A will that includes one or more bequests to registered charitable organizations or not-for-profit entities. May be wholly charitable (entire estate to charity) or mixed (some to charity, some to family). Can provide tax benefits in certain jurisdictions.
A will that leaves money or property to charity—either all of it, or a portion alongside gifts to family. Common examples include leaving a percentage to your favorite charity, or everything that remains after family gifts.
⏱ When you'll encounter this term
- Planning to leave a gift to a favorite charity
- No close family to inherit
- Balancing family needs with charitable giving
- Tax planning for large estates
- Supporting causes you care about after death
"My charitable will leaves $50,000 to the Cancer Council and the rest to my children. I want to support the cause that helped my late wife."
💡 Did you know?
Charitable bequests in wills are the largest source of income for many charities. Even modest gifts can make a significant difference, and charities can often use estate gifts for major projects that regular donations can't fund.