Sample Language for Your Will or Trust

Unrestricted bequests are the most valuable to Fred Hutch, as they allow us to apply your gift to the area of greatest need. Examples of types of unrestricted bequests include:

Specific bequest:

“I give to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a Washington nonprofit corporation located in Seattle, Washington (EIN #91-1935159), or its successor organization, (the sum of $ _________ )(or ______% of my estate), (or other property herein described) to be used for its general support and charitable purposes without restriction.”

Residuary bequest:

“I give to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a Washington nonprofit corporation located in Seattle, Washington (EIN #91-1935159), or its successor organization, (all or ______ % of) the residue of the property owned by me at death, real and personal and wherever situated, to be used for its general support and charitable purposes without restriction.”

“Greater of” residuary bequest:

“I give to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a Washington nonprofit corporation located in Seattle, Washington (EIN #91-1935159), or its successor organization, the greater of _____ % of my estate or $_______ to be used for its general support and charitable purposes without restriction.”

It is possible that the primary beneficiary or beneficiaries of your estate may predecease you. In that case, a contingent bequest naming Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center as an alternate beneficiary can provide a meaningful alternative.

“I give [all or ____%] of the residue of the property owned by me at my death, real and personal and wherever situated, to _____________________, if he/she survives me. If he/she does not survive me, I give to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a Washington nonprofit corporation located in Seattle, Washington (EIN #91-1935159), or its successor organization, [all or_______%] of the residue of the property owned by me at death, real and personal and wherever situated, to be used for its general support and charitable purposes without restriction.”

Some donors would like their gift to support a specific project, program or area of research. Restricted bequests are welcome, although it is important they provide for some flexibility to adapt to changing needs and programs.

“I give to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a Washington nonprofit corporation located in Seattle, Washington (EIN #91-1935159), or its successor organization, the sum of $_________ (or _______% of my estate) (or other property herein described) to be used for (designated purpose*). If at any time it becomes impossible or impractical for my gift to be used for the above designated purpose, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center shall use my gift for a purpose and in a manner that it determines most closely meets the above designated purpose.”

*If you are interested in supporting a specific project, program or area of research, it is best to discuss your plans with our planned giving professionals before completing your will to confirm Fred Hutch can carry out your wishes.

Please note: The policies of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center do not allow Fred Hutch or its representatives to serve as personal representative, executor, trustee or witness for a will or trust.