Bequest Language

Sample Bequest Language for Legacy by Design

1. General Bequest (most common):
“I give [___ dollars] or [___ percent of my estate] to The Mount Vernon School, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located at [School Address], to be used for its general purposes.”

2. Specific Purpose Bequest:
“I give [___ dollars] or [___ percent of my estate] to The Mount Vernon School, located at [School Address], to be used for the following purpose: [scholarships, arts, athletics, etc.]. If at the time of my death the purpose is no longer relevant or feasible, I authorize the school to use the gift in the spirit of my original intent.”

3. Residuary Bequest (a portion of what’s left after other gifts are made):
“I give all [or ___ percent] of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to The Mount Vernon School, located at [School Address], for its general support.”

4. Contingent Bequest (only takes effect if another bequest fails):
“If [primary beneficiary] does not survive me, I give [___ dollars or percent] of my estate to The Mount Vernon School, located at [School Address], to be used as determined by its Board of Trustees.”

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