Sample Language for Bequests

Below are examples of language that you can use in your will or trust, but we advise you to obtain the assistance of an attorney when making or revising your will. 

Sudbury Valley Trustees is a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax ID # 04-6049963

 
Cash Bequest

“I bequeath the sum of $_______________ to Sudbury Valley Trustees, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation having a principal place of business in Sudbury, Massachusetts, to be used or disposed of as Sudbury Valley Trustees, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.”
 

Bequest of Property - Personal Property

“I bequeath (describe property) to Sudbury Valley Trustees, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation having a principal place of business in Sudbury, Massachusetts, to be used or disposed of as Sudbury Valley Trustees in its sole discretion deems appropriate.”
 

Bequest of Property - Real Estate

“I devise all of my right, title, and interest in and to real estate located at (give address and describe property) to Sudbury Valley Trustees, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation having a principal place of business in Sudbury, Massachusetts, to be used or disposed of as Sudbury Valley Trustees in its sole discretion deems appropriate.”
 

Residuary Bequest - Share of or Entire Value of Residue of Your Estate

“I devise and bequeath (________ percent) (the entire value) of the residue of my estate to Sudbury Valley Trustees, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation having a principal place of business in Sudbury, Massachusetts, to be used or disposed of as Sudbury Valley Trustees in its sole discretion deems appropriate.”
 

Contingent Bequest

To leave the charitable organization whatever is left in the estate after the death of the primary heir(s), usually the surviving spouse, insert the conditional language into one or more of the above provisions:

 “If my husband (wife) does not survive me, I bequeath the sum of $__________ to Sudbury Valley Trustees, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation having a principal place of business in Sudbury, Massachusetts, to be used or disposed of as Sudbury Valley Trustees in its sole discretion deems appropriate.”
 

Restricted Use

If the gift to Sudbury Valley Trustees is for a purpose other than Sudbury Valley Trustees’ unrestricted use, insert the restriction in place of the words “to be used or disposed of as Sudbury Valley Trustees in its sole discretion deems appropriate.”  For example:

“I bequeath the sum of $________ to Sudbury Valley Trustees, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation having a principal place of business in Sudbury, Massachusetts for the following use: 
“i.e. the purchase of critical lands, land conservation needs, land conservation monitoring and staffing, etc.”

In the event of a gift subject to a restriction, we would appreciate your consulting with us to determine if the restriction is appropriate for SVT. We also suggest including one of the following provisions:

  • A. “However, I impose no legal or equitable obligation in this regard.”
  • B. “If in the judgment of Sudbury Valley Trustees it becomes, or is likely to become, impossible or impractical to accomplish the purposes of this gift, the income or principal, or both, may be used for such related purposes and in such manner as determined by Sudbury Valley Trustees.”
     
Questions?

If you have questions about this material or require additional information about making a provision in your will to benefit Sudbury Valley Trustees, please contact:

Grace Fauver, Director of Development and Community Engagement
[email protected]
978-443-5588 X111

Sudbury Valley Trustees is a tax-exempt organization described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax ID # 04-6049963