specific Bequest Language
These bequests are made when a particular item or property is bequeathed for a designated purpose (e.g., instruments bequeathed to the local school district for use in music education; dollar funds to be used in the operation of a school or church.)
“I give, devise and bequeath to St. Christopher's Inn the sum of $_______ (or a description of a specific asset), for the benefit of St. Christopher's Inn to be used for the following purpose: (state the purpose). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of St. Christopher's Inn it is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose.”
