Bequest Sample Wording — Auburn Valley Humane Society

Sample wording for General Bequests to

Auburn Valley Humane Society or the AVHS Foundation

If you have decided to leave a gift to the Auburn Valley Humane Society in your Will, here is some wording that may help. AVHS’s legal title is ‘Auburn Valley Humane Society, and a gift in your will may be expressed as outlined in the sample language below:

Specific Bequest – to donate a specific amount of money or a specific asset

“I give and bequeath the sum of $..... (or transfer assets with an equal value) to Auburn Valley Humane Society at Auburn, Washington, USA for the general purpose of supporting the humane society and its greatest needs.”

“I give to Auburn Valley Humane Society at Auburn, Washington, USA all of my shares of [Company Name] stock to be used for the general purposes of AVHS.”

Residual Bequest – to donate an identified percentage/portion of what is left in your estate after taxes, debts, and other bequests are paid

"I give and bequeath ....... % of the residue of my estate (or transfer assets with an equal value) to Auburn Valley Humane Society at Auburn, Washington, USA for the general purpose of supporting the humane society and its greatest needs (or for a restricted program or purpose as below)."

Bequests for Restricted Purposes

If you have decided to leave a legacy to Auburn Valley Humane Society for a restricted purpose, use the above language, but also describe the particular purpose, for example:

“…to be used for the Extraordinary Medical Fund”, or “…to be used towards Lonely Hearts Club Sponsorships.”

We recommend that you include language that allows AVHS to use the gift for a different purpose if circumstances change to ensure your gift will still go towards the organization in a meaningful way.

“In the event that circumstances make the specified use of the bequest no longer practical or desirable, the Auburn Valley Humane Society Board is authorized to use my donated funds for any other purpose while keeping as close as possible to the spirit and general intent of the bequest.”

Note: These clauses are provided as a courtesy to aid in your estate planning process. Please review them with your own legal and tax advisors to determine suitability for your unique personal, financial, and tax situation. The Auburn Valley Humane Society is not providing legal or professional advice.

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