THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Charity Registered Number 1043034
THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 2 |
| Trustees’ report | 3 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10 - 15 |
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees: Miss H J Mears, Chair Mrs M J Shephard Mr P Shephard Mr G S Tippen Charity registered number: 1043034 Principal Office: 27 Pirelli Way Eastleigh Hampshire SO50 5GE Accountants: G Schulz & Company Ltd Chartered Management Accountants G W Schulz ACMA CGMA 3 Lane Close Broadbridge Heath Horsham RH12 3UF
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
Structure, governance and management
THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST, known as STREAMS IN THE DESERT, was set up in 1994. We are a charity run by committed Christians, dependent upon God for direction and provision.
The objects, as stated in the governing document dated 19th December 1994 are: "for the relief of poverty and those in need including the provision of temporary accommodation amongst the elderly in Israel".
The governing document also states that "Trustees may in their absolute discretion acquire by purchase exchange gift or otherwise freehold or leasehold land and premises for use in connection with the purposes of the charity."
Our area of work is Israel. Our focus is on supporting the poor and needy in Israel, especially providing housing for elderly immigrants from Russia and the former Russian Republics (though not exclusively so). There is a huge need in Israel for affordable housing, with a long waiting list for public housing. Pensioners have to wait ten or more years before anything is available for them.
The pension and benefits received by new immigrants in Israel are insufficient to meet the cost of living independently in reasonable rented accommodation in the private sector.
The vast majority of elderly new immigrants from the former USSR are leaving behind a life of antiSemitism and extreme poverty where many of them had insufficient pension to put food in their cupboards. There are still many more elderly people wanting to go to Israel, but understandably Israeli officials are reluctant to let them go unless they have a guarantee of somewhere to live. Needy people put a strain on resources, and no-one wants the risk of anyone being out on the streets without a home. This is where STREAMS IN THE DESERT can bridge the gap between concerned officials and an elderly person wanting to make aliya (go to Israel).
STREAMS IN THE DESERT works with its partner organisation in Israel, THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA), which has objectives similar to our own. It is a registered non-profit organisation in Israel, and currently performs the day-to-day running of one home for elderly people. It is financed partly by STREAMS IN THE DESERT. THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) is in the planning stage of a multi-purpose complex incorporating independent flats, a care home and a nursing home in Israel.
In 2022 THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) created a new project to assist homeless Ukrainian refugees who arrived in Israel since the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine War. Each person is given free accommodation, and assistance given to help them find a more permanent solution. They are also given assistance with food and other necessary items, depending on the need.
In 2019 the Trustees of STREAMS IN THE DESERT agreed to provide support for the SABRA Foundation (RA) in Israel, which provides assistance for people of any age in extreme poverty, including Holocaust Survivors and other elderly people. The funds used for this project are given by donors as restricted funds specifically for the SABRA Foundation.
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Helen Mears, the founding trustee, acts as executive director for The Open Gateway (RA) and therefore normally spends much time in Israel. Streams in the Desert funds Helen's expenses to and within Israel, on behalf of The Open Gateway (RA). Two other Trustees are on the executive board in Israel, and also go to Israel whenever necessary.
The charity is funded by donations. It is our unanimously agreed but unwritten policy not to make direct appeals for funds, but only to provide information. This is done through speaking engagements, conferences and exhibitions, along with newsletters and prayer bulletins. We believe in the power of prayer, that God is our provider, He is the One who gave the vision and He is the One who will move the hearts of donors to give. As Hudson Taylor said, “Move man, through God, by prayer alone.”
The Trustees serve for an indefinite period. The power of appointing new Trustees is vested in the existing Trustees, and this is done by resolution of a meeting of the Trustees. Each trustee takes an active interest in all activities, having various necessary skills and understanding which benefit the work.
In setting the charity's programme each year, the Trustees have regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and prevention and relief of poverty for the public benefit. The Trustees always ensure that the programmes the charity undertakes are in line with its charitable objects and aims.
Organisational structure and decision-making policies
STREAMS IN THE DESERT is based in England. The Trustees meet several times a year, but are always kept fully informed personally and by telephone, and decisions are made with the agreement of all Trustees. Two Trustees voluntarily manage the day to day running of the Charity, and any of the Trustees may be available for field trips for overseeing the work in Israel.
