Bequest Language

Suggested Language for Bequests to Northfield Mount Hermon School

This section of the website is intended as a guide for donors and their attorneys. It offers suggested language to establish a bequest or other testamentary gifts to Northfield Mount Hermon School (NMH), including four basic types of preferred donor gifts. The language examples are suggestions only.

Please let us know if NMH is already included in your will or some other estate plan document, or if you add NMH to your plans in the future.

Establishing a Bequest and Describing its Purpose

Each individual situation is unique and, therefore, these examples include only some of the possible gift opportunities. Since a will is an important legal document you should seek an attorney's help. We encourage you to share your final will provision with the Northfield Mount Hermon School to ensure that your wishes will be properly followed and recognized.

Following are some examples of various types of bequests:

Residuary bequests are used to give all or a portion of the rest, residue, and remainder of your estate after payment of expenses and any specific amounts designated to other beneficiaries.

Specific bequests are used to make a gift of a specific dollar amount or specific assets, such as securities, real estate, or personal property.

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Northfield Mount Hermon School (the "SCHOOL") a not-for-profit Massachusetts Corporation, all
[or _____ percent of] the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate [or the sum of ______dollars; or description of property]..."

Unrestricted gift: The most useful—and preferred—types of bequests are unrestricted, because of the flexibility they provide the school. Unrestricted bequests allow the school to apply the gift to the greatest need when the bequest is received.

"...to be directed by Northfield Mount Hermon School in such a manner as is deemed most useful for the purposes of the institution."

Restricted gift: You may designate your bequest to support a special program or purpose that reflects your personal or professional interest. All legal restrictions stipulated by donors will be strictly followed. We encourage donors or their attorneys to discuss specific restrictions with the NMH Senior Gift Planning Advisor. This will ensure that the donors' intentions can be fulfilled, while at the same time matching the school's long term objectives.

"...to be directed by the SCHOOL for the support of [scholarships, specific programs, faculty support, etc.]. In the event the purpose of the bequest can no longer be carried out, or is impractical or inappropriate due to changing conditions, the Board of Trustees of the SCHOOL is authorized and empowered to utilize my bequest for such alternate purposes that nay be deemed proper, keeping in mind my above described purpose."

Bequests with Endowment Provisions: Many individuals establish endowments that honor the memory of a family member or another loved one. These endowments live forever since only spendable earnings are used for disbursements.

Unrestricted Endowment:

"...to establish an endowment fund that shall be known as the ________ Fund. The school shall hold this endowment fund in trust and invest the principal, with disbursements therefrom used in such a manner as the SCHOOL may direct. This endowment fund shall be managed in accordance with endowment policies and guidelines established from time to time by the SCHOOL'S Board of Trustees."

Restricted Endowment:

"... to establish an endowment fund that shall be known as the ________ Fund. The SCHOOL shall hold this endowment fund in trust and invest the principal with disbursements therefrom used for the support of [scholarships, specific programs, faculty support, etc.] at the SCHOOL. This endowment fund shall be managed in accordance with endowment policies and guidelines established from time to time by the SCHOOL'S Board of Trustees. In the event the purpose of this bequest can no longer be carried out, or is impractical or inappropriate due to changing conditions, the Board of Trustees of the SCHOOL is authorized and empowered to utilize my bequest for such alternative purposes that may be deemed proper, keeping in mind my above described purpose."

Planning a Contingency

This contingency language may be adapted for use in a will or trust:

"If any legacy or devise shall fail or lapse and would therefore pass by intestacy, I direct that in lieu thereof such legacy or devise shall be paid to Northfield Mount Hermon School."

Charitable Trusts in a Will

Many types of trusts can be established through a bequest in your will. If a donor wishes to make a bequest to NMH and desires to support family members or others, he or she can establish a charitable trust in the will that will pay income to family members of others for their lifetimes or a term of years. At the end of this income interest, the trust assets pass to NMH. In some circumstances, the school can act as trustee for charitable trust. For additional information, please contact Marvin L. Kelley '60, Senior Gift Planning Advisor.

The NMH Gift Planning Office

Detailed information is available on all methods of giving to the school—bequests, trusts, life income gift plans, gifts of non-cash assets and many other options. This office can assist in determining what is best to enable a donor to fulfill his or her charitable goals at NMH.

These planning services are offered confidentially, without obligation and without fees.

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