Bequests

While 81.5% of Michiganders give annually to nonprofits, only 2.8% leave bequests. The process is simple to leave a bequest. It can include cash, securities, stocks, real estate and other properties, life insurance, IRAs – each of which may help reduce your family’s estate-tax burden after your death.

Sample Will Language

Suggested language used to create a bequest can be:

...”I give, devise, and bequeath to the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, a 501c3 corporation under the laws of Michigan, the following property (or amount)...”

Suggested language to make a residual bequest of assets remaining after all specific bequests have been satisfied:

...”the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.”

Or

“__% (or fractional interest) of the rest, remainder, and residue of my estate...”

Suggested language for a contingent bequest to take effect only if those named as primary beneficiaries predecease you:

“...If any or all of the above-named beneficiaries do not survive me, I give the share that otherwise would have been his/hers to the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.”