Charitable Bequest Language Template

What Is the Charitable Bequest Language Template?

This template provides standardized legal language for charitable bequests that you give to your estate planning attorney for incorporation into your Last Will and Testament or Revocable Living Trust. It includes seven distinct bequest structures—specific dollar amounts, percentage-based gifts, residuary estate bequests, property transfers, contingent giving, and multiple charity arrangements—each with alternate beneficiary provisions and optional restrictions.

The template addresses the unique considerations of charitable giving through estates: tax identification requirements, property liquidation authority, endowment fund provisions, memorial designations, and distribution rules when one charity no longer exists. Unlike generic bequest language that charities provide, this template offers comprehensive options for donors with complex giving goals, multiple charitable interests, or specific concerns about how gifts should be structured and protected.

 

 

Is This Charitable Bequest Language Right for You?

You need this template if you're:

• Planning to leave assets to charity in your will
• Supporting multiple charitable organizations through your estate
• Making a major gift through estate planning
• Transferring appreciated property or real estate to charity
• Creating an endowment or memorial fund
• Designating charity as a contingent beneficiary

You definitely need this template if:

• Your bequest language needs restrictions on how funds are used
• You want backup beneficiaries in case charities dissolve
• You're splitting gifts among multiple charities with different percentages
• You need tax-optimized language for high-value estates
• You're giving specific property that might require liquidation

 

 

Why Thousands Trust Legal GPS Templates

Save Money. Estate attorneys charge $300-500 per hour to draft bequest language. Get the same quality for $35.

Save Time. Complete your bequest language in 20 minutes instead of scheduling multiple attorney meetings.

Look Professional. Attorney-quality language that charities recognize and estate planners respect.

Keeps You Out of Court. The Alternate Beneficiary Provision prevents your charitable intent from failing if an organization dissolves, and the Property Liquidation Provision gives your executor authority to sell assets the charity doesn't want, avoiding probate complications when charities refuse bequests.

 

 

 

Get Protected in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Secure Checkout. Purchase through our encrypted payment system. You'll receive instant access to your template.

Step 2: Instant Download. Download your charitable bequest language template immediately after purchase in easy-to-edit format.

Step 3: Fill In the Highlighted Fields. Choose your bequest type, complete charity information, and select optional provisions. Give the completed language to your estate planning attorney for incorporation into your will or trust.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this template multiple times?

Yes. Use it for different charities, update it as your giving priorities change, or create multiple versions for different estate planning scenarios.

Is this bequest legally binding?

Yes, when properly incorporated into your Last Will and Testament or Revocable Living Trust by your estate planning attorney and executed according to your state's requirements. This template provides the standardized language your attorney needs.

Can I leave money to multiple charities?

Absolutely. The template includes Options 6 and 7 specifically for multiple charity bequests, with provisions for equal distribution or weighted percentages. You can also use multiple single-charity provisions within the same estate plan.

What happens if the charity I choose doesn't exist when I die?

Every bequest option includes an Alternate Beneficiary Provision that redirects your gift to a backup charity with a similar mission. This protects your charitable intent even if organizations merge, dissolve, or lose tax-exempt status.

Should I restrict how the charity uses my gift?

Most estate planners recommend unrestricted gifts for general charitable purposes, which gives the organization flexibility as needs evolve. Restrictions make sense when you're passionate about a specific program, but be thoughtful about how specific you get—overly narrow restrictions can become impossible to fulfill.

Do I need to tell the charity about my bequest?

You're not legally required to notify charities, but most organizations appreciate knowing about planned gifts. This allows them to thank you during your lifetime, include you in recognition programs, and plan for the future gift appropriately.