What is a bequest and how do I include Fred Hutchinson in my will?
A bequest is a gift made through your will or living trust. Drafting a will should be arranged through an attorney.
The Fred Hutchinson Planned Giving office has representatives available upon request to confer with you and your attorney in drafting the appropriate bequest clauses.
What are the benefits of making a bequest?
Distributing your estate by means of a professionally drafted will or living trust ensures that your wishes will be carried out. They can also serve as a creative vehicle for making a thoughtful gift to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
For many people, a bequest offers the opportunity to make a larger gift than would be possible during one's lifetime. A bequest gift also reduces your assets subject to estate tax.
What are the types of bequests that I can make?
Outright Bequest
An outright bequest allows a specific piece of property (stocks, real estate, bonds), an amount of money or a percentage of your estate to be given to support cancer research.
"I give to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center the sum of $_____ (or describe the real or personal property) to be used for its general purposes."
Residual Bequest
If you would prefer to leave the remainder of your estate to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center once all outright bequests have been made, you may write your will designating Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to receive a residuary bequest.
"I give Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center all (or ___%) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to be used for its general purposes."
Contingent Bequest
You may also choose to remember Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center by way of a contingent bequest which allows us to receive a distribution from your estate if, and only if, one or more of your named beneficiaries does not survive you:
"I give the residue of my estate to my brother, [John]. If my brother [John] does not survive me, I give the residue (or ___%) to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to be used for its general purposes."
If you are interested in supporting a specific project, it is best to discuss your idea with our Planned Giving office.
Please consult with an attorney when writing your will to ensure that your wishes are clearly articulated.
