Leaving a Bequest to Fordham

Below are some suggested ways to provide for the University in your Will:

Unrestricted Bequest of Specific Assets to Fordham. The standard legal wording for this type of bequest is as follows:

I give, devise and bequeath to Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458, the sum of $________ (or property described) for its general purposes.

In case your legal advisor should ask for it, Fordham's Federal tax identification number is 13-1740451.

Unrestricted Bequest of a Percentage of Your Estate.

This is a good technique for ensuring that the University will receive the desired portion of your eventual estate, no matter how the nature and disposition of your assets might change and grow over the years. If you wish, the residue of your estate can be directed to Fordham after bequests of specific amounts to family members and friends. The appropriate wording would be as follows:

"I give, devise and bequeath (percent) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458, for its general purposes."

Contingent Unrestricted Bequest.

In case an heir named in your Will might not survive you, you can designate Fordham as a contingent beneficiary of all or a portion of your estate. Such a bequest would read, "In the event that (name of primary beneficiary) should not survive me, I give, devise and bequeath (the desired sum, property or percentage of your estate) to Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458, for its general purposes."

A Restricted Bequest.

While an unrestricted bequest allows Fordham greatest flexibility, bequests for a purpose of special interest to the donor are also most welcome.

The two most urgent and fundamental needs that the University faces as it looks toward the future are endowment for scholarships and endowment for faculty support. With a gift of $50,000 or more, a permanent named endowment fund can be established.

To make a restricted bequest to Fordham, you would use the standard language shown above and simply substitute the designated purpose in place of the words for its general purposes. To ensure that your gift can be used most effectively, please discuss a restricted use that you may have in mind with University staff prior to including specific terms and conditions in your Will.

Protective Clause Used in Conjunction With a Restricted Bequest.

Should unforeseen changes in the University's needs occur over time, it is recommended that the following protective clause be included at the end of any restricted bequest: If in the opinion of the University's Board of Trustees it becomes impossible or impractical to use the income or principal of the funds for the named purpose, then the income or principal, or both, may be used at the discretion of the Board of Trustees for the University's general purposes.

Please e-mail Fordham's Office of Gift Planning giftplanning@fordham.edu for more information.