| Sample Bequest Language |
If you are planning to include a charitable gift in your will, you should think about the various possibilities and then speak with an attorney about updating your will. Explain clearly and exactly what you want to do and what you would like given to whom.
Let Us Know
If you choose to name the Jesuits of the New Orleans Province in your will, we hope you will let us know so that we can thank you for your generosity.
The official legal bequest language for the Jesuits is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to the Jesuits of the New Orleans Province [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
If you choose to make your gift anonymously, it will be kept confidential. But be aware that if your gift is recognized, it can often encourage others to give also. However, we will respect and abide by your wishes because your support means so much to us.
Various Types of Bequests
There are lots of available options in planning a bequest. You and your attorney may want to discuss some of them as you formulate your will.
1. Specific bequest. This type of bequest specifies that a particular item is to be given to a certain beneficiary. For example, "I give my movie camera to my grandson Carl." If the specified item has been disposed of prior to death, the bequest is null and void and the beneficiary has no claim to anything else. That means that Carl would not be given the value of the movie camera if it is no longer a part of the estate.
2. General bequest. This is generally a gift of a specific amount of money. For example, "I leave $5,000 to my niece Elaine." This type of bequest will not fail, even if there is not enough cash to meet it. If there is only $3,000 cash in the estate, other assets must be sold to meet the bequest.
3. Contingent bequest. This type of bequest is dependent upon a certain condition before the beneficiary can receive the gift. For example, "I leave $15,000 to my granddaughter, Mary, upon her graduation from college." The bequest is specific in nature and fails if the condition is not fulfilled. This type of bequest is also used to name a secondary beneficiary, in the event that the primary beneficiary doesn't survive you.
4. Residuary bequest. This is the gift of everything that remains after all other bequests, debts and taxes have been paid. For this type of bequest it is often preferable to specify percentages of the residue rather than exact dollar amounts; that way you can be sure that your beneficiaries will receive proportional amounts.
The above bequests are applicable to both individuals and charitable organizations.
The following four bequests should be considered when you plan to help support the mission of Jesuits of the New Orleans Province.
5. Unrestricted bequest. This type of gift is made without specific conditions attached. Such a gift is often the most useful because it allows the Jesuits to determine where the gift can best serve their needs at that time.
6. Restricted bequest. With this type of bequest you determine how the gift is to be used. You could have a specific project in mind that you would like to fund. It would be a good idea in this case to consult us before drawing up your will to be sure that your project can be realized.
7. Honorary or memorial bequest. This is a gift in honor, or in memory, of someone. The Jesuits will be happy to honor such a request, and we have a number of ways to recognize this person.
8. Endowed bequest. This type of bequest restricts the principal of your gift and allows the Jesuits to use only the income generated by the principal. Such an endowment allows you and your gift to continue helping us indefinitely.
For more information, please call Mike Bourg at (800) 788-1719 or (504) 571-1055 or e-mail us at jesuits@norprov.org.
If you would like to receive a free electronic brochure about bequests, e-mail Mike Bourg at mbourg@norprov.org to request it. You will receive a copy of the brochure by return e-mail.
Office of Development
710 Baronne Street - Suite B
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113-1064
Voice: 504.571.1055 or 800.788.1719
FAX: 504.571.1744
Email: jesuits@norprov.org
Financial information about "The Jesuits" is available from GuideStar:
