Sample Bequest Language

When drafting bequest language to benefit the College or its professional schools, the legal beneficiary should be referred to as Trustees of Dartmouth College.

Distributions should be sent to: Gift Planning Office, Dartmouth College, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755-3555.

Dartmouth’s Tax Identification number is 02-0222111.

An unrestricted bequest:

I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Trustees of Dartmouth College _____ dollars ($_____), or _____ percent (_____ %) of my (residuary) estate, to be used for the benefit of Dartmouth College as the Trustees thereof may direct.

A restricted use bequest:

I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Trustees of Dartmouth College _____ dollars ($_____), or _____ percent (_____ %) of my (residuary) estate, to be used for the benefit of (Professional School, i.e., Geisel School of Medicine, or Program i.e., Friends of Rowing) at Dartmouth College. If at some time in the future this purpose no longer exists, the Trustees may use the funds for any purpose which, in their opinion, most nearly approximates the Donor’s stated purpose.

For an existing permanent fund:

I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Trustees of Dartmouth College _____ dollars ($_____), or _____ percent (_____%) of my (residuary) estate, to be added to the _______________ Fund, subject to the terms in a Statement of Understanding on file with the College. If said Fund no longer exists, then it may be used as the Trustees of Dartmouth College may determine.

For a new unrestricted permanent fund:

I hereby give, devise and bequeath to the Trustees of Dartmouth College _____ dollars ($_____), or _____ percent (_____%) of my (residuary) estate, to constitute a true endowment fund to be known as the _______________ Fund, such fund to be kept invested by the Trustees of Dartmouth College, the annual income there from, as determined by the College’s spending formula, to be used for the benefit of the College in such manner as the Trustees may direct.  This Fund, for the purposes of investment, may be combined with other funds of Dartmouth College.

For a new restricted permanent fund:

Dartmouth encourages donors who are considering a restricted bequest to speak with a member of the Planned Giving staff about appropriate language and minimum funding thresholds. For assistance drafting bequest provisions or further guidance regarding restricted bequests, bequests of retirement plan assets, or testamentary planned gifts, contact the Gift Planning Office at 800-451-4067 or Gift.Planning@dartmouth.edu.

Those considering a planned gift should consult their own legal and tax advisors. The Gift Planning staff would be happy to speak with advisors as well.​