In the early 1900s, Speare Memorial Hospital received a transformative bequest from Helen M. Clark. At a crucial moment, when a devastating fire had destroyed our original building, Helen’s generous gift provided the essential funds to rebuild and continue our mission. Her foresight and generosity has greatly impacted our first 125 years.

Now, you have the opportunity to shape the future with your bequest and make a lasting impact on the next 125 years.

When you include Speare Memorial Hospital in your will or living trust, you incur no current out-of-pocket cost, and you retain full use of your assets during your lifetime. Equally important, you have the flexibility to make changes in your bequest provisions. There are several options for you to consider: an unrestricted bequest of a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate, an unrestricted residuary bequest, an unrestricted contingent bequest, or a bequest you would like to restrict for a specific purpose. Details about each option are provided below.

Unrestricted Specific Amount or Percentage Bequest

A specific amount or percentage of one’s estate bequest is one of the most popular types of charitable bequests. With such a bequest, you designate that Speare Memorial Hospital receives a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate or a specific piece of property.

Bequest Language Example

I give and devise to Speare Memorial Hospital, 16 Hospital Road, Plymouth, New Hampshire, 03264, Federal Tax ID# 02-0226774 the sum of $__________ dollars (or state percentage of estate) to be held, administered, and used by the Board of Directors for support of Speare Memorial Hospital in the area of greatest opportunity.

I instruct that all of my charitable gifts shall be made, to the extent possible, from property that constitutes “income in respect of a decedent” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

Unrestricted Residuary Bequest

A residuary bequest is used to give Speare Memorial Hospital all or a portion of your property after all debts, taxes, expenses and other beneficiaries have been paid.

Bequest Language Example

I give and devise to Speare Memorial Hospital, 16 Hospital Road, Plymouth, New Hampshire, 03264, Federal Tax ID# 02-0226774 all (or state percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be held, administered, and used by the Board of Directors for support of Speare Memorial Hospital in the area of greatest opportunity.

I instruct that all of my charitable gifts shall be made, to the extent possible, from property that constitutes “income in respect of a decedent” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

Unrestricted Contingent Bequest

In anticipation of an unexpected occurrence, or if there should be certain other specific conditions that apply, a contingent bequest will ensure that property will pass to Speare Memorial Hospital rather than to unintended beneficiaries.

Bequest Language Example

If (insert name or names) does not survive me, I give and devise to Speare Memorial Hospital, Plymouth, New Hampshire, all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be held, administered, and used by the Board of Directors for support of Speare Memorial Hospital in the area of greatest opportunity.

I instruct that all of my charitable gifts shall be made, to the extent possible, from property that constitutes “income in respect of a decedent” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

Bequest Language for a Restricted Gift

Should you choose to restrict your bequest for a specific program or project, please consider including the following language to ensure that a bequest designated for a specific use will always remain productive if circumstances change unexpectedly:

Restricted Bequest Language Example

If, in the judgment of the Board, changed circumstances should at some future time render the designated use of this gift no longer appropriate, then the Board shall use the gift to further the objects and purposes of Speare Memorial Hospital, giving consideration to my special interest as evidenced by the purposes described above.

Speare Memorial Hospital recommends that you consult your legal and financial counsel when considering a charitable bequest.

If you would like more information, please contact the Development Office at 603-238-2211 or development@spearehospital.com.