Sample Bequest Language for a Will or Trust
To make an unrestricted gift (not designated for a specific purpose:
"I bequeath $_______________________ (or _____% of my residuary estate) to [Jewish charitable organization]"
To specify the gift is for an endowment fund:
"I bequeath $________________________ (or ______% of my residuary estate) to the [Jewish charitable organization] to establish an endowment fund to be used for its general purposes."
To make a gift to a designated program or service:
"I bequeath $________ (or ______% of my residuary estate) to the [Jewish charitable organization] to establish an endowment fund to support ___________________________ (Jewish Family Service, charitable needs in Israel, Jewish education, the Jewish Home, etc.)"
To make a contingent bequest:
"If my brother John Doe survives me, I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to John Doe. If John Doe does not survive me, then I devise and bequeath 20% of my residuary estate, whether real or personal property and wherever located to Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH.”
To make a gift through an Endowment Agreement at the Jewish Federation:
“The portion of the trust estate remaining after the application of the provisions of Articles 2-4 shall be distributed to the [insert name of Endowment Fund] of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, in accordance with an Endowment Agreement between the Donor and the Federation dated xxx, as amended.”