REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1110096
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
FOR
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
LEES Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1QX
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 7 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 | to | 10 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives, policies and organisation
The Aletheia Foundation, registered charity no 1110096 (formerly True Vision Foundation) was founded in 2009 by Brian Woods, Deborah Shipley and Jezza Neumann, producers and Directors of True Vision Productions.
True Vision Productions has an extensive track record producing Emmy, BAFTA and Grierson award-winning films for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and HBO with a special interest in giving a voice to young people and socially disadvantaged groups.
Through our films, we're able to provide a window into some of the issues faced daily by children around the world. Some films are not easy to watch as we often work with vulnerable families in a variety of difficult circumstances. We give the children a voice and by doing so, can highlight their true stories, such as coping with abandonment, hunger, poverty, living in refugee camps, homelessness, AIDS and TB.
The Aletheia Foundation was launched for those viewers who wish to help the families and/or children featured in our films. Our promise is to ensure that all donations given reach them directly, giving you the assurance that your money goes to the heart of the issue.
There have been times when a particular film's fund has continually grown beyond the film's children and helped many thousands more, such as 'Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children' and 'Kids in Camps'. Clips from those films featured in the Comic Relief, Red Nose Day Show and raised huge funds to support children all over Africa.
Policies
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The Trustees guarantee complete confidentiality with applicants and beneficiaries.
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The Trustees, in cases of joint funding, do not release funds until all funding is guaranteed.
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The Trustees regularly review all projects in progress.
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The Trustees hold six months' operating costs in reserve.
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The Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Organisation
The Board: There are currently four Trustees forming the Board, they are all non-salaried: Mr Brian Woods (Chair), Jezza Neumann, Annabelle Hall and Nicky Wimble.
Two of the Trustees are completely independent of True Vision, to establish clear blue water between True Vision Productions and the Foundation ensuring transparency and accountability.
Office Staff
Office Staff: The Trust employs one part-time staff member: Sharon Thompson, Foundation Manager whom this report was compiled by.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Developments, activities & achievements
The Aletheia Foundation's main income is derived from donations. This report focuses on funds from the films who consistently evolve, children we continue to support and new films aired.
During the period September 2023 to August 2024, there were no films that highlighted a particular cause which required assistance or attraction donations.
The only film that is currently continuing its fundraising and programmes is Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children - information and update below.
Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children
Released on BBC in 2010, following the stories of Esther, Grace and Obert in their heartbreaking struggle to survive each day and their fight to receive an education. Thanks to our loyal donors, we have transformed their futures and thousands of Zimbabwe's Children. Previously, our work focused on one large rural area school, from the film - providing safe water, nutritious food, infrastructure development and child protection programmes - thereby increasing attendance by 80%. The experience our Zimbabwean team gained allowed us to expand to 9 more schools and move onto the next stage, using 3 unique and solid programmes… Feeding, Conservation Agriculture and Redearth Teacher Training.
In January 2024, our Changemakers (teachers, volunteers, trainers) underwent their annual safeguarding team training. This unique group of people are so passionate about creating a more nurturing and 'opportunity-filled' environment for the children of Zimbabwe, so they are given the chance to reach their true potential. They all have their own story - both of hardship and success - which has brought them on this journey and we are extremely grateful for their enormous efforts and team work. They educate, teach, train and support children, parents, guardians, teachers, community leaders, Government officials and peers. They are life long learners too.
UPDATE: Feeding Programme
We must start by thanking our partners - Ruff's Kitchens - for providing the funding to feed 5,200 babies, children and vulnerable elderly in the Makonde District.
We have 9 schools and 7 ECD centres receiving enough for a mahewu porridge drink (fortified with essential vitamins and minerals) every school day. The difference since we began is very clear - shiny skin, smiling, energetic children that are such a pleasure to see. Even the smallest of children understand the mahewu porridge drink fills their tummies and makes them feel good with it being a slow energy release food.
The hygiene standards of the programme are very high, so every school is given full training on what is expected, and efficient records are kept of all the children who receive food. Spot checks are done regularly to make sure the storerooms, tanks and water are clean so there's no risk of illness. The children love their mahewu!
UPDATE: Conservation Agriculture
Climate-smart Conservation Agriculture enables farmers to sustain themselves on a very small piece of land, heal the soil and nourish it for future generations.
The changing global climate threatens agricultural systems, livelihoods and the environment worldwide. Through the application of the three main principles - reducing soil disturbance, maintaining a permanent soil cover and practising crop rotations - CA improves the soil's physical and chemical properties producing significant environmental benefits. At the same time, the training is based on an holistic approach including personal transformation and support.
The Kemukaka School garden has exceeded our expectations and is now feeding the school children a hot meal 2-3 times per week. All the maize (which is ground down to make sadza) and the vegetables comes directly from the garden. This has been a major achievement and is the foundations of expanding and having many more school gardens - which is a much more sustainable method of feeding the children and will eventually mean they do not have to rely on any food aid and become self sufficient, with much less malnutrition.
Using the same model, we have started another school garden at Kanyaga Primary School - watch this space!
