Planning for the future and creating the legacy you wish to leave is an effective way to make a lasting impact. Making a gift in your will or living trust, known as a bequest, can guarantee that your legacy endures through your support of WRA and our mission. Your gift can be a percentage of your estate, a specific dollar amount, or the remainder after all other provisions are specified.
Below you’ll find sample language you can share and discuss with your advisor.
Note: The information on this page is not legal advice. We recommend consulting with an attorney to create or update your plans.
Sample Bequest Language
Specific Bequest
A specific bequest involves giving a specific asset, such as real estate, a vehicle, or a set dollar amount to WRA. For example, you may wish to leave a specific property or $10,000 to WRA.
Sample:
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath [DOLLAR AMOUNT OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY] to Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit organization located at 1401 Walnut St, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Federal Tax ID 84-1113831, for general use and purpose.”
Percentage Bequest
You may also choose to leave a specific percentage of your overall estate to WRA. This approach ensures your gift remains proportional to the value of your estate over time. For example, you may wish to leave 10% of your estate to WRA.
Sample:
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath [PERCENTAGE] of my total estate, as determined on the date of my death, to Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit organization located at 1401 Walnut St, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Federal Tax ID 84-1113831, for general use and purpose.”
Residual Bequest
A residual bequest designates what remains of your estate – after all specific gifts and expenses have been paid – to WRA. For example, you may choose to leave 30% of the remainder of your estate to WRA.
Sample:
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath [ALL OR A PERCENTAGE OF] the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit organization located at 1401 Walnut St, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Federal Tax ID 84-1113831, for general use and purpose.”
Contingent Bequest
A contingent bequest names WRA as a secondary beneficiary – receiving the gift only if your primary beneficiary cannot. For example, you might leave property, such as a vacation home, to a relative, with the provision that the property goes to WRA if that relative does not survive you.
Sample:
If [PRIMARY BENEFICIARY] does not survive me, then I hereby give, devise and bequeath [DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY] to Western Resource Advocates, a nonprofit organization located at 1401 Walnut St, Suite 200, Boulder, CO 80302, Federal Tax ID 84-1113831, for general use and purpose.”
Need assistance? We’re here to help.
We can help you explore the best planned giving options for you and your family.
Elizabeth O’Connell
Development Director
elizabeth@westernresources.org
720-763-3743
