Home > Ministries > Legacy Giving > Example Bequest Language

Example Bequest Language

Please feel free to change the numbers or percentages as you desire.

  1. Bequest of cash

“I bequeath the sum of $10,000 to Highland United Methodist Church of Raleigh, NC.”

  1. Bequest of a percent of the estate

“I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to Highland United Methodist Church of Raleigh, NC.”

  1. Contingent Bequest

“If my brother John Doe survives me, I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to John Doe. If John Doe does not survive me, then I devise and bequeath 20% of my residuary estate, whether real or personal property and wherever located to Highland United Methodist Church of Raleigh, NC.”

A phrase designating a particular purpose can be added to the statements above:

  • This bequest is restricted to the Highland General Endowment
  • This bequest is to establish the John and Mary Doe Endowment for Missions and Outreach
  • This bequest is to establish the Treble and Bass Clef Traditional Sacred Music Endowment
  • This bequest is to establish (wording as negotiated between Highland and the donor)