Sample Bequest Language

This language is for the illustration of various forms of bequests only.
Always consult your professional advisor when making or revising your will.

Residuary Bequest

"Residue" is a term to describe the portion of your estate that remains after all debts, expenses and specific bequests to others have first been fulfilled.

"All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate for federal tax purposes I give to Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, located in Palo Alto, CA, Tax ID 94-2538615, for its general purposes."

Specific Bequest

"I give to Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, located in Palo Alto, CA, Tax ID 94-2538615, the sum of $ _______________ for its general purposes."

Donation of Real Estate by Will

"I leave to Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, located in Palo Alto, CA, Tax ID 94-2538615, the real property described as follows: (property description). I direct my Executor/Personal Representative to sell the above-described real property and distribute the proceeds to Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, located in Palo Alto, CA, Tax ID 94-2538615, for its general purposes."

Donations of Life Insurance, IRAs or Other Pension/Retirement Plans

A will typically does not dispose of assets such as life insurance and pension plans, which usually pass by "beneficiary designation." A beneficiary designation is a contract between you and your insurance company or pension plan administrator to transfer the asset at your death to the person(s) or institution(s) you have designated (usually in the initial paperwork you completed to establish the asset). To designate Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area as the beneficiary of such an asset, you should contact your insurance company or plan administrator and request a "change of beneficiary" form. Note: Use Tax ID 94-2538615 in lieu of social security number for an organization.

For more information about leaving a bequest to Ronald McDonald House Charities Bay Area, please contact our Vice President of Philanthropy, Jay McCullough, at 650-470-6005 or jay.mccullough@rmhcbayarea.org.