If a donor wishes to make an unrestricted bequest to a National Park Service area, the language in the will could be:

“Upon my death, my [Executor(s)/Trustee(s)] shall distribute [$ amount, specific items, assets or residue of the estate] to the National Park Service, a tax-exempt United Sates agency for the support of programs and projects in _______________ National Park (Monument/Battlefield/etc.).”

The National Park Service Federal Tax ID Number is 53-019-7094"

For a restricted bequest, the wording could be:

“Upon my death, my [Executor(s)/Trustee(s)] shall distribute [$ amount, or specific items, assets, or residue of the state] to the National Park Service, a tax-exempt United States agency for the _____[project/use]________ in _____________ National Park (Monument/Battlefield/etc.).”

The National Park Service Federal Tax ID Number is 53-019-7094"

Friends Group/Cooperating Association Option

A third option would be for the donor to make the gift to the park Friends Group or Cooperating Association with the following language:

“Upon my death my [Executor(s), Trustee(s)] shall distribute [$ amount, specific items, assets, or residue of estate] to the ___[park Friends Group/Cooperating Association], a charitable and non-profit corporation, or its successor, to establish a restricted fund for the support of ____[project/use] in _______________ National Park (Monument/Battlefield/etc.).”

The ________________ Federal Tax ID Number is _____________"

Check with your charitable partner to ensure your language parallels language that they recommend.

National Park Foundation Option

A fourth option would be for the donor to make the gift to the National Park Foundation for a specific park or park program with the following language:

“Upon my death my [Executor(s), Trustee(s)] shall distribute [$ amount, specific items, assets, or residue of estate] to the ___National Park Foundation, a charitable and non-profit corporation, or its successor, to establish a restricted fund for the support of ____[general operations, or specific project/facility] in _______________ National Park (Monument/Battlefield/etc.).”

Amending Wills

An existing will can be amended with the below suggested language as a codicil or addition. Depending upon the state in which the donor resides, a codicil may need to be executed just like the will. Check with local financial advisors, or the state Bar Association for the applicable procedures.

Codicil:

“I hereby notify, confirm and approve my last will and testament of ____ 20 ____ with the following modification:

My [Executor(s),/Trustee(s)] shall distribute ___[$ amount, specific items, assets, or residue of estate]__ to the National Park Service (park Friends Group/Cooperating Association/National Park Foundation), a tax-exempt United States agency, for the __[general operations, or specific project/facility]___ in ____________ National Park (Monument/Battlefield/etc.).”

Please consult your attorney or financial advisor for additional information.