How to Complete Your Gift 

1. Choose what to give.
Pick from one of these four options.

• A specific bequest gives us a particular piece of property. If you disposed of the property before your death, we won't receive your intended gift because we cannot claim any other property.
• A general bequest gives us a stated sum of money. If there is insufficient cash in your estate to cover the bequest, other assets will be sold for cash to honor your wishes for us.
• A residuary bequest gives the "rest, residue and remainder" of your estate, or, more commonly, a percentage of the residue after all other bequests, debts and taxes have been paid.
• A contingent bequest requires a certain event to occur before the gift can happen. For example, you could bequeath funds to a family member provided that person survives you; if not, the funds would then go to Willamette University.

2. Decide how you would like Willamette University to use your gift.
Choose from one of these three options.

• An unrestricted bequest allows us to use the assets in the most beneficial way.
• A restricted bequest allows you to specify how we are to use the funds. Contact us in advance to be certain your intent can be fulfilled.
• An endowment bequest allows you to designate the purpose of your gift. Your gift is invested with and becomes part of our endowment and a distribution is made each year. Because the principal remains intact, the fund will support our mission in perpetuity.

3. Meet with your estate planning attorney.
Whether you need to create a will or trust, or simply update an old document, you'll want to seek the help of an estate planning attorney.

	Download a free guide about how to prepare for this meeting with your attorney.

The official bequest language for Willamette University is: "I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to Willamette University, an Oregon non-profit corporation located in Salem, Oregon."

4. Let us know of your plans.
Please contact Steve Brier at 866-204-8102 (toll free) or 503-370-6022 (direct) or giftplanning@willamette.edu to let us know when you have made plans for such a gift. We would love the opportunity to thank you for your generous act. We are happy to honor your wishes regarding anonymity.