Specific Bequest
A defined dollar amount, personal property or real estate can be identified specifically.
Planning · Bequest LanguageLeave a legacy
Leave a legacy
that lasts.
A charitable bequest through a will, living trust or codicil can support Dominion’s mission while allowing you to retain control of your property during your lifetime.
Before you use this page
A useful starting point for a conversation with your attorney.
Dominion’s original bequest materials explain several common bequest structures and provide basic wording to help donors and their attorneys discuss an estate-plan gift.
This is not legal or tax advice. Estate-planning documents should be prepared or reviewed by a qualified attorney. Confirm Dominion’s current legal name, address and tax ID before signing documents.
Types of bequests
Four ways Dominion describes a bequest.
The structure can be based on a specific asset, a percentage, the residue of an estate or a contingency.
Percentage Bequest
A stated percentage of the overall estate can be directed to Dominion.
Residual Bequest
All or a percentage of the balance remaining after specific distributions can be left to Dominion.
Contingent Bequest
A gift can take effect only if a primary beneficiary or another intended distribution cannot be fulfilled.
Bequest benefits
Flexible during life. Meaningful for the future.
Dominion’s original page notes that bequests can generally be changed during life, can be directed to a general or specific purpose, and may have estate-tax implications depending on the donor’s circumstances.
Generally revocable
A will or trust can usually be amended as circumstances change, subject to applicable law.
General or specific purpose
A donor may discuss unrestricted support or a purpose that reflects charitable goals.
Potential estate-tax considerations
Charitable deductions may affect a taxable estate. Professional advice is essential.
Sample frameworks
Language to discuss with your attorney.
The wording below follows the substance of Dominion’s original page while using the current address configured in this website. Your attorney should revise it as appropriate.
Specific Dollar Amount
I give, devise and bequeath the sum of $________ to Dominion Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization located at 1837 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, Federal Tax ID 92-0430328, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Specific Personal Property
I give, devise and bequeath [DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY] to Dominion Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization located at 1837 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, Federal Tax ID 92-0430328, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Specific Real Estate
I give, devise and bequeath my right, title and interest in the real estate located at [ADDRESS OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY] to Dominion Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization located at 1837 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, Federal Tax ID 92-0430328, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Percentage Bequest
I give, devise and bequeath ____% of my estate, determined as of the date of my death, to Dominion Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization located at 1837 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, Federal Tax ID 92-0430328, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Residual Bequest
I give, devise and bequeath [ALL OR A PERCENTAGE] of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to Dominion Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization located at 1837 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, Federal Tax ID 92-0430328, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Contingent Bequest
If [PRIMARY BENEFICIARY] does not survive me, I give, devise and bequeath [DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY OR AMOUNT] to Dominion Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization located at 1837 Pennsylvania Ave, Baltimore, MD 21217, Federal Tax ID 92-0430328, to be used for its general charitable purposes.
Restricted bequests
Want your gift used for a particular purpose?
Dominion’s original guidance encourages donors considering a restricted bequest to contact the organization so the purpose can be discussed before documents are finalized.
Build in appropriate flexibility.
The original page recommends that attorneys consider language allowing Dominion’s Board to redirect a restricted gift to the most closely related charitable purpose if the original restriction later becomes impossible to fulfill.
Your attorney should determine the appropriate wording for your estate plan and applicable law.
Have you included Dominion?
We would be grateful to hear from you.
If you have included Dominion Community Development Corporation in your estate plan—or if you need information for your attorney—contact the organization. Sharing your intention is optional.
