Bequest Language

One of the most powerful ways to ensure your impact lasts for generations is by planning for the future and defining the legacy you want to leave. By including a gift in your will or living trust, known as a bequest, you can guarantee your contributions endure. Your bequest can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other provisions have been made.

Example Language for Bequests to Notre Dame

The following are examples of bequest language you can provide to your attorney. Each benefactor’s situation is unique and these examples include some but not all the possible bequest structures.

Percentage of estate for unrestricted purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the University of Notre Dame, a not-for-profit organization located in Notre Dame, Indiana (“Notre Dame”), ______percent (______%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, to be used for the general purposes of Notre Dame.

Percentage of estate for specific purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the University of Notre Dame, a not-for-profit organization located in Notre Dame, Indiana (“Notre Dame”), ______ percent (______%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to be used as I have directed in the most recently dated separate fund agreement or other written designation document signed by me and maintained by Notre Dame; provided, however, if no such agreement or designation document exists at the time of my death, then for its general purposes.

Specific amount for unrestricted purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the University of Notre Dame, a not-for-profit organization located in Notre Dame, Indiana (“Notre Dame”), the sum of $______ (_____ dollars), to be used for the general purposes of Notre Dame.

Specific amount for specific purposes

I give, devise, and bequeath to the University of Notre Dame, a not-for-profit organization located in Notre Dame, Indiana (“Notre Dame”), the sum of $______ (_____ dollars), to be used as I have directed in the most recently dated separate fund agreement or other written designation document signed by me and maintained by Notre Dame; provided, however, if no such agreement or designation document exists at the time of my death, then for its general purposes.

If you have named the University of Notre Dame in your will or trust, please let us know. Sharing your plans with us allows the University to ensure your gift is used in accordance with your wishes and helps us plan for the future impact of your generosity. If you prefer to remain anonymous, we will honor your request and keep all information strictly confidential.

For more information, please contact the Notre Dame Office of Gift Planning at 574-631-7164 or email us at giftplanning@nd.edu.