Planning for the future and creating the legacy you wish to leave is one of the most effective ways to ensure a lasting impact. Making a gift in your will or living trust, known as a bequest, can guarantee that your legacy endures. Your gift may be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after all other provisions are specified.

Below is suggested language to use when drafting your bequest.

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Sample Language

For an unrestricted gift that allows the George Washington University to determine how to use the funds based on the most pressing needs, use the following language for your will and/or trust:

“I give to the George Washington University, (Tax ID 53-0196584), located in Washington, D.C., [the sum of __________________ dollars.] or [an amount equal to _____________ percent ( ________ % ) of the residue of my estate.] or [a specific asset, such as securities, real estate or other property.]”

To designate your provision for a particular purpose:

“I give to the George Washington University, (Tax ID 53-0196584), located in Washington, D.C., [the sum of __________________ dollars] or [an amount equal to _____________ percent ( ________ % ) of the residue of my estate] or [a specific asset, such as securities, real estate or other property] for the following purpose: [a specific purpose, such as providing for financial aid to students or supporting a particular school or program of the University]. If at any time in the judgment of the University it is impossible or impracticable to carry out the purpose I have designated, the University shall determine an alternative purpose as near as possible to the designated purpose.”

If you have named the George Washington University in your will or trust, please let us know so we can ensure that your gift is used according to your wishes. Notifying us of your plans will enable us to plan for the use of your future gift. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, we will keep your name and gift in strict confidence.

Please contact Dean Regenovich, JD, LLM at (202) 748-4532 or dean.regenovich@gwu.edu for more information.