Bequest Language

Printable Bequest Language

A bequest—a gift in your will—is simple and convenient. You can create a legacy through a bequest.

Your bequest can be a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. You can designate your bequest be used for the College’s greatest needs, or you can provide preferences for the use. Stephens donors tend to direct their gifts for the “highest and best use of the College” or “to be added to the Stephens College endowment.” Some have established scholarship endowments in their names or chose to honor a family member, beloved professor, or classmate. These endowments live forever because only the portion of the fund available from earnings is paid out annually.

Examples of various types of bequests

Specific bequests are used to make a gift of a specific dollar amount or specific asset (such as securities, real estate, retirement accounts, or personal property).

Residuary bequests are used to give all or a portion of the remainder of your estate after payment of expenses and any specific amounts designated to other beneficiaries.

Including Stephens College in your will

The following includes several examples of suggested bequest wording to benefit Stephens College.

The sample language below cannot cover the unique circumstances of every donor, nor does it provide assurance that the college can execute your intentions on your behalf. It is imperative that you share a copy of the page of your estate document that mentions Stephens College with a College representative and engage in a consultation conversation to properly discuss and record your intentions. Taking this action will ensure that your directives will be followed on your behalf.

Because a will is an important legal document, you should seek an attorney's help. To assist you and your legal counsel with this important process, we offer suggested wording below.

Percentage of estate for unrestricted purposes
"I give to Stephens College, a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, Missouri, _____percent (%) of the remainder of my estate for its general charitable purposes.”
 
Percentage of estate to establish an endowed fund
"I give to Stephens College, a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, Missouri, _____percent (%) of the remainder of my estate to establish the __________{name} Endowed Fund. My preference(s) for distribution of the portion of this fund available for spending each year are _____preference(s), preference}. Contributions may be added to the Fund at any time.

“If changed circumstances should at some future time make it impractical to continue administering the Fund for the preferred purpose designated, then the Stephens College Board of Trustees may designate the purpose—provided that the terms adhere as closely as possible to the original intent.”

Specific amount for unrestricted purposes
"I give to Stephens College, a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, Missouri, the sum of $_____ in cash (or _____shares of _____stock) to be used for its general charitable purposes."

Specific amount for specific purposes
"I give, devise, and bequeath to Stephens College, a nonprofit organization located in Columbia, Missouri, the sum of $    in cash or in-kind (or _____shares of _____stock) to be used for ____________________at Stephens College.

“If changed circumstances should make it impractical to administer the gift for the preferred purpose designated, then the Stephens College Board of Trustees may designate the purpose—provided that the terms adhere as closely as possible to my original intent.”

Designating the purpose of a bequest

Unrestricted: The most useful type of bequest is unrestricted, allowing the funds to be allocated wherever the need is greatest and taking into account that changes (programs, laws, etc.) may necessitate a use that cannot be anticipated at the time of the gift.

Restricted: You may designate your bequest to support a special purpose that reflects your interests. If the bequest is restricted to a specific purpose, it is important to discuss those preferences with the College.

Questions for Stephens College should be directed to Shannon Walls, Vice President for Advancement, at sbwalls@stephens.edu or (573) 876-7250. We look forward to discussing your intentions with you and showing appreciation for your future gift. Thank you!