Bequests: Sample Language

Unrestricted Gift 
A gift that can be used where need or opportunity is greatest

I give to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Oakland, CA the sum of $_______* for its general purposes.

Gift for a Specific Purpose

I give to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Oakland, CA the sum of $_______* to be used for [state purpose].

Residuary Bequest
Leaves any remainder after all other bequests have been paid

All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Oakland, CA for its general purposes.

Contingent Bequest
Takes effect only if a primary intention cannot be met

If (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, or shall die during the administration of my estate, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, located in Oakland, CA all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for its benefit.

Safety Language
Language added whenever a gift is restricted

In the event the purposes of the restriction, in the opinion of the board of directors of Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, can no longer be served, the board may devote any remaining assets exclusively for charitable purposes that: (a) are within the scope of the charitable purposes of Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland, and (b) most nearly approximate the original purpose of the gift.

* Rather than leaving a sum certain, you can include language that refers to a percentage of your estate or a description of the property you wish to give.