Suggested Bequest Language for Your Will

When leaving a bequest to the Community Foundation, we suggest that you keep the language in your will as general as possible and indicate that additional details as to the charitable purpose in a letter of understanding on file with Rochester Area Community Foundation. That way, you can update the letter of understanding at any time and not have to incur the expense of rewriting your will.

Here are three samples of bequest language. Choose the one that best fits your charitable intentions: 

Bequest for General Endowment

“I give and bequeath (describe gift — amount, asset or percentage) to Rochester Area Community Foundation, Rochester, New York, to the General Endowment Fund. I direct that the income from this fund be used for community benefit at the discretion of the board of Rochester Area Community Foundation."

Bequest to Create a New Fund*

*$25,000 minimum
“I give and bequeath (describe gift — dollar amount, percentage, or item) to Rochester Area Community Foundation, Rochester, New York, to establish a permanent endowment fund known as the ______________ Fund. I direct that the income from this fund be used for (specify charitable purpose or indicate 'for community benefit at the discretion of Rochester Area Community Foundation')."

Bequest to an Existing Fund

“I give and bequeath (describe gift — dollar amount, percentage, or item) to Rochester Area Community Foundation, Rochester, New York, to add to a permanent endowment fund known as the ______________ Fund. I direct that the income from this fund be used for charitable purposes as defined in the fund agreement."