In 2000 the Trustees of STREAMS IN THE DESERT, together with three people resident in Israel, registered STREAMS IN THE DESERT as a non profit organisation in Israel, under the name STREAMS IN THE DESERT (RA). In November 2013 the name was legally changed to "THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA)". It is legally independent of the UK charity, but all Trustees are members of the organisation and three of them serve as active board members of THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) in Israel.
Risk management
Before any decision is made to further the work, the Trustees actively review the major risks and implications to the charity. No major decision is made unless the Trustees are in unanimous agreement. The main risk to the charity is that donations will dry up to a level where donations to THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) are insufficient to meet their commitments. However, THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) is a separate legal entity and STREAMS IN THE DESERT has no legal requirement to provide funding.
Public benefit
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Objectives and activities
Objectives for the year April 2022 to March 2023
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To maintain communications with the current Israel partner organisation THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) and oversee the work.
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To give financial assistance to THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) and also to previous employees and residents of THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA) who find themselves in need.
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To give financial assistance to the SABRA Foundation (RA).
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To disseminate information to supporters so that they are aware of the progress of projects in Israel, and to increase the number of prayer partners and supporters by reaching out to new groups of people.
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To minimise administrative costs in England in order to release more funds for grants.
Activities for achieving objectives
- Maintain communications with the organisations in Israel and monitor the work.
Helen Mears was able to make three field visits to Israel during this financial year. Communications were maintained with the administrator in Israel and board members by means of Skype, Signal, WhatsApp and Zoom.
2. Grants for THE OPEN GATEWAY (RA), Israel
STREAMS IN THE DESERT donated £28,500 to The Open Gateway (RA) during the term of this financial year.
3. Grants for SABRA Foundation (RA), Israel
STREAMS IN THE DESERT donated £25,250 to The SABRA Foundation (RA) during the term of this financial year.
- Disseminating information to supporters and outreach to new groups of people Newsletters were sent out during the year, to all our supporters in the UK and overseas.
5. Administrative costs
The Trustees continue to minimise administration costs by doing as much of the work as possible themselves, assisted by volunteers. There were no paid employees during the year of this report.
Plans for the future
The Board of The Open Gateway (RA) in Israel, which includes three of our Trustees, continues with its plan to establish a complex for elderly people which will meet their needs from the independent to the fully dependent. Investigations are currently being made regarding potential properties.
The SABRA Foundation (RA) continues to help the elderly (especially Holocaust Survivors), the disabled and poor families with humanitarian aid.
Both organisations in Israel are assisting needy Ukrainian refugees with temporary accommodation.
Financial review
Incoming resources amounted to £61,846 (2022 - £74,393). Resources expended amounted to £87,438 (2022 - £71,333). The deficit of £25,592 (2022 - surplus of £3,060) was added to the total Fund and a balance of £18,834 was carried forward.
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
TRUSTEES’ REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Reserves Policy
A reserve fund of about £40,000 is the target. At present reserves are below this figure.
Trustees’ responsibilities statement
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 9 January 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
…………………………………………………………….. Miss H J Mears Trustee
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of The Streams in the Desert Trust (“the charity”)
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year to 31 March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's Trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
…………………………………………………………….. G W Schulz ACMA
G Schulz & Company Ltd Chartered Management Accountants G W Schulz ACMA CGMA 3 Lane Close Broadbridge Heath Horsham RH12 3UF .
