Sample Bequest Language for your Will or Revocable Living Trust

A gift to the YMCA of Greater Hartford in your will or revocable trust enables you to support our mission and make a difference in the lives of future generations. A bequest:

  • is easy to arrange.
  • will not alter your current lifestyle in any way.
  • can be easily modified to address your changing needs.
  • Will your gift be restricted?

Residual Gift Language

A residual bequest comes to us after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid:

"I give and devise to the YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford, Inc., also known as the YMCA of Greater Hartford, located in Hartford, Connecticut, all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific branch or program)."

Specific Gift Language

Naming the YMCA of Greater Hartford as a beneficiary of a specific amount from your estate is easy:

"I give to the YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford, Inc., also known as the YMCA of Greater Hartford, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 50 State House Square, Second Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, or its successor, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property]. This gift should be used for (name branch or state purpose). If the YMCA of Greater Hartford shall determine that the need or the branch no longer exists, then the YMCA of Greater Hartford may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above."

Contingent Gift Language

The YMCA of Greater Hartford or its affiliates can be named as a contingent beneficiary in your will or personal trust if one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled:

"If (insert name) is not living at the time of my demise, I give and devise to the YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford, Inc., also known as the YMCA of Greater Hartford, located in Hartford, Connecticut, the sum of $ _______ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific branch or program)."

Retirement Plan Beneficiary Language

You may name the YMCA of Greater Hartford as a beneficiary of your IRA or other qualified retirement benefits. Donors should consult with their tax advisor regarding the tax benefits of such gifts.

Naming the Y as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan asset such as a 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Keogh or profit-sharing pension plan will accomplish a charitable goal while realizing significant tax savings. It can be costly to pass such assets on to heirs because of heavy tax consequences. By naming the Y as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, the donor maintains complete control over the asset while living, but at the donor's death the plan passes to support the Y free of both estate and income taxes.

Making a charitable gift from your retirement plan is easy and should not cost you any attorney fees. Simply request a change-of-beneficiary form from your plan administrator. When you have finished, please return the form to your plan administrator and notify the YMCA of Greater Hartford. We can also assist you with the proper language for your beneficiary designation to the Y.

Customized Language

If you or your attorney would like the Y to provide you with customized beneficiary language that is specific to your goal and interest, please contact us.

Need a codicil*? Please click here to downloadOpens new window.

*A codicil is a legal document that changes specific provisions in your will but leaves all the other provisions the same.

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