SPECIFIC BEQUESTS can make a gift of a specific dollar amount or a particular asset, such as securities, real estate or personal property, to go to the School.
For example:
"I give and bequeath the sum of ___ Dollars ($_____ ) to Merit School of Music, located at 38 South Peoria Street, Chicago, Illinois, for the general support of the School."

CONTINGENT BEQUESTS will result in a gift to the School only in the event of the death of other beneficiaries or when certain conditions described in your will are met.
Here is an example to make a contingent bequest:
"If my wife, Jane Smith Doe, does not survive me, I give and bequeath the sum of _____ Dollars ($_____ ) to The Merit School of Music, located at 38 South Peoria Street, Chicago, Illinois, for the general support of The School."

RESIDUARY BEQUESTS are used to give all or a portion of your estate that is left over after it pays expenses and distributes specific amounts or property designated to your heirs in the will.
Here's another example:
"I give and bequeath ____ percent (%) of my residuary estate to The Merit School of Music, located at 38 South Peoria Street in Chicago, Illinois, for the general support of The School."

It is the policy of Merit School of Music to allocate 10% of a planned gift to the Annual Fund and the remainder (90%) to the School's endowment. This allows Merit to allocate the gift wherever the need is greatest. You may also designate your bequest to support a specific program or purpose. Please contact our Director of Major and Planned Gifts, Melissa Busch, to discuss what you would like to support and we can assist your attorney in phrasing the language in your will.

The language given here is only suggested, not required, language for making bequests to The School. It is not meant to be legal advice and should be used only with the assistance of your attorney.

Return to main Planned Giving page.