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Arts & Culture

Cy Pres and Its Application to Failed Charitable Trusts

Quick fact

The cy pres doctrine allows a court to redirect a charitable trust's assets to a different charitable purpose when the original one fails, as long as the new purpose is 'as near as possible' to the donor's intent.

Why this is interesting

Imagine donating $1 million to build a hospital in a town that later becomes deserted. What happens to your gift—does it disappear, or can it be repurposed?