Bequests

A bequest can be arranged either when you create a will or by asking your lawyer to prepare a simple codicil to be added to your will.  Sample text for a bequest to the Foundation appears below.  Since there are several foundations that bear the Guggenheim name, please specify our full name:

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation

It is helpful to the Foundation if you can provide a copy of your bequest text for our files.  While unrestricted bequests are most useful, we can often accept bequests for Fellowships in specific fields or geographic regions in which the Foundation is active.

The following information is provided to assist you and your attorney or adviser in drafting a bequest or trust document.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The most useful gift or bequest is one that supports the Fellowship program with no restrictions.  You may wish to consider the following text:

I hereby give, devise, and bequeath the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation the sum of $_____, to further the Foundation's objectives and purposes.

The name of the Foundation should be listed as follows:

John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
90 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Alternatives to a specific cash bequest include marketable securities or a percentage of the estate after payment of taxes, expenses, and other specified bequests.

You may wish to restrict the bequest to Fellowships in a particular field (e.g., chemistry or sculpture) or geographic region (e.g., Latin America, Canada, United States) in which the Foundation is active.  We ask, however, that you add a proviso that if the Trustees of the Foundation were to find such a restriction impractical, they would have the authority to use the bequest for the Foundation's general purposes.

You can list the Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or pension.  In some states, you can also include the Foundation as the beneficiary of a certificate of deposit or savings account.  This can be done at no cost to you by completing the appropriate forms with your bank or personnel office.  Please consult with your financial advisor to determine if this opportunity is available in your state.

We are happy to help you and your adviser plan and administer a charitable remainder trust or gift annuity.  If you are interested in these gift arrangements that provide life income for you (or another person you may designate) and later benefit the Foundation, please write or call us.

Questions on these matters are welcome at any time and are held in the strictest confidence.  Please write or call:

Richard W. Hatter
Director of Development and Public Relations
John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation
90 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-687-4470