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Sample Bequest Language for Donors to Include in a Will

By  Eden Stiffman
March 1, 2015

Bequests are one of the simplest types of planned gifts, often only requiring donors to change the beneficiary designation in their wills.

Here, the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning provides sample language for several types of bequests, which organizations can adapt.

This language should be made available in a charity’s marketing materials, posted online, or provided to donors directly for inclusion in their will. In addition, support staff should be prepared to share the language in response to questions from donors and advisers, says Barbara Yeager, the partnership’s director of operations.

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Bequests are one of the simplest types of planned gifts, often only requiring donors to change the beneficiary designation in their wills.

Here, the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning provides sample language for several types of bequests, which organizations can adapt.

This language should be made available in a charity’s marketing materials, posted online, or provided to donors directly for inclusion in their will. In addition, support staff should be prepared to share the language in response to questions from donors and advisers, says Barbara Yeager, the partnership’s director of operations.

The document also provides recommended steps for donors interested in making a bequest who do not yet have a will.

Find out more about the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and its resources at pppnet.org.

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  • Sample Bequest Language for Donors to Include in a Will
Read other items in this Getting Started With Planned Gifts package.
We welcome your thoughts and questions about this article. Please email the editors or submit a letter for publication.
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Eden Stiffman
Eden Stiffman is a senior writer who covers nonprofit impact, accountability, and trends across philanthropy. She writes frequently about how technology is transforming the ways nonprofits and donors pursue results, and she profiles leaders shaping the field.
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