Gift Planning - Bequests

Bequests can be arranged through a will or living trust – and can be expressed in the following ways:

• Specific Dollar Amount
• A Percentage of Your Estate
• Residual – or what is remaining after all other gifts have been satisfied
• Specific Property – real estate, artwork, jewelry, collectibles and similar assets
• Contingency – provides a gift to Webster should a named beneficiary not survive you.

Sample Bequest Language:
Unrestricted Bequest – “I give, devise, and bequeath to Webster University located in St. Louis County, Missouri the sum of $ ____ (or a description of the specific asset), for the benefit of Webster University and its general purposes.”

Restricted Bequest – “I give, devise, and bequeath to Webster University located in St. Louis County, Missouri the sum of $ ____ (or a description of the specific asset), for the benefit of Webster University to be used for the following purposes: (state the purpose**). If at any time in the judgment of the trustees of Webster University it is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purposes, they shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose.”

**The purpose might include endowment, scholarships, support of a specific college, school or academic area, or a Webster campus outside of St. Louis.

Residuary Bequest – “All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to Webster University located in St. Louis County, Missouri, for its general purposes.”

Contingency Bequest – “I devise and bequeath the residue of the property, real and personal and wherever situated, owned by me at my death, to (name of beneficiary), if (she/he) survives me. If (name of beneficiary) does not survive me, I devise and bequeath my residuary estate to Webster University located in St. Louis County, Missouri, for its general purposes.”

For more information contact
  Ken Nickless - Gift Planning Officer at 314.968.7146.