Bequests
Giving Through Your Future Plans
A gift to Mental Health America in your will or trust is an uncomplicated way to help ensure that you leave a legacy of mental health for all.
This gift, typically called a bequest, may take several forms. It can be a percentage of your estate, a specific sum, or the remainder of your estate after expenses and gifts to loved ones. Bequests can include cash, securities, real estate, and other personal property like art or jewelry. These options can help you take care of your loved ones and give to the charitable causes you care about.
Living trusts are a popular choice too because the terms of a living trust, unlike a will, can be put into effect immediately, thus minimizing the probate time and keeping the terms private.
If you would like to make Mental Health America a beneficiary of your estate through a will, we suggest bringing the language samples below to your lawyer or financial advisor for inclusion in your plans. If you have already drawn up these documents, there is language to add Mental Health America to your plans too. This frequently used method is called a codicil or an addendum.
Percentage
A percentage bequest is a bequest where you give a percentage of your estate to the beneficiary.
Suggested Language: "I give ___% of my estate to Mental Health America (IRS TAX ID #13-1614906, located at 500 Montgomery St. Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314) for the uses and purposes of said organization."
Specific
A specific bequest is a bequest where the beneficiary leaves a specific asset or collection of assets (such as all the cash, or all the securities, or other designated property).
Suggested Language: "I bequeath and devise to Mental Health America (IRS TAX ID #13-1614906, located at 500 Montgomery St. Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314) the sum of $__________ for the uses and purposes of said organization."
Residual
A residual bequest is a gift of everything that remains in the estate after payment of all taxes, expenses, debts, and other bequests.
Suggested language: "I bequeath and devise all of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to Mental Health America (IRS TAX ID #13-1614906, located at 500 Montgomery St. Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314) for the uses and purposes of said organization."
Contingent
A contingent bequest is where you give all or a portion of your estate to charity in the event that a named beneficiary does not survive you.
Suggested Language: "In the event that (name of beneficiary) predeceases me, I give their share of my estate to Mental Health America (IRS TAX ID #13-1614906, located at 500 Montgomery St. Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314) for the uses and purposes of said organization."
Disclaimer: Mental Health America does not render legal, tax or other professional advisory services. Advice from an attorney and other professional advisors should be sought when considering charitable giving.