Make a Gift to the ESU after your Death

Remembering the English Speaking Union in your will or revocable trust is one of the easiest ways to make a planned gift to the ESU. Contact us at 212-818-1200, with any questions.

A bequest simply is a statement in your estate plans that expresses your wish to give all or part of your assets to a loved one or charity, such as The English-Speaking Union, upon your death. You can stipulate exactly how and when your gift is used and create a truly meaningful legacy at The English-Speaking Union. There are several types:

General Purpose Bequest An outright, general-purpose bequest in your will or trust is most valuable to the ESU, as it gives us the greatest flexibility to use your gift where it is most needed. You may designate either a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or a particular asset such as real estate. Here is a sample general-purpose bequest provision: I hereby give to The English-Speaking Union of the United States, a not-for-profit corporation located at 144 East 39th Street, New York, New York 10016, the sum of $____________ [or ________% of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate] for its general purposes.   Designated Bequest You also may support a specific program of the National office, a Branch event, or divide your bequest between specific programs or the National office and a local Branch. Here is a sample designated bequest provision: I hereby give to The English-Speaking Union of the United States, a not-for-profit corporation located at 144 East 39th Street, New York, New York 10016, the sum of $____________ [or ________% of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate] to be used for [describe purpose].   Bequest Provision Creating an Endowment Fund In planning your gift, you may specify that your bequest be made available for the ESU's immediate use or, conversely, that it be placed in an endowed fund that is permanently invested by the ESU and generates annual income for the purpose you specify. Here is a sample bequest provision to create an endowment fund: I hereby give to The English-Speaking Union of the United States, a not-for-profit corporation located at 144 East 39th Street, New York, New York 10016, the sum of $____________ [or ________% of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate] to establish ______________ [name of endowment fund], an endowed fund to support ________________ [describe purpose].   Over a long period of time, ESU programs or departments may change to such an extent that we cannot use your bequest under your original restriction. Adding the following provision allows us to honor your original intent as closely as possible: If The English-Speaking Union of the United States, in its sole judgment, determines that the original intent is no longer feasible, the English-Speaking Union may use my gift and the income there from for such related purposes as, in its sole judgment, will most nearly fulfill the original intent.