---
title: "3 Big Reasons You Should Remove the Word \"Bequest\" from Your Vocabulary"
description: "3 Big Reasons You Should Remove the Word \"Bequest\" from Your Vocabulary"
image: https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555669987-jpg/blog-files/istock_000025884699small-300x168.jpg
---

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# 3 Big Reasons You Should Remove the Word "Bequest" from Your Vocabulary

**![Stop](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555669987-jpg/blog-files/istock_000025884699small-300x168.jpg?width=300&height=168&name=istock_000025884699small-300x168.jpg)The word bequest sucks when it comes to generating planned gift revenue. Stop using it. Here's why:**

1. No one uses this word with their family and friends so you shouldn't use it with your donors... they won't "get it"
2. It reminds people about death and nothing scares people away from making planned giving decisions faster than thoughts about death
3. Dr. Russell James' research found that it increases the likelihood that donors will never be interested in a planned gift and decreases their interest in considering a planned gift as an option for supporting your mission

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**Posted by**Greg Warner

February 06, 2015

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