Early New England Research hero
Bequest Language for Donors
The following is intended to help you and your attorney in drafting a bequest that satisfies your interests. As you consult your attorney on the selection of appropriate wording to reflect your own goals and intentions regarding American Ancestors, be sure our organization’s correct legal name appears in all final documents as:
“New England Historic Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number: 04-2104757.”
General Bequest of a stated sum of money may be worded:
“I give to New England Historic Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 04-2104757 [insert here the exact dollar amount].”
Specific Bequest of a certain asset from your estate may be worded:
“I give to New England Historic Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 04-2104757, [insert here a description of the particular property].”
Residuary Bequest, after other bequests and expenses have been paid, may be worded:
“I give to New England Historic Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 04-2104757, all [or a portion] of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
Contingent Bequest if the person making the will is not survived by certain individuals:
“If [name/s of primary beneficiary/ies] do/es not survive me, or shall die within ninety (90) days from the date of my death, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to New England Historic Genealogical Society, 101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation, or its successor, Federal Tax Identification Number 04-2104757, [insert here the exact dollar amount, description of property, or percentage of residual estate].”