What should be included when drafting a gift to charity in a will?

When drafting a gift to charity in a will, it is essential to include the amount to be donated. This clarity ensures that the executor and the charity understand exactly what is being given, thereby preventing misunderstandings or disputes after the donor's death. Specifying the amount allows for straightforward administration of the estate and ensures that the donor's intentions are honored fully.

While naming the charity is necessary, it is not sufficient alone, as it does not clarify the extent of the donation. Including a specific purpose for the donation can be relevant but only if such purpose aligns with the charity's mission and is adequately detailed. Details of the donor's death are not pertinent to the drafting of the charitable gift itself and do not contribute to defining the nature or scope of the donation. Therefore, accurately stating the amount provides the necessary foundation to ensure that the charitable intention is fulfilled as intended.