Naming the Museum as Beneficiary

Please note that the examples in this description are meant to illustrate a variety of bequest techniques and should be adapted to your individual circumstances by an attorney. To ensure that your exact intentions are carried out, your estate planning documents should be prepared by, or with the advice of, your attorney. Specific gift designations or restrictions should be discussed with the Development Office at the museum. The correct legal name and entity for bequests to the museum is: THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA FOUNDATION.

Bequest Examples

A residual bequest is a gift of all or part of the property remaining in your estate after debts, expenses and specific bequests have been paid. Sample language might read: I give, bequeath and devise (all or % of) the rest, residue and remainder of the property, both real and personal, wherever situated, which I may own or be entitled to at my death, to The Oakland Museum of California Foundation.

The museum encourages gifts by residual bequest. As your gift is stated as a percentage, this method automatically adjusts the size of your bequest according to your current financial position. This gives you flexibility and the peace of mind that your bequest will not be larger or smaller than you had intended relative to your overall estate, in event of unexpected changes in the size of your estate. Residual bequests are also beneficial for the museum. People are often surprised at how much their assets can grow over time—and at how large an ultimate gift they are able to make to support the museum.

A specific bequest is a gift of a particular dollar amount or a particular piece of property. Sample language: I bequeath (dollar amount or description of property) to The Oakland Museum of California Foundation.

A contingent bequest is a gift which takes effect only if the primary beneficiary or beneficiaries of the bequest should predecease you. Sample language: If neither my spouse nor any descendant of mine survive me, then I give, bequeath and devise all the rest, residue and remainder of the property, both real and personal, wherever situated, which I may own or be entitled to at my death, to the Oakland Museum of California Foundation.

Bequests to the museum may include a variety of assets—cash, securities, real estate, and other property.

Please let us know if you are including the museum in your plans. We would like to say a sincere thank you to you for your commitment. We will respect your confidentiality and wishes (if any) for anonymity.

Designate Your Bequest According to Your Interests

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