Sample Bequest Language for your Will or Revocable Living Trust

Residual Gift Language

A residual bequest comes to us after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid:

I give and devise to California 4-H Foundation, located in Davis, CA, all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).

Specific Gift Language

Naming California 4-H Foundation as a beneficiary of a specific amount from your estate is easy:

I give and devise to California 4-H Foundation, located in Davis, CA, the sum of $___________ (or asset) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).

Contingent Gift Language

California 4-H Foundation or its affiliates can be named as a contingent beneficiary in your will or personal trust if one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled:

If (insert name) is not living at the time of my demise, I give and devise to California 4-H Foundation, located in Davis, CA, the sum of $ _______ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).

Retirement Plan Beneficiary Language

You may name California 4-H Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA or other qualified retirement benefits. Donors should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax benefits of such gifts.

Naming California 4-H as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh or profit-sharing pension plan will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings. It can be costly to pass such assets on to heirs because of heavy tax consequences. By naming California 4-H as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, the donor maintains complete control over the asset while living, but at the donor's death the plan passes to support California 4-H free of both estate and income taxes.

Making a charitable gift from your retirement plan is easy and should not cost you any attorney fees. Simply request a change-of-beneficiary form from your plan administrator. When you have finished, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify California 4-H Foundation. We can also assist you with the proper language for your beneficiary designation to California 4-H.

Customized Language

If you or your attorney would like California 4-H to provide you with customized beneficiary language that is specific to your goal and interest, please contact us.

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*A codicil is a legal document that changes specific provisions in your will but leaves all the other provisions the same.