Outright Bequest, A Sum of Money

“I give and bequeath to  ______________________ [Name of Ministry], located at [Physical Address, City, State],  or its successor body, the sum of $ ______________________ for the benefit of  ________________________ to used for the following purpose.

Outright Bequest, Specific Property

“I give, devise, and bequeath to __________________________  [Name of Ministry], located at [Physical Address, City, State], or its successor body, the following property: [Enter a specific description of the property], for the benefit of [name a ministry of the congregation] to be used for the following purpose.

Bequest for Residuary Estate

“I give, devise, and bequeath to ___________________________  [Name of Ministry], located at [Physical Address, City, State], or its successor body, all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate of whatever kind and wherever situated, which I may own or have the right to dispose of at the time of my death, for the benefit of __________________  [Name of Ministry], to be used for the following purpose: [It is recommended that you consult with the ministry before designating a purpose for your bequest].

Bequest Percentage of Residuary Estate

“I give, devise, and bequeath to ____________________________ [Name of Ministry], located at [Physical Address, City, State], or its successor body, ______________ percent _____% of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate of whatever kind and wherever situated, which I may own or have the right to dispose of at the time of my death, for the benefit  of ___________________________  [Name of Ministry],  to be used for the following purpose: [It is recommended that you consult with the ministry before designating a purpose for your bequest].

Contingent Bequest

“In the event that any bequest or devise of any portion of my estate shall lapse or fail for any reason, I give, devise and bequeath that portion to _____________________________ [Name of Ministry],  located at [Physical Address, City, State], or its successor body, for the benefit of _________________ [Name of Ministry],  to be used for the following.

Providing  A Measure of Flexibility

No one can anticipate the changes and developments that may occur with a ministry in the coming year. When drafting a bequest, especially one having a restricted purpose, it is helpful to add a “saving clause.” This helps to ensure that the ministry or its supported  programs, may always use the funds or property in a manner that most closely meets the donor’s original intention. Such a clause might read as follows:

“If at any time, the [Congregation Council or Board of Trustees] of ______________________ [Name of Ministry], located at [Physical Address/City/Town, State] and/or [Trustees on behalf of the Congregation Council or Ministry], acting in their sole discretion, determine that the stated use or purpose of a bequest shall no longer be necessary, advisable, feasible or desirable to carry out the mission of ___________________ [Name of Ministry], and its supported ministries, the [Congregation Council or Board and/or Trustees] shall have the authority to designate the fund created by a bequest for the purpose that they, in their sole discretion, determine to most closely carry out my intended purpose.