Sample Bequest Language

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 living trust or will and supervise its execution so as to comply with your state requirements.

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: "San Francisco Botanical Garden Society."
• Our federal taxpayer identification number is: 94-6050168.

Xanrhorrhoea sp. commonly called grass trees Photo Credit - D. Kruse Larger Image

Bequests for Unrestricted Purposes
Unrestricted gifts are flexible, future-focused, and essential to the evolution of the Botanical Garden. Awarded without restriction, they are used for the greatest need at the time to be determined by the Botanical Garden Society's Board of Trustees.

The following are examples for illustration only.

- For a bequest of cash, the possible language is: "I give to San Francisco Botanical Garden Society the sum of (Amount) to be used for the benefit of San Francisco Botanical Garden."

- For a bequest of securities, the possible language is: "I give San Francisco Botanical Garden Society all of my shares of XYZ stock or mutual fund to be used for the benefit of San Francisco Botanical Garden."

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. The Botanical Garden Society 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 San Francisco Botanical Garden Society (percent) of my estate, or (percent of the rest, residue and remainder) of my estate to be used for the benefit of San Francisco Botanical Garden."

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 San Francisco Botanical Garden Society all of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for the benefit of San Francisco Botanical Garden."

Bequests for Restricted Purposes
If you would like to honor a family member, a special person or provide support for a specific program that was meaningful to you, then you can designate your bequest specifically for that purpose. Often specific guidelines govern the use of these types of funds, therefore, please contact us to discuss your restricted gift.

If you already have a living trust or will
A codicil is a written change or amendment to a living trust or 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.

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For tax purposes, the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, I.R.S. 501(C)(3) number is 94-6050168. All donations to the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Please note, individual financial circumstances will vary. The information on this site does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donor stories and photographs are for purposes of illustration only. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist. All material is copyrighted and is for viewing purposes only. Use of this site signifies your agreement with the terms of use. The content in this Planned Giving section has been developed for San Francisco Botanical Garden Society by Future Focus. Please report any problems to section webmaster.