Include a bequest in your will or living trust

A bequest to Chicago Foundation for Women made through a provision in your will or revocable trust:

  • Is easy to arrange
  • Will not alter your current lifestyle in any way
  • Can be easily modified to address your changing needs.

A bequest may be:

  • Designated for a particular purpose or left unrestricted
  • Used to add to CFW’s endowment fund (only the annual payout on which may be used)
  • Given to honor the donor or memorialize a loved one.

Chicago Foundation for Women Sample Bequest Language*

SPECIFIC BEQUEST

I give to Chicago Foundation for Women the sum of $________. This gift shall be used for (state purpose) if and for so long as the Board of Directors of the Foundation determines that the need exists. If the Board of Directors of the Foundation shall determine at the outset or at a later time that the need does not exist, or no longer exists, or for some reason it is not possible (or prudent) for the bequest to be used as originally intended, the Board of Directors may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above.

RESIDUARY BEQUEST

I give to Chicago Foundation for Women [the residue of my estate / _____ % of the residue of my estate]. This gift shall be used for (state purpose) if and for so long as the Board of Directors of the Foundation determines that the need exists. If the Board of Directors of the Foundation shall determine at the outset or at a later time that the need does not exist, or no longer exists, or for some reason it is not possible (or prudent) for the bequest to be used as originally intended, the Board of Directors may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above.

CONTINGENT BEQUEST

If ________ is not living at the time of my death, I give to Chicago Foundation for Women [the sum of $________/ the residue of my estate/ ______% of the residue of my estate]. This gift shall be used for (state purpose) if and for so long as the Board of Directors of the Foundation determines that the need exists. If the Board of Directors of the Foundation shall determine at the outset or at a later time that the need does not exist, or no longer exists, or for some reason it is not possible (or prudent) for the bequest to be used as originally intended, the Board of Directors may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above.

*We are happy to answer any questions you might have and encourage you to consult with your financial advisor or estate planner.

Have questions?  For more information on planned giving, contact Jessi Moon at jmoon@cfw.org.