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.
- When
including a bequest provision in your will, always use the full legal name and
provide the federal taxpayer identification number.
- Our
full, legal name is: "HOPE Services."
- Our
federal taxpayer identification number is: 94-1399287.
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 HOPE Services all of my shares of XYZ stock or mutual fund to be used for
the benefit of HOPE Services."
-
For a bequest of cash, the possible language is: "I give to HOPE Services
the sum of (Amount) to be used for the benefit of HOPE Services."
Proportional
Bequest 
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 HOPE Services (percent) of my estate,
or (percent of the rest, residue and remainder) of my estate to be used
for the benefit of HOPE Services."
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 HOPE Services all of the rest,
residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for the benefit of HOPE Services."
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 HOPE Services. Return to Wills
and Bequests story.
For additional information, please call Wilfredo Lacro, Major Gifts and Gift Planning Officer, HOPE Services at 408-284-2842 or wlacro@hopeservices.org