A bequest to the Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation helps ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from Maharishi’s cherished vision of Vedic Pandits blessing the world with peace and affluence. Since the Foundation was established, making a bequest has been a frequently inquired about option.
For U.S. taxpayers, as the Foundation is a recognized 501 (c)(3) charity and qualifies for the charitable estate tax deduction, abequest may also help to reduce estate taxes.
A bequest may take the form of a specific amount or a percentage, or your will may be drafted to leave the remainder of the estate after other bequests to the Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation. In every case, if you would like to make a bequest, you should make use of a lawyer when writing your will or adding a codicil (an addendum to a will).
Below is some sample language which can be given to your lawyer to help guide him or her in including your bequest in your will.
Unrestricted Bequests
An unrestricted bequest is one intended for the general and best use by the tax-exempt organization, Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation, at the discretion of its Board of Directors. Such a bequest might read:
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation, a Delaware nonprofit Corporation, the [(sum of $_______ ) or ( ____ percent of my estate) or (the following property) or (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate)], for its general use in support of the programs for Maharishi Vedic Pandits.”
Restricted Bequests, such as to endow the Maharishi Vedic Pandits
Donors may restrict the usage of their bequests. As an example, a bequest to the reserve fund, which endows the Maharishi Vedic Pandits at the Brahmasthan of India and other locations that Maharishi specified, might provide as follows:
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath to Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation, a Delaware nonprofit Corporation, the [(sum of $_______ ) or ( ____ percent of my estate) or (the following property) or (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate)]. The property comprising this gift shall be used for endowing large groups of Maharishi Vedic Pandits in India.”
Please note that this information is not legal or accounting advice. We always advise that you consult your financial or legal advisor when considering making a bequest.