Sample Language for Your Will

Sample Language

For an unrestricted gift that allows the Archdiocese of Seattle to determine how to use the funds based on the most pressing needs, use the following language for your will and/or trust:

"I give to the Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 710 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted charitable use and purpose."

To designate your provision for a particular purpose:

"I give to the Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, a nonprofit corporation currently located at 710 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, or its successor thereto, _________ [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property]. This gift should be used for (state purpose) if and so long as the Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle determines that the need exists. If the Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle shall determine at the outset or at a later time that the need does not exist, or no longer exists, or for some reason it is not possible (or prudent) to administer my gift as originally intended, then the Corporation of the Catholic Archbishop of Seattle may, in its sole and uncontrolled discretion, direct the use of my bequest for a purpose related as closely as possible to that stated above."

If you have named the Archdiocese of Seattle in your will or trust, please let us know so we can ensure that your gift is used according to your wishes. Notifying us of your plans will enable us to plan for the use of your future gift. While we request your information for communication purposes, rest assured, your intention to leave a gift can be kept confidential if you desire.

Options and Suggested Language for Your Attorney to Use in Your Will or Trust

You may leave an unrestricted bequest of cash (a specific dollar amount), property, or a portion or the entire residue of your estate. The following language illustrates these options.

Bequest—Cash

I give, devise and bequeath to Archdiocese of Seattle, a Washington nonprofit corporation, for the use and benefit of (Parish/School Name, City) in Washington in the sum of $ ________________ to be used at the discretion of the pastor/parish/archbishop, or to be used for (state the purpose) ____________________________________________________________.

Bequest—Property

I give, devise and bequeath to Archdiocese of Seattle, a Washington nonprofit corporation, for the use and benefit of (Parish/School Name, City) in Washington (describe property) ____________________________________________________________________ _________________________________to be used at the discretion of the pastor/parish/archbishop, or to be used for (state the purpose) __________________________________________________________.

Bequest—Complete Residue of Estate

I give, devise and bequeath to Archdiocese of Seattle, a Washington nonprofit corporation, for the use and benefit of (Parish/School Name, City) in Washington all the remainder and residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of the pastor/parish/archbishop, or to be used for (state the purpose) __________________________________________________________.

Bequest—A Portion of the Residue of the Estate

I give, devise and bequeath to Archdiocese of Seattle, a Washington nonprofit corporation, for the use and benefit of (Parish/School Name, City) in Washington _______ % of the remainder and residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of the pastor/parish/archbishop, or to be used for (state the purpose) ____________________________________.

Please contact Erin Oest-Larsen at 206-382-4563 or plannedgiving@seattlearch.org for more information.