Thank you for considering a bequest to Emory. Please share the following suggested language with your attorney as you prepare or revise your will.
Unrestricted Bequest
"I give and bequeath the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate (or a percentage of my estate, or a dollar amount) to Emory University, an educational institution in Atlanta, Georgia, for its general purposes."
Bequest for a School or Division
"I give and bequeath the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate (or a percentage of my estate, or a dollar amount) to (name of school or division) of Emory University, an educational institution in Atlanta, Georgia, for its general purposes (or for the library, for faculty support, for research in a stated field.)"
Bequest for an Endowment
"I give and bequeath the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate (or a percentage of my estate, or a dollar amount) to (name of school or division) of Emory University, an educational institution in Atlanta, Georgia, to establish an endowed fund (or the John Doe Fund, or similar wording), to be held as a permanent endowment, which shall be used for (library, scholarship, or research in a stated field). Such fund shall be held, invested, and applied in accordance with the endowment policies of the University as amended from time to time. However, if, at the time of my death, the realized amount is less than the minimum amount required to establish such an endowed fund, or in the event that such use shall, in the judgment of the President of Emory University, become unnecessary or impracticable then I direct that my gift shall be devoted to such purposes as the President, in his or her sole discretion, shall determine, keeping such use as close to my intent as possible."
Savings Clause
If your bequest is restricted for a particular purpose, we ask that you incorporate a "savings clause" to accommodate changes over time in the needs of the University: "In the event that such use shall, in the judgment of the President of Emory University, become unnecessary or impracticable, I direct that my gift shall be devoted to such purposes as the President, in his or her sole discretion, shall determine, keeping such use as close to my intent as possible."
Codicil to Last Will and Testament
If your estate plans are up to date, you can simply draft a short codicil, or amendment, to the existing document, using this or similar language: "I hereby amend my Last Will and Testament, executed on the xx day of [month] in the year 20xx. I direct that all provisions of that Will remain in effect but in addition direct that Emory University, an educational institution in Atlanta, Georgia, shall receive the sum of xxx dollars to be used to further the educational mission of the university as the President, in his or her sole discretion, may direct."
Please be aware that there are legal and practical considerations as you plan a restricted bequest to Emory. For example, certain gifts to Emory have minimum required amounts (e.g., endowed funds to establish department chairs, scholarships, fellowships, and professorships).
If you are considering designating your bequest for a specific purpose, please contact Emory's Office of Gift Planning.
Office of Gift Planning, Emory University
1762 Clifton Road, NE
Suite 2400
Atlanta, Georgia 30322
Phone 404.727.8875
Fax 404.727.0569
giftplanning@emory.edu