Sample Bequest Language

Bequest language that can be used in a gift by will or living trust:

To the University, unrestricted:

"I give to Northwestern University, an Illinois corporation, Evanston, Illinois, the sum of $________________________ (or _________________ percent of the remainder of my estate) to be used by Northwestern for its unrestricted purposes."

To a particular school, unrestricted:

"I give to Northwestern University, an Illinois corporation, Evanston, Illinois, the sum of $________________________ (or _________________ percent of the remainder of my estate) to be used for the benefit of the (School of your choice) for its unrestricted purposes."

To a particular school for a particular purpose:

"I give to Northwestern University, an Illinois corporation, Evanston, Illinois, the sum of $________________________ (or _________________ percent of the remainder of my estate) to be used by (School of your choice) for support of ___________________________."

To establish an endowed fund: (This example establishes an undergraduate scholarship fund; but the same general format may be used to establish other endowed funds--for graduate student support, lectureships, master classes, professorships, etc.)

"I give to Northwestern University, an Illinois corporation, Evanston, Illinois, the sum of $________________________ (or _________________ percent of the remainder of my estate) to establish a permanently endowed scholarship fund to be known as the _________________________ SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Expendable income from this Fund, as determined under applicable Northwestern University policy, shall be used to provide financial aid for deserving students at the University. The Fund shall be administered by the University. If it ever becomes impossible, impracticable, or inadvisable to administer the Fund in exactly the manner set forth herein, or if this gift is of a value that is less than the minimum funding level for a named endowed scholarship fund pursuant to Northwestern’s policies in effect at the time the gift is received, Northwestern may administer the Fund or use this gift for other appropriate purposes giving due consideration to my preference to provide financial aid for deserving students.”

Legal Name: Northwestern University, an Illinois corporation, Evanston, Illinois
Legal Address: 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208
Tax Identification No: 36-2167817

Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Gift Planning for assistance in wording other specific bequests.