What Will Your Legacy Be?
The legacy you leave should reflect what matters most to you. By including Misericordia University in your estate plans, you can create a future rooted in opportunity, compassion, and purpose. Planned gifts help support students in ways tuition alone cannot—strengthening academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development. With the guidance of a trusted advisor, creating a planned gift is often easier than you might think. We are here to help every step of the way.
Suggested Bequest Language for Your Will or Trust
Misericordia University has been honored to receive legacy gifts from alumni, parents, and friends who chose to include the University in their estate plans. Through their generosity, they help ensure that future generations of students benefit from Misericordia’s mission.
A bequest may include many types of assets, including cash, securities, or real estate, and can often be added through a simple update to your will or trust. The sample language below is provided for informational purposes only and should be reviewed by your attorney to ensure it aligns with your overall estate plan.
General Bequest (Stated Sum of Money)
A general bequest allows you to leave a specific dollar amount.
“I give to Misericordia University, a nonprofit organization located at 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1090, Federal Tax Identification Number 24-0795406, the sum of $__________.”
Specific Bequest (Designated Asset)
A specific bequest allows you to leave a particular asset or piece of property.
“I give to Misericordia University, a nonprofit organization located at 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1090, Federal Tax Identification Number 24-0795406, [DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY].”
Residuary Bequest
A residuary bequest directs all or a portion of what remains in your estate after other gifts and expenses are paid.
“I give to Misericordia University, a nonprofit organization located at 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1090, Federal Tax Identification Number 24-0795406, all [or a portion] of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate.”
Contingent Bequest
A contingent bequest provides for Misericordia University if a primary beneficiary does not survive you.
“If [NAME(S) OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARY/IES] does/do not survive me, or shall die within ninety (90) days from the date of my death, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to Misericordia University, a nonprofit organization located at 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612-1090, Federal Tax Identification Number 24-0795406, [SPECIFY DOLLAR AMOUNT, DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY, OR PERCENTAGE OF RESIDUAL ESTATE].”
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions or would like to let us know that you have included Misericordia University in your plans, we would be honored to hear from you. Contact our office for information on gift strategies that can help you support Misericordia University and provide significant benefits to you and your family.
Joseph Musto ’04, ‘07
Major & Planned Gift Officer
570-674-6356
jmusto@misericordia.edu
The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as legal or tax advice. We encourage you to consult with your attorney or other professional advisors to determine the language that best reflects your personal goals and circumstances.