A residuary bequest will come to us only after estate expenses and specific bequests have been paid:

“I give and devise to The Spence School, currently located at 22 East 91^st Street, New York, New York, all (or a stated percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general purposes (or for the support of a specific fund or program).”

Spence can be named as a contingent beneficiary in your will or trust if one or more of your specific bequests cannot be fulfilled (for example, if another named heir predeceases you):

“If (insert name) is not living at the time of my death, I give and devise to The Spence School, currently located at 22 East 91^st Street, New York, New York, the sum of $___________ (or all or a percentage of the residue of my estate) to be used for its general purposes (or for the support of a specific fund or program).” 

Language to include with restricted gifts:
“In the event that at some future time due to changed circumstances, in the judgment of the board of The Spence School, it becomes impractical to apply my bequest to the designated purpose(s), the board of The Spence School shall make such modification as will appropriately recognize my interests in coordination with the school’s priorities.” 

NOTE:  If you wish to designate your bequest for a specific purpose, please check with our staff first so that we can make sure that your gift can be used as you wish.

If you make a bequest to Spence, you will be eligible to join The 1892 Society, a group of loyal friends who have made similar plans by naming Spence in their estate plans.