Sample Language for Bequests

Added to Collection

Specific Bequest

Through a specific bequest, you leave a specific sum to AACN. For example, the following language can be used for a bequest of a specific dollar amount:

I bequeath the sum of ____ dollars ($_____) to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656 to be used for _____ [or as its Board of Directors in its sole discretion deems appropriate].

Percentage of Estate

A bequest also can provide for a percentage of your estate to benefit AACN, and you can make a gift through the residuary clause of your will. The residuary estate consists of everything that is not specifically given away and permits you to distribute a portion of the estate to be split among individual beneficiaries or to AACN. The residuary clause is sometimes called the “remainder” or “residue” of the estate. Because you cannot know the exact size of your estate at the time death, using a percentage is a more equitable way to divide your estate.

The following is sample language if you wish to leave a gift of a percentage of your estate to AACN:

I devise and bequeath [all or (_____ percent)] of the remainder of my property to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656 to be used for _____ [or as its Board of Directors in its sole discretion deems appropriate].

Restricted Bequest

If your gift to AACN is restricted, insert the restriction in place of the words “to be used as its Board of Directors in its sole discretion deems appropriate.” For example:

I bequest the sum of $ _____ to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656 for the following use and purpose: <DESCRIPTION OF PURPOSE>.

In the event of a gift subject to a restriction, please include the following provision:

If in the judgment of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, it becomes impossible to accomplish the purposes of this gift, the income or principal may be used for such related purposes and in such a manner as determined by its Board of Directors.

Notify AACN:
Development Office
American Association of Critical Care Nurses
27071 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
development@aacn.org
800.394.5995

AACN’s Federal Tax Identification Number: 95-2706905