Dear Friends
The financial year for the accounts of the National Spiritual Assembly runs from the beginning of February to the end of January. This report gives an overview of the first six months, it highlights some key issues and it gives feedback on the financial outturn of the Summer School.
In February there was a radical change in the accounting arrangements in Northern Ireland. Previously all transactions of the Bahá'í Council were handled directly by the National Spiritual Assemblys finance office in England. This year we opened an account in the Ulster Bank in Belfast for the Bahá'í Council. We have our own cheque account and we maintain our own records. The funds of the Bahá'í Council remain part of the National Fund but our local account gives us direct control of our payments. With this direct control comes the responsibility for good management. In recognition of this the Bahá'í Council implemented comprehensive finance guidelines. Individuals who wish to make donations and benefit from the tax relief available under Gift Aid still have to donate through the National Office because we cannot yet handle Gift Aid in Belfast, however all other donations are best being directed through the Council treasurer.
Donations
Spiritual Assemblies £ 1170 Groups £ 104 Individuals £ 444 Gift Aid £ 2314 ATC £ 195 Total income £ 4227
Expenditure
ATC £ 362 Council meeting expenses £ 265 Stationery £ 683 CommuNIque £ 742 Regional events £ 207 Association of Bahá'í Women £ 50 Sundry £ 16 Total expenditure £ 2325
A number of initial points are worthy of note:
In addition many individuals make donations to cover the cost of activities such as the provision of catering or the hire of venues.
The key point that is apparent from these figures is that the overall level of donations has exceeded the costs incurred during the period. The Council is very grateful to everyone who has donated. The single largest area of expenditure during the year is Summer School. The Summer School income and expenditure is summarised below:
Total income from registrations £13,514
Expenses
Lorne fees £12,930 Art & craft materials £ 190 Childrens class materials £ 88 World of Owls £ 120 Total expenses £ 13,328
Donations (including tuck shop, CD and second-hand book sales) £ 1,514
The organisation of Summer School demands a high level of skill and care at all levels. The Residential Schools Committee has responsibility for Summer School and has been advised by the National Spiritual Assembly that the income and expenditure should be as close to balancing as possible. This year the finances showed a small surplus of £286. This represents a surplus of just 0.02%. The level of donations received during Summer School was boosted to a very large extent by the sale of CDs that were donated.
Edwin Graham, Treasurer, Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland
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