Bequests

A charitable bequest through a will is the most common way to give through your estate. You can make a bequest of a stated amount, a stated percentage, a specific piece of property, or through a residuary clause. A bequest can be used to establish a permanent fund, to create a life income plan for a loved one, or to make an unrestricted gift to Gettysburg College. Bequests to charities may qualify for federal estate tax deductions. Before you meet with your attorney to make or review your will, make a list of: o people and institutions for whom you want to provide; o property you own; o ways to match those people and properties; and o advisors who might assist you with your plans. Be sure to ask your attorney how your state's laws will affect your estate.

Sample Language: The following are provided for draft purposes only. Always consult an attorney when drafting a will. Unrestricted Bequest An unrestricted bequest is the simplest and most flexible way to make your gift to Gettysburg College.

I give ____________________ Dollars ($_____) [or _____%; or all the residue of my estate, over which I shall have any power of appointment at my passing] to GETTYSBURG COLLEGE, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to be used for its general purposes. Restricted Bequest Although unrestricted gifts are the most flexible way to benefit the College, alumni and friends may wish their gifts to be used for more specific purposes. The following is an example of how this can be done. I give ____________________ Dollars ($_____) [or _____%; or all the residue of my estate, over which I shall have any power of appointment at my passing] to GETTYSBURG COLLEGE, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, (to establish, if sufficient funds exist) or (to be placed in) the _____________________________________ Fund.

Planning Tip: If you already have a will in place, you should consider updating it if there is a life change involving:

• change in marital status
• birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• retirement or other significant change in employment
• relocation, or
• if your will has not been updated in the last ten years.