Make a Bequest

Suggested Bequest Language

The following are examples of statements that may be used as models in preparing a bequest or trust designation. Our board of directors would be pleased to develop more specific language tailored to your specific needs. Such collaboration will ensure that the correct legal language is used and that one’s desires are accurately communicated. For more information, contact David Googins, President of the Maine Military Historical Society, at david.googins@mainemilmuseum.org, or 207-123-4567.

Specific Bequest (unrestricted use)

“I give (the sum of $_______) (the following described property: ______________) to the Maine Military Historical Society, a non-profit public benefit corporation of the State of Maine, to be used to further its purposes as the Board of Trustees in their discretion may deem appropriate.”

Specific Bequest (restricted use)

(For information about specific areas of interest, please contact the Maine Military Historical Society board of directors.)

“I give (the sum of $_______) (the following described property: ______________) to the Maine Military Historical Society, a non-profit public benefit corporation of the State of Maine. This bequest may be combined with the organizations other funds for purposes of investment and reinvestment and shall be used by the Maine Military Historical Society in support of (a specific area of interest).
“If at any time in the judgment of the Board of Directors it is impractical or impossible to carry out this purpose, then the Board of Directors of the Maine Military Historical Society may use this bequest for such other purposes as shall be determined by the Board of Direcotrs to be consistent with my interests and intentions.”

Bequest Recommendations

It is recommended that restricted provisions be described as broadly as possible and that detailed limitations be kept to a minimum to enable the Maine Military Historical Society to use the bequest despite changed conditions. Please consult with the Board of Directors before drafting restricted provisions to assure that they can be implemented according to your desires.

The language given here is only suggested language and is meant to be used only with the advice of your attorney.