Thank you for your interest in helping Compassion International release children from poverty in Jesus’ name by including a charitable bequest in your will or living trust!
Below are examples of bequest language to assist you and your professional advisors. They should not replace the counsel of tax, legal, or estate planning advisors. Because the below examples are of a general nature and are not intended as legal advice, you should contact the appropriate professionals to create or amend any necessary legal documents.
1. Bequest Language Examples – Specific Dollar Amount or Percentage Bequest
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, (the sum of $____) or (____ percent (___%) of my total estate determined as of the date of my death), to be used for Compassion International’s general use and purpose.
2. Bequest Language Example to Continue your Child Sponsorship
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, (the sum of $____) or (____ percent (___%) of my total estate determined as of the date of my death) first to continue my support for the child(ren) I am sponsoring at the time of my death. Support shall continue for as long as the child(ren) is(are) in the Compassion International Child Sponsorship Program. Upon the condition that I have no child sponsorships at the time of my death or upon the termination of the sponsorship obligation, all remaining funds shall be distributed to the Unsponsored Child Reserve Fund or similar fund as determined by Compassion International in its sole discretion to provide for other children in need.
3. Bequest of Specific Personal Property Example
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath (Description of Personal Property) to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, to be used for Compassion International’s general use and purpose.
4. Bequest of Specific Real Estate Example
I hereby give, devise and bequeath all of the right, title and interest in and to the real estate located at (Address or Description of Property) to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, to be used for Compassion International’s general use and purpose.
5. Residual Bequest Example
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, (All or ____ percent (___%)) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used for Compassion International’s general use and purpose.
6. Contingent Bequest
If (primary beneficiary) does not survive me, then I hereby give, devise and bequeath (Description of Property) to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, to be used for Compassion International’s general use and purpose.
7. Bequest Language Example for a Restricted Bequest
I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to Compassion International, Inc., a Illinois nonprofit corporation with its principal offices at 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668, Federal Tax ID Number: 36-2423707, (the sum of $____) or (____ percent (___%) of my total estate determined as of the date of my death,) to be used for the purposes I have designated in writing and delivered to Compassion International, Inc. If, in Compassion International, Inc.’s opinion, the need for funds for the designated purpose no longer exists or it shall become impossible for Compassion International to use this bequest to accomplish the specific purposes of this bequest, Compassion International is authorized to use these funds and income of this gift for a similar use and purpose as Compassion International determines is most related to the restricted purpose of my bequest.
Disclaimer: Compassion International, Inc. is not a law firm and the information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice to donors or any third-party beneficiaries. No attorney-client or other relationship is created by the information on this website. For all legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.