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
UPDATE: Redearth Teacher Training
In the last few months of 2023, our changemakers, with our partners Redearth Education, continued on their quest to train more teachers on the vitally important reading programme. We currently have teachers from 19 schools trained on using phonics-based methodologies, which involves teaching children to hear and identify the sound of each letter, rather than simply learn letter names or words. All of those teachers are now tasked with implementing their training and cascading it to their colleagues in an attempt to get on top of the non-reader crises in Zimbabwe.
UPDATE: Child Protection
The best path to long-term change is, often, through awareness! Because that's when it sticks! And that's what is happening with our child protection programme. We use every tiny opportunity we can, within the communities, to talk about the protection and nurturing of our children.
All our programmes include an education on preventing and recognising forms of abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect, particularly in this poverty stricken, remote district, where strong links to poverty, political and economic instability, as well as traditional cultural and religious beliefs in patriarchy, are some of the main drivers behind child abuse.
Our 'whole community' approach means everyone, from the smallest child to the eldest Gogo is looking, noticing, finding and talking about child protection. In schools, teachers are asking questions and reporting, especially if a young girl is missing school.
And that is how real change happens... building awareness, questioning, saying no, standing together - one day at a time.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
Income from 1st September 2023 - 31st August 2024 enabled the Aletheia Foundation to make grants totalling £78,273 with management and administration costs at £2,424.
There is currently £23,017 held at the bank, which will be released over the coming years to support the children. Throughout the year under review, the Aletheia Foundation is confident it has significantly helped the children who appeared in their films towards a brighter and better future and will continue to do so.
The Trust's Foundation Manager, Sharon Thompson works several hours a week according to need and maintains the Foundation's relationship with donors and beneficiaries. She is also responsible for overseeing the administration and projects on the ground in Zimbabwe and looks after fundraising and updating donors for Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Organisational structure
The charity consists of five trustees who meet periodically.
Related parties
There are no related parties.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number
1110096
Principal address
8 Flower Street Cambridge CB1 2NH
Trustees
B Woods J Neumann A M C Hall N Wimble K van Koten (resigned 17.10.2024)
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Independent Examiner
Jeremy Hyde FCCA FCA LEES Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1QX
Solicitors
White & Company 190 Clarence Gate Gardens London SW1V 1QJ
30/06/2025 Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ B Woods - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Aletheia Foundation
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Aletheia Foundation (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those 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.
J L Hyde J L Hyde (Jun 30, 2025 10:04 GMT+1)
Jeremy Hyde FCCA FCA
LEES Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Glasshouse Studios Fryern Court Road Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1QX 30/06/2025 Date: .............................................
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| 2024 Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 67,824 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 2,424 Charitable activities Grants 78,273 Total 80,697 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (12,873) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 35,170 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 22,297 |
2023 Total funds £ 88,306 |
|---|---|
| 6,276 98,621 |
|
| 104,897 | |
| (16,591) 51,761 |
|
| 35,170 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
BALANCE SHEET 31 AUGUST 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total | ||
| fund | funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Cash at bank | 23,017 | 35,872 | |
| CREDITORS | |||
| Amounts falling due within one year | 4 | (720) | (702) |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 22,297 | 35,170 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 22,297 | 35,170 |
| NET ASSETS | 22,297 | 35,170 | |
| FUNDS | 5 | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 22,297 | 35,170 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 22,297 | 35,170 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 30/06/2025
............................................. B Woods - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the year ended 31 August 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 August 2024 nor for the year ended 31 August 2023.
3. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| fund | |
| £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM | |
| Donations and legacies | 88,306 |
| EXPENDITURE ON | |
| Raising funds | 6,276 |
| Charitable activities | |
| Grants | 98,621 |
| Total | 104,897 |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | (16,591) |
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continued...
THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| 3. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | ||||
| fund | ||||
| £ | ||||
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 51,761 | |||
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 35,170 | |||
| 4. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Other creditors | 720 | 702 | ||
| 5. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
| Net | ||||
| movement | At | |||
| At 1.9.23 | in funds | 31.8.24 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 35,170 | (12,873) | 22,297 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 35,170 | (12,873) | 22,297 | |
| Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | ||
| resources | expended | in funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 67,824 | (80,697) | (12,873) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 67,824 | (80,697) | (12,873) | |
| Comparatives for movement in funds | ||||
| Net | ||||
| movement | At | |||
| At 1.9.22 | in funds | 31.8.23 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 51,761 | (16,591) | 35,170 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 51,761 | (16,591) | 35,170 | |
| Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: | ||||
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | ||
| resources | expended | in funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General fund | 88,306 | (104,897) | (16,591) | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 88,306 | (104,897) | (16,591) |
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
6. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2024.
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THE ALETHEIA FOUNDATION
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Office & administration costs Charitable activities Grants to institutions Total resources expended Net expenditure |
2024 £ 67,824 67,824 2,424 78,273 80,697 (12,873) |
2023 £ 88,306 88,306 6,276 98,621 104,897 (16,591) |
|---|---|---|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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