Bequest Language

Printable Bequest Language

Suggested Will & Bequest Wording 

A bequest is a simple and convenient way to leave a legacy to charities you support.

You have several options in defining a bequest. You can make a bequest for a specific dollar amount or for a percentage of your estate. You can designate your bequest for general use, or you can restrict its use.

It is important to seek an attorney’s aid when writing your will because it is an important legal document.

Following are some examples of various types of bequests:

Specific bequests are used to make a gift of a specific dollar amount or specific assets, such as securities, real estate, or personal property.

Residuary bequests are used to give all or a portion of the rest, residue, and remainder of your estate after payment of expenses and any specific amounts designated to other beneficiaries.

Including the Associated Humane Societies and/or Popcorn Park in your will:

Each individual situation is unique, and, therefore, these examples include only some of the possible gift opportunities. We encourage you to share your final will and desires with the Associated Humane Societies and/or Popcorn Park Animal Sanctuary to ensure that your wishes will be properly followed and recognized.

Percentage of estate for unrestricted purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the Associated Humane Societies, Tax ID#: 22-1487122, a nonprofit organization located in New Jersey, _____ percent (%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate as an unrestricted gift to be used at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Associated Humane Societies for the general purposes of the Associated Humane Societies.

Specific amount for unrestricted purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the Associated Humane Societies, Tax ID#: 22-1487122, a nomprofit organization located in New Jersey, the sum of $_______ in cash or in-kind (or ________ shares of ________ stock) to be used at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Associated Humane Societies for the general purposes of the Associated Humane Societies and its related entities.

Specific amount for specific purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the Associated Humane Societies, Tax ID#: 22-1487122, a nonprofit organization located in New Jersey, the sum of $_______ in cash or in-kind (or ________ shares of ________ stock) to be used for __________________________________________ at the Associated Humane Societies (or Popcorn Park or any Specific AHS Location).

Designating the purpose of a bequest:

Unrestricted: The most useful type of bequest is unrestricted, allowing the funds to be allocated by AHS wherever the need is greatest.

Restricted: You may designate your bequest to support a special program or purpose that reflects your personal or professional interest (for example: staff support, animal medical care, and foster programs).

If the bequest is restricted to a specific purpose, it is important that the following wording be added at the end of the provision. This will ensure that, in the remote possibility a field of study or specified purpose may cease to need funds in the future, an alternate use for the bequest may be determined.

"... for so long as the Board of Trustees of the Associated Humane Societies determines that the need exists. Should the need no longer exist, said Board of Trustees may, in its sole discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above."