Sample Bequest Language

Leaving a Bequest to the Community through Rochester Area Community Foundation:

When leaving a bequest to the Community Foundation, we suggest that you keep the language in your will as general as possible (perhaps just naming the Fund) and indicate that additional details as to the charitable purpose are contained in a letter of understanding on file with Rochester Area Community Foundation.  That way, you can update the letter of understanding with the Community Foundation at any time and not have to incur the expense and bother of rewriting your will.

Suggested Sample Bequest Language:

“I give and bequeath (describe gift- amount, asset or percentage) to Rochester Area Community Foundation, Rochester, New York, to establish a permanent endowment fund known as the _____________________ Fund.  I direct that the income from this fund be used for _____________________________ (specify charitable purposes OR indicate ‘for community benefit at the discretion of the board of Rochester Area Community Foundation’).   Additional details as to the charitable purpose(s) of the Fund are on file with Rochester Area Community Foundation.“