Bequest Language

Printable Bequest Language

An excellent way for you to support Suffolk University's mission is to leave us a bequest in your will, living trust, or with a codicil. Making a gift by bequest leaves a lasting legacy and allows you to continue to use the property you will leave to charity during your life

Types of Bequests

There are a number of ways you can make a bequest to Suffolk University.

Specific Bequest. Make a gift of a specific asset such as real estate, a car, other property, or a gift for a specific dollar amount. For example, you may wish to leave your home or $50,000 to Suffolk University.

Percentage Bequest. Leave a specific percentage of your overall estate to charity. For example, you may wish to leave 10% of your estate to Suffolk University.

Residual Bequest. Leave a percentage of the residue of your estate to charity. For example, you may wish to leave 30% of the residue of your estate to Suffolk University.

Contingent Bequest. Designate a contingent bequest, made to charity only if the purpose of the primary bequest cannot be met. For example, you could leave specific property, such as a vacation home, to a relative; but the bequest language could provide that if the relative is not alive at the time of your death, the vacation home will go to Suffolk University.

Bequest Benefits

A bequest is generally a revocable gift, which means it can be changed or modified at any time. You can designate that a bequest be used for a general or specific purpose, so you have peace of mind knowing that your gift will be used as intended. Bequests are exempt from federal estate taxes. If you have a taxable estate, the estate-tax charitable deduction may offset or eliminate estate taxes—resulting in a larger inheritance for your heirs.

Bequest Language
In order to make a bequest, you should consult with your attorney. Your attorney can help you include a bequest to Suffolk University in your estate plan. We have provided some basic bequest language to assist you and your attorney.

1. Specific Bequest

If you are considering making an outright bequest to Suffolk University, we recommend the following language:

Bequest of a Specific Dollar Amount
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath _________ and No/100 dollars ($DOLLARS) to Suffolk University, a nonprofit organization located at the Office of Advancement, 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108, for Suffolk University’s general use and purpose.

Bequest of Specific Personal Property
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY to Suffolk University, a nonprofit organization located at the Office of Advancement, 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108, for Suffolk University’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 Suffolk University, a nonprofit organization located at the Office of Advancement, 73 Tremont Street, Boston MA, 02138, for Suffolk University’s general use and purpose.

2. Percentage Bequest

If you are considering making a bequest of a percentage of your estate to Suffolk University, we recommend the following language:

I hereby give, devise, and bequeath ____ percent (___percentage) of my total estate, determined as of the date of my death, to Suffolk University, a nonprofit organization located at the Office of Advancement, 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108, for Suffolk University’s general use and purpose.

3. Residual Bequest

I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to Suffolk University, a nonprofit organization located at the Office of Advancement, 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108, ALL OR A PERCENTAGE of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used for Suffolk University's general use and purpose.

4. Contingent Bequest

If (primary beneficiary) does not survive me, then I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to Suffolk University, a nonprofit organization located at the Office of Advancement, 73 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108, for Suffolk University’s general use and purpose, DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY to be used for Suffolk University’s general use and purpose.

Suffolk gives credit today for estate gifts that will arrive in the future as long as the following conditions are met:

• The donor is at least 65 years old
• The amount is at least $50,000
• The donor signs an intent form or provides other documentation