The most common type of planned gift is a bequest, in which a donation to the Computer History Museum is included in your will. You may make a bequest to the Museum by preparing a new will or by adding a codicil to your present will -- a simple statement spelling out the beneficiary organization and the gift. You may choose to bequest a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your total estate, or particular securities or other property.

Specific Bequest: You specify the amount of money that the Computer History Museum is to receive.

Residuary Bequest: The Museum receives all or a portion of an estate after all debts, taxes, expenses and other bequests have been made.

Contingent Bequest: The Museum becomes the beneficiary only if the named beneficiary is unable to accept the bequest, for example if a spouse or another beneficiary predeceases you.

To make certain that your exact intentions are carried out, wills and codicils should be prepared by, or with the advice of your attorney.