Sample Language for a Will

The following language may help you and your lawyer when drawing up a bequest that meets your needs. You may also request our helpful resource brochure, A Gift by Will, by visiting our request page here.

General Bequest. If you intend to make an outright bequest of cash, securities, or other property by designating a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a fixed percentage of your estate to Carleton University to be used for general purposes:

“I give, devise and bequeath to Carleton University, a Canadian charity with Registration # 11883 8937 RR0001, the sum of $____________________________, (or % share of my estate) for the use and purposes of the University as its Board of Governors may determine”.

• Specific Bequest. If you intend to make an outright bequest for a specific purpose, such as to support technology or counseling resources:

“I give, devise and bequeath to Carleton University, a Canadian charity with
Registration # 11883 8937 RR0001, the sum of $___________________, (or % share of my estate) to be used for __________________________________________________________________”.

• Residuary Bequest. If you intend to leave the residue portion of your assets after other terms of the will have been satisfied:

“I give, devise and bequeath to Carleton University, a Canadian charity with Registration # 11883 8937 RR0001, the whole of (or % share of) the residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of the University.”
OR
“I give, devise and bequeath to Carleton University, a Canadian charity with Registration # 11883 8937 RR0001, the whole of (or % share of) the residue of my estate to establish a fund for _________.”

Please discuss with a gift planner in advance to ensure your plan can be carried out.

• Contingency Bequest. If you wish to make a contingency gift, so that Carleton University will receive a portion of your estate if your named beneficiary does not survive you:

“If any of the beneficiaries named in this will should die before becoming entitled to receive their distributive share of my estate, I direct my trustee to pay or transfer the share to which such beneficiary would otherwise be entitled, to Carleton University, a Canadian charity with Registration # 11883 8937 RR0001, for the use and purposes of the University as its Board of Governors may determine”. 

 Please contact the Personal and Planned Giving Team if you have any questions at plannedgiving@carleton.ca or 613-520-3636. Then, consult with your tax advisor and lawyer to determine which planned gift strategy is best for you.