Contingent Bequest

A Contingent Bequest is a gift that takes effect only if the primary beneficiary or beneficiaries of the bequest predecease you. For example:

“If neither my spouse nor any descendant of mine survives me, then I give, bequeath, and devise [all, or __ percent of] the rest, residue, and remainder of the property, both real and personal, wherever situated, which I may own or be entitled to at my death, to The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations.”

Should you wish to make a bequest for a specific purpose (i.e., other than for the Library's general purposes), please contact the Planned Giving Staff.