Please note that gifts of this nature should be carefully considered in relation to your comprehensive financial and estate plans. We strongly recommend that you consult an attorney in the preparation of your will and to supervise its execution so as to comply with your state requirements. The following are examples for illustration only.
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Bequests
for Unrestricted Purposes
Unrestricted gifts are to be used for the greatest
need at the time to be determined by the Board. A general unrestricted bequest
is especially valued by us.
- For a bequest of securities, the possible language is: "I give California Shakespeare Theater all of my shares of XYZ stock or mutual fund to be used for the benefit of Cal Shakes."
- For a bequest of cash, the possible language is: "I give to California Shakespeare Theater the sum of (Amount) to be used for the benefit of Cal Shakes."
If you do not want to specify the exact amount or nature of the intended gift, perhaps because the size of the future estate is difficult to estimate, a proportional bequest is often the best way to accomplish your goals. We would receive a percentage of the estate or the residue of the estate, after all other provisions have been met.
- Possible language is: "I give to California Shakespeare Theater (percent) of my estate, or (percent of the rest, residue and remainder) of my estate to be used for the benefit of Cal Shakes."
Contingent Bequest
A contingent bequest takes
effect only if the primary intention cannot be met (e.g. if the primary beneficiary
does not survive the donor). This ensures that property will not be distributed
to unintended beneficiaries.
- Possible language is: "If (name of primary 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 California Shakespeare Theater all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for the benefit of Cal Shakes."
Bequests for Restricted Purposes
If you would like to honor a family member, a special person or provide
support for a specific program or department that was meaningful to you, then
you can designate your bequest specifically for that purpose. You simply use
any form of the possible language included above, and replace "to be used for
the benefit of [ insert purpose or intent ]" with the specific designation.
Often specific guidelines govern the use of these types of funds. Therefore,
we recommend that you contact us to discuss your restricted gift. We are here
to help you as you plan.
If you already have a will
A codicil is a written change or amendment to a will. Click
here for a printable copy of what a codicil would look like. Please remember
to consult your attorney to make sure you are properly advised.
Thank you for remembering Cal Shakes. Click here to return to Wills and Bequests.