Legacy Giving: Sample Bequest Clauses

One of the simplest, most effective, and most flexible ways of making a substantial gift to Wilfrid Laurier University is to leave a bequest in your will.

We encourage you or your advisors to contact us to make sure your gift is designated in the way you intend so that we can make sure your wishes are carried out when the gift is received.

Donations can be used for tax relief. Excess donations can be carried back to the prior year and the 100% limitation will still apply. Careful planning can maximize the benefits for your estate and beneficiaries.

Unrestricted Gift or Bequest

"I give, devise and bequeath to Wilfrid Laurier University the sum of [dollar amount] for uses and purposes of the university as its President and/or Board of Governors may determine."

Bequest of Residue

"I give, devise and bequeath to Wilfrid Laurier University the residue (or share of residue) of my estate for the uses and purposes of the university as its President and/or Board of Governors may determine. (Alternatively, the residue may be directed to any specific purpose)."

Bequest for a Specific Purpose

"I give, devise and bequeath to Wilfrid Laurier University the sum of [dollar amount] to be used for [purpose, e.g. research, scholarships, a faculty or school, etc]."

Bequest for a Named Endowment

The current minimum amount required to establish an endowment is $25,000. Less than $25,000 will be set up as an expendable fund.

"I give, devise and bequeath to Wilfrid Laurier University the sum of [dollar amount] to be used to establish a named endowment fund, the annual investment income from which will be used for [purpose, e.g. research, scholarships, a faculty or school, etc]."

Escape Clause

"I authorize the Board of Governors of Wilfrid Laurier University to change the terms of this donation to fulfill the spirit and general intent of my wishes."

Over time, the needs of Wilfrid Laurier University may change due to revisions of program offerings, developing research interests and external considerations. For that reason, we urge donors to include the following statement in their bequest clause:

"In the event that circumstances make the specified use of this gift no longer practical or desirable, the Board of Governors of the university are hereby authorized to make changes in its use in keeping, as far as possible, with the spirit and general intent of the gift."

Direction to Fulfill Pledge

"I authorize my Trustees to pay within one (1) year of my death, those amounts which I may have promised to pay Wilfrid Laurier University or any part thereof left unpaid at my death of any amounts so promised or pledged, notwithstanding that any such promises or pledges so made or given may not be legally binding upon my estate."