Sample Language for Your Will or Trust
The following language may help you or your attorney when drawing up a bequest that meets your needs.
Bequest Language
To make a bequest, you should speak with your attorney. Your attorney can help you include a bequest to Hillsdale College in your estate plan. We have provided some basic bequest language to assist you and your attorney.
Bequest of a Specific Dollar Amount
I hereby give, devise and bequeath _________ and No/100 dollars ($DOLLARS) to Hillsdale College, a nonprofit organization located at 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, Federal Tax ID #38-1374230, for Hillsdale College’s general use and purpose.
Bequest of Specific Personal Property
I hereby give, devise and bequeath DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY to Hillsdale College, a nonprofit organization located at 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, Federal Tax ID #38-1374230, for Hillsdale College’s general use and purpose.
Bequest of Specific Real Estate
I hereby give, devise and bequeath all of the right, title and interest in and to the real estate located at ADDRESS OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY to Hillsdale College, a nonprofit organization located at 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, Federal Tax ID #38-1374230, for Hillsdale College’s general use and purpose.
Percentage Bequest
If you are considering making a bequest of a percentage of your estate to Hillsdale College, we recommend the following language:
I hereby give, devise and bequeath ____ percent (___%) of my total estate, determined as of the date of my death, to Hillsdale College, a nonprofit organization located at 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, Federal Tax ID #38-1374230, for Hillsdale College’s general use and purpose.
Residual Bequest
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Hillsdale College, a nonprofit organization located at 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, Federal Tax ID #38-1374230, ALL OR A PERCENTAGE of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used for Hillsdale College’s general use and purpose.
Contingent Bequest
If (primary beneficiary) does not survive me, then I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Hillsdale College, a nonprofit organization located at 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, MI, 49242, Federal Tax ID #38-1374230, DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY to be used for Hillsdale College’s general use and purpose.
Restricted Bequests
If you are considering a bequest but would like to ensure that your bequest will be used for a specific purpose, please let us know. We would be happy to work with you and your attorney to help you identify ways to give and meet your charitable objectives. We will also work with you and your attorney to craft language to accomplish your goals.
If you are making a restricted bequest, we recommend that your attorney include the following provision to give Hillsdale College flexibility should it no longer be possible for Hillsdale College to use your gift as you originally intended:
If, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of Hillsdale College, it shall become impossible for Hillsdale College to use this bequest to accomplish the specific purposes of this bequest, Hillsdale College may use the income and principal of this gift for such purpose or purposes as the Board determines is most closely related to the restricted purpose of my bequest.
If you are interested in supporting a specific project or program, it is best to discuss your plans with our planned giving professionals before completing your bequest language to confirm that the College can fulfill your wishes.
Please note: The policies of Hillsdale College do not allow the College or its representatives to serve as personal representatives, executors, trustees, or witnesses for a will or trust.
Useful Legal Information
Legal name: Hillsdale College
Address: 33 E. College Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242
Federal Tax ID number: 38-1374230
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