Bequests

A "charitable bequest" is anything you give or leave to charity from your estate through a will or a revocable inter vivos ("living") trust. An "estate" is any property, money or personal belongings that you may have at the time of your death. Most people leave an estate when they die, even though they may not have a great deal of wealth. Even an individual with a small estate can arrange to leave a charitable bequest.

A bequest is a charitable gift through a will. Bequests are the foundation of the American philanthropic tradition. A bequest enables the donor to make a significant charitable contribution that may not have been possible during his/her lifetime.

• To reduce his/her estate taxes,
• To create a lasting legacy in his/her name or in memory of a loved one,
• To make a lasting impact.

• The donor consults with his/her advisor to determine the type of charitable bequest that is best for him/her.
• The donor could make an outright gift through his/her will.
• The donor could set up a plan which provides income to a beneficiary.
• The donor follows the sample language for the type of bequest being established. (See below)
• The donor notifies the nonprofit that he/she is including the nonprofit in his/her will.

Specific Bequest – The donor designates CASI Foundation to receive a specific dollar amount or specific piece of property.

Sample language: I give and bequeath the sum of ___________ to CASI Foundation, to establish the [name of donor or family] Fund.

Residuary Bequest – The donor gives CASI Foundation all (or a portion of) his/her property, after all debts, taxes, expenses and all other bequests have been paid.

Sample language: I give and bequeath to CASI Foundation, the remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to establish the [name of donor or family] Fund.

Contingent Bequest – In the event of an unexpected occurrence, the donor’s property will be used to create a fund at the CASI Foundation, rather than pass to unintended beneficiaries.