A charitable bequest is a gift you leave to a nonprofit through your will or living trust. It is one of the simplest ways to create a lasting legacy without giving up assets during your lifetime.
If you are researching how to leave a gift in your will, this page will help you understand the basics, the best wording to use, and the easiest next step.
Start here (full guide): Charitable Bequests: The Definitive Guide to Planned Giving’s Opportunity
What Is a Charitable Bequest?
A charitable bequest is a testamentary gift, meaning it takes effect after death. You keep full control of your money and property while you are alive, and you can revise your plan at any time by updating your will or trust.
Common questions this answers include: What is a bequest? How do I leave money to charity in my will? How do I include a nonprofit in my estate plan?
Types of Charitable Bequests
Most charitable bequests fall into a few categories:
Specific bequest: A set dollar amount or a specific asset, such as $25,000 or shares of stock.
Percentage bequest: A percentage of your estate, such as 5% of the estate.
Residuary bequest: What remains after expenses and other gifts are distributed, often described as “the rest, residue, and remainder.”
Contingent bequest: A gift that takes effect only if another beneficiary does not survive you.
If you want examples of each type and when they make sense, see: Types of Charitable Bequests (with Practical Examples)
Sample Bequest Language for a Will
One reason bequests get delayed is simple: people do not have the wording ready when they meet with an attorney. Use the sample language below as a starting point.
I give, devise, and bequeath ___% of my estate (or the sum of $_____) to [Full Legal Name of Organization], a nonprofit corporation located at [Address], Federal Tax ID #_____, for its general charitable purposes.
Next step: Download sample bequest wording and best practices
Other Ways to Leave a Legacy Gift
A will or trust is only one way to leave a legacy gift. Many people also name a nonprofit as a beneficiary of retirement accounts, life insurance, and donor-advised funds (DAFs).
Name a charity as beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance
If You Don’t Have a Will Yet
If you do not have a will, your assets are distributed according to state law, and charitable intentions often never happen. Creating a will is the simplest way to put your wishes in writing.
If you prefer to learn by watching, start here: Free estate planning videos
For Nonprofits: Bequest Giving Is a Program, Not a Form
If you are a nonprofit professional reading this: bequest giving is not “set and forget.” A bequest program works when you pair clear messaging with stewardship and simple next steps.
How to build a bequest program that produces realized gifts
Frequently Asked Questions About Charitable Bequests
Can I change a charitable bequest later?
Yes. Most bequests in wills and revocable trusts can be changed at any time by updating your documents.
Do I need to tell the nonprofit?
You do not have to, but it helps. It allows the organization to say thank you and helps ensure your intentions are understood.
Are charitable bequests tax-deductible?
Charitable bequests are generally deductible from the taxable estate for federal estate tax purposes. They do not create an income tax deduction while you are living.
What is the easiest way to start?
Read the full guide, then either share the sample bequest language with your attorney or use an online will tool to begin your plan and review beneficiary designations.
Read the full, comprehensive guide: Charitable Bequests: The Definitive Guide
