Sample Bequest Language

You can make an unrestricted gift that offers Amherst the flexibility to use your funding where it is needed most. Gift planning staff would also be delighted to help you create a bequest for a purpose close to your heart on campus.

If you are planning on making a bequest to Amherst College in your will or living trust, please consider using the following language:

Outright Bequest

“I give ______________ (dollar amount, percentage amount, or description of the asset) to the Trustees of Amherst College, in Amherst, Massachusetts, to be used for the general purposes of the College.”

Contingent Bequest

“In the event my spouse (and/or) children should pre-decease me, I hereby bequeath to Trustees of Amherst College, in Amherst, Massachusetts, $______ to be used for the general purposes of the College.”

Residual Bequest

“I bequeath to the Trustees of Amherst College, in Amherst, Massachusetts, to be used for the general purposes of the College, the balance of my estate once all other bequests, debts, taxes and expenses have been distributed.”

Specific Bequest

If you wish to designate a specific use for the bequest, please contact the College prior to finalizing your plans in order to discuss any designations you may be considering. This will help to avoid creating a bequest that may be vague in its intention or difficult for the College to fulfill. If you wish to make a specific bequest, please contact Julie Lackner, Director of Gift Planning.

Suggested language for a specific bequest, including a contingency clause:

“I bequeath to the Trustees of Amherst College, in Amherst, Massachusetts, $______ to be used for ____________. If, in the opinion of the College, all or part of the funds cannot be applied in conformance with the purposes stated, Amherst College may use the funds for such other purposes as the College deems practicable to effect the intent of the donor. All decisions of Amherst in the exercise of its discretion in this regard shall be final and binding on all concerned parties.”