Bequests & Sample Language

Gifts provided through wills and personal trusts have become an essential part of the financial support of our Church. In fact, the vast majority of future gifts established for and ultimately received by St. Joan of Arc Church are the result of charitable bequests established in one’s will or personal trust. Such gifts enable a donor to make significant contributions that may not have been possible during their lifetime.

Charitable bequests can take various forms. You may leave a bequest of a specific sum of money, percentage of your estate, or the residual of your estate. If your will is already written, your advisor can add a simple amendment to provide a charitable bequest to St. Joan of Arc Church.

Sample bequest language is offered below for your legal counsel’s consideration in preparing your will or trust. We invite you to contact Jackie Abel, Director of Stewardship & Development, for assistance in preparing bequest language addressing your charitable intent and plans for St. Joan of Arc Church. You may choose to designate your support to one of our other parish funds or campaigns if you would rather target your gift to a specific cause. Our desire is to understand your charitable goals and help you to effectively incorporate them within your estate planning documents.

A GENERAL BEQUEST designates that St. Joan of Arc Church receives a specific sum of money.

Example: I bequeath the sum of $_____ to St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania, to be used or disposed of as an unrestricted gift for it's general purposes.

A SPECIFIC BEQUEST designates that St. Joan of Arc Church receives a specific piece of property.

Example: I bequeath (Description of Property) to St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania, to be used or disposed of as an unrestricted gift for it's general purposes.

A RESIDUAL BEQUEST designates that St. Joan of Arc Church receives all or a portion of whatever remains in an estate after all debts, taxes, expenses, and other bequests have been paid.

Example: I bequeath (all / or _____%) of the remainder of my property to St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania, to be used or disposed of as an unrestricted gift for it's general purposes.

A CONTINGENT BEQUEST takes effect only if the primary attention cannot be met. This ensures that the property will pass to St. Joan of Arc Church rather than unintended beneficiaries.

Example: If my (husband/wife) does not survive me, I bequeath to St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania, all the rest, residual and remainder of my estate to be used or disposed of as an unrestricted gift for it's general purposes.

If you choose to restrict the gift to one of the other parish funds or campaigns:

1. In place of the words "to be used or disposed of as an unrestricted gift for it's general purposes" insert the language "to be used for (insert name of           campaign or the use and purpose of which you would like to see the contribution applied.)"

2. We also suggest including the following provision:

    Example: If in the judgement of the Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania, it becomes impossible to accomplish the purpose of the gift,         the income or principal* may be used for such related purposes and in such a manner as determined by the Pastor.

        *Include bolded text only if you designated your gift to an endowed fund.

If you have already completed your will but wish to add St. Joan of Arc Church or change the amount of your gift, you will need to execute a codicil to your will. Please note that codicils, like wills, must be executed with witnesses.

Example Codicil:

I, _______________________________________ (insert name) of ______________________________ (insert address), do hereby make this (insert #, i.e. first, second) codicil to my last will and testament dated ___________________ , _________ .

Paragraph (insert paragraph # you are changing from your most recent will) of my said will is hereby amended by adding thereto the following additional paragraph:

I bequeath (Description of Gift: see above examples) to St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, Pennsylvania, to be used or disposed of as an unrestricted gift for it's general purposes.

All potential donors are advised to consult with their attorney or professional advisor to determine which planned giving opportunity fits their unique vision and circumstances, as well as understand the specific tax savings and applicability of this information to your situation.