A bequest — charitable or not — can be made for either:
A specific dollar amount
A percentage of your estate
All or a portion of what is left after you have made bequests to your loved ones — often called a residuary bequest
To make a charitable bequest, first, make sure you’ve had your will or living trust probated. Without going through the probate process to get these documents legally approved, your assets will be divided and distributed according to the state law where you live. In that case, you wouldn’t be able to create a valid charitable bequest.
Once you’re through the probate process, you can establish the bequest through one of the following methods:
Sign a new will or living trust instrument
Add a codicil to your present will
Make an amendment to your present trust instrument