The right charitable bequest for you depends on your personal and financial goals. You can make a bequest of specific assets or amounts, or—for the most flexibility—you can state your bequest as a percentage of your total estate.

There are several ways to name Carleton as a beneficiary in your will:

1. A Percent Bequest

· Directs that the charity receive a percentage of your estate.

· Example: “I give to Carleton fifty percent (50%) of my estate.”

2. A Specific Bequest

· Directs that the charitable organization is to receive a specific item.

· Example: "I give to Carleton all of my shares in XYZ Mutual Fund."

3. A General Bequest

· Directs that the charity receive a specified dollar amount.

· Example: "I give to Carleton the sum of $100,000."

4. A Residuary Bequest

· Directs that the charity receive all or a portion of whatever remains after all debts, taxes, expenses, and other bequests have been paid.

· Example: “I give to Carleton fifty percent (50%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate.”

5. A Contingent Bequest

· Takes effect only if the primary intention cannot be met. This ensures that your property will pass to the charity rather than unintended beneficiaries, including the government.

· Example: “If [primary beneficiary] does not survive me, then I give to Carleton all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate.”

For more information

To learn more about making a charitable bequest to Carleton, please contact our Office of Major and Planned Giving.