9 January 2024
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| Note | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 34,549 | 26,787 | 61,336 | 74,351 |
| Other trading activities | 3 | 482 | - | 482 | 40 |
| Investments | 4 | 28 | - | 28 | 2 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 35,059 | 26,787 | 61,846 | 74,393 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||||
| Raising funds | 3 | 393 | - | 393 | 24 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 58,867 | 28,178 | 87,045 | 71,309 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 59,260 | 28,178 | 87,438 | 71,333 | |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | (24,201) | (1,391) | (25,592) | 3,060 | |
| Total funds brought forward | 34,062 | 10,364 | 44,426 | 41,366 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 11 | 9,861 | 8,973 | 18,834 | 44,426 |
The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 8 Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand 10 NET ASSETS CHARITY FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 12 NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) CREDITORS:amounts falling due within one year |
2023 2022 £ £ £ £ - - 437 405 5,623 8,126 13,224 36,345 19,284 44,876 (450) (450) 18,834 44,426 18,834 44,426 9,861 34,062 8,973 10,364 18,834 44,426 |
|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 9 January 2024 and signed on their behalf, by:
…………………………………………………………….. Miss H J Mears Trustee
…………………………………………………………….
Mrs M J Shephard Trustee
The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
The Streams in the Desert Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the mount can be reliably measured.
Gift aid
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £250 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows: Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations Gift aid |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 30,242 25,470 55,712 66,224 4,307 1,317 5,624 8,127 34,549 26,787 61,336 74,351 |
|---|---|
3. TRADING ACTIVITIES
| INVESTMENT INCOME Charity trading income Sale of goods Charity trading expenses Cost of sales Net income from trading activities Bank interest |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 482 - 482 40 393 - 393 24 89 - 89 16 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 28 - 28 2 28 - 28 2 |
|---|---|
4. INVESTMENT INCOME
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
5. COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Grant to The Open Gateway RA Grants to SABRA (RA) Establishment costs Office expenses Print, post and stationery Conference and donations Travel and subsistence Expenses in Israel Computer and internet Bank charges Sundry expenses Independent examination Depreciation |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ 28,500 - 28,500 14,000 - 25,250 25,250 38,450 9,584 - 9,584 9,584 2,979 - 2,979 3,310 2,200 2,928 5,128 3,741 240 - 240 - 6,117 - 6,117 - 745 - 745 128 7,082 - 7,082 1,243 167 - 167 287 803 - 803 116 450 - 450 450 - - - - 58,867 28,178 87,045 71,309 |
|---|---|
6. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
No Trustees received remuneration or benefits in kind in the current year (2022: £Nil). No Trustees received reimbursement of expenses in the current year (2022: £Nil).
7. FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 April 2022 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2023 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 April 2022 Charged in the period Disposals At 31 March 2023 Net Book Value: At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2022 |
Fixtures and fittings Total £ £ 7,583 7,583 - - - - |
|---|---|
| 7,583 7,583 |
|
| 7,583 7,583 - - - - |
|
| 7,583 7,583 |
|
| - - |
|
| - - |
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
8. STOCK
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||||||
| Good for resale | 437 | 405 | |||||||
| 437 | 405 | ||||||||
| 9. | DEBTORS | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||||
| Gift aid receivable | 5,623 | 8,126 | |||||||
| 5,623 | 8,126 | ||||||||
| 10. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| £ | £ | ||||||||
| Accruals and deferred | income | 450 | 450 | ||||||
| 450 | 450 | ||||||||
| 11. | STATEMENT OF FUNDS | ||||||||
| Current year | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | Balance at | ||||
| 1 | Apr 2022 | resources | expended | in/out | 31 Mar 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||||||
| General funds | 34,062 | 35,059 | (59,260) | - | 9,861 | ||||
| Restricted funds: | |||||||||
| SABRA | 10,364 | 26,787 | (28,178) | - | 8,973 | ||||
| 44,426 | 61,846 | (87,438) | - | 18,834 | |||||
| Prior year | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | Balance at | ||||
| 1 | Apr 2021 | resources | expended | in/out | 31 Mar 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||||||
| General funds | 34,891 | 30,363 | (31,192) | - | 34,062 | ||||
| Restricted funds: | |||||||||
| SABRA | 6,475 | 44,030 | (40,141) | - | 10,364 | ||||
| 41,366 | 74,393 | (71,333) | - | 44,426 |
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THE STREAMS IN THE DESERT TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current year Fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Prior year Fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ - - - 10,311 8,973 19,284 (450) - (450) |
|---|---|
| 9,861 8,973 18,834 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2022 2022 2022 £ £ £ - - - 30,623 14,253 44,876 (450) - (450) |
|
| 30,173 14,253 44,426 |
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