Ways to Give

Sample Language for a Bequest to Mississippi State University

Outright bequest, unrestricted as to purpose:
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC., a not-for-profit Mississippi Corporation, [% of estate or $ amount]."

Outright bequest to establish endowment fund with income to be restricted:
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC., a not-for-profit Mississippi Corporation, [% of estate or $ amount], to constitute the [name of endowment] Fund.

This fund shall be added to the Foundation's endowment to be held in perpetuity with the spendable income therefrom to be utilized for [description of restricted purpose specified by testator-i.e. scholarships; to benefit a specific school, college, or University department; faculty award, etc.]."

Bequest of residuary estate:
"All the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal property of whatever kind and wheresoever situated, which I may own at the time of my death, I give, devise, and bequeath to the MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC., a not-for-profit Mississippi Corporation, for unrestricted use [or for other purpose specified by the testator]."

Contingent bequest:
"I give, devise, and bequeath to [named beneficiary] [% of estate or $ amount], but if he (she) shall not be living at the time of my death, then I give, devise, and bequeath such property to the MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC., a not-for-profit Mississippi Corporation, for unrestricted use [or for other purpose specified by the testator]."

Codicil to Last Will and Testament:
"I hereby amend my last Will and Testament, executed on the ____ day of ___________, in the year ____. I direct that all provisions of the Will remain in effect, but in addition I give, devise, and bequeath _________________ to the MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC., a not-for-profit Mississippi Corporation, for unrestricted use [or for other purpose specified by the testator]."

Note: By furnishing these paragraphs, neither Mississippi State University nor the Mississippi State University Foundation intends to give legal advice. We strongly encourage those interested in drafting a will to seek competent legal counsel experienced in will draftsmanship.