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← Friends of Palestinian Universities

2024-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1114343

Company registration number 05713430 (England and Wales)

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees (who are directors of the Limited Dr A Shalan
company)
Dr M Masri
Dr M Qato
Ms S Hamrouni
Dr H Murray (appointed 1 December 2023)
A Najar
Secretary Mr O Shweiki
Charity number 1114343
Company number 05713430
Registered office 1 Gough Square
London
EC4A 3DE
Independent examiner Mercer & Hole LLP
21 Lombard Street
London
EC3V 9AH
Bankers Unity Trust Bank plc
Nine Brindley Place
Birmingham B1 2HB
COIF Charity Deposit Fund
80 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6DZ
Solicitors Thomas Eggar
The Corn Exchange Trust
Baffins Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1GE
Honorary positions William Dalrymple Patron
Professor Khalil Hindi Patron
Professor David McLellan Patron
Rev Duncan MacPherson Patron
Professor Steven Rose Patron
The Rt. Hon. Lord Steel of Aikwood Patron
KT KBE DL
Juliet Stevenson Patron

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 20

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (issued in October 2019).

Structure, governance and management

The Friends of Birzeit University (Fobzu) is a UK-based Charity. Fobzu was established in 1978, registered with the Charity Commission in 1979 and subsequently incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2006. Fobzu is governed in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Trustees, who are also directors of the company, are appointed for a 3-year term that may be renewed. When considering new trustees, desired skills and experience are assessed prior to a meeting between board members and the potential trustee. New trustees are inducted to the work and ethos of the charity. The Board of Trustees meets at least 4 times a year. Day-to-day management is delegated to the Development Director, who is accountable to and supervised by the Board. Committees and working groups are set up to address specific matters.

The major risks to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the trustees, are regularly reviewed and systems established to mitigate those risks. The major risks facing Fobzu are:

Objectives and activities

Fobzu’s objects are to “To promote the advancement of education of Palestinians seeking educational opportunities at higher and tertiary education institutions and/or through educational, community or cultural programmes in such ways as the Directors see fit.”

The charity is extending opportunities and providing access to education to young Palestinians at educational institutions in the West Bank and Gaza.

The principle strands of activities carried out by Fobzu for the public benefit are:

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance

Academic Scholarships

The scholarship programme comprises scholarships at Birzeit University, and joint Fobzu-UNRWA scholarships for Palestinian refugee students. Scholarships are provided on the basis of financial need and academic merit.

The scholarship programme in Gaza, delivered in partnership with UNRWA was temporarily suspended as a result of the outbreak of war in October 2023. The destruction of the university campuses halted teaching for most of the academic year, only to be resumed in the Spring.

Fobzu's endowments are:

Fobzu also runs multi-year scholarships supported by sponsoring donors. Multi-year scholarships typically cover tuition fees and a scholarship administration fee. Sponsoring donors are consulted on specific requirements such as: gender, place of residence, academic record, faculty or subject, special needs. Sponsors are kept informed of their student’s progress through personal student statements and academic reports.

A Hardship Fund is also in place to provide scholarships or alternatively, small grants to cover books, accommodation, transportation and housing, or subsidise students' tuition fees at Birzeit University.

In 2023/24, Fobzu provided 14 undergraduate scholarships to female students and one masters scholarships to a male student at Birzeit University through its partnership with Birzeit University and Welfare Association.

Advocacy and Awareness

In 2023/24, Fobzu significantly expanded its advocacy and awareness work to highlight the devastating impact of the war on Palestinian higher education. Through events, publications, and digital communications, Fobzu worked to amplify the voices of Palestinian students and academics under siege. As part of our Education, Occupation and Liberation programme in partnership with UCU, we organised events addressing the destruction of Gaza’s universities and the broader targeting of educational institutions. In June 2024, Fobzu hosted a landmark event at the Frontline Club in London on the systematic targeting of education in Gaza, or scholasticide , featuring Palestinian academics and international experts. Throughout the year, our newsletters and online platforms have served as vital tools for raising public awareness and solidarity, sharing testimonies, interviews, and updates from within Palestinian universities.

Fobzu also played an active role in advocacy initiatives at the national level. In October 2023, we joined a coalition of UK charities in issuing a public statement calling for an immediate ceasefire. Earlier that month before the war, we co-authored a letter with UK NGOs to the Foreign Secretary, raising alarm over the Israeli military raid on Birzeit University. In response to the escalating crisis, Fobzu published briefing papers detailing the impact of the war on Palestinian education and the arbitrary arrest and detention of students and staff since October 2023. These efforts have helped keep the challenges facing Palestinian higher education on the agenda of the UK higher education sector, policymakers, and the wider public.

Building UK–Palestinian Academic Links

In 2023/24, Fobzu deepened its efforts to strengthen academic links between the UK and Palestine, with a particular focus on responding to the unprecedented crisis facing higher education in Gaza. Central to this work was our support for the Emergency Committee of Universities in Gaza , established by formal mandate from Gaza’s non-profit universities to coordinate emergency support and international engagement. Fobzu has worked closely with the Committee to facilitate dialogue and collaboration with UK higher education institutions, helping to ensure that Palestinian voices remain central in shaping solidarity efforts.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Our UK–Palestine Academic Links Seminar programme continued to grow this year, with 11 UK-based academic fellows participating in a UK-based and hybrid series of workshops designed to foster sustainable partnerships with Palestinian universities. This programme culminated in Fobzu’s annual conference, held in June 2024 at the National Education Union under the theme “Overcoming Barriers, Building Links: Emergency Support for Palestinian Higher Education.” Co-sponsored by UCU, the Independent Social Research Foundation, the Galilee Foundation, and the School of Education, Community & Society at King’s College London, the conference brought together Palestinian and UK academics, including representatives of the Emergency Committee, to share experiences, forge new relationships, and explore avenues for meaningful institutional collaboration in the face of ongoing crisis.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Fobzu remains committed to supporting Palestinian higher education through programmes that respond effectively to both long-term challenges and the urgent needs created by the current crisis. We will continue to deliver and evolve our scholarship programme to ensure it offers meaningful and flexible support to students facing immense hardship. At the same time, we will build on our advocacy work to raise awareness of the ongoing attacks on Palestinian education and promote solidarity with students, faculty, and staff across the higher education sector.

In the coming year, Fobzu will prioritise advancing partnerships between UK and Palestinian universities, working to strengthen academic cooperation and support the recovery and resilience of Palestinian institutions. We are also focused on developing sustainable sources of funding to secure the charity’s future and expand our capacity to respond to the needs of the moment. As the situation on the ground continues to evolve, Fobzu will remain guided by the principle of educational justice, committed to standing alongside the Palestinian academic community in pursuit of their right to education and academic freedom.

Financial Review

Fobzu recorded a deficit of income over expenditure of £7,553 in fiscal year 2024 (2023: £65,085). Despite ongoing economic and political uncertainties, the charity has made progress in fundraising while maintaining adequate reserves. Trustees continue to prioritise the need to secure sustainable income in order to maintain and expand Fobzu’s programmes in response to growing needs on the ground.

In the past year, Fobzu has taken important steps towards diversifying its funding base and building institutional support. Notably, the charity held its annual away day, which culminated in the further development of a strategy for fundraising and programme development. Implementation began in late 2023, with an emphasis on securing institutional funding to meet the urgent needs arising from the crisis and to support increased organisational capacity. Expanding funding streams remains essential to the long-term viability of Fobzu’s work and its ability to scale impact.

The trustees have the power to invest in such assets as they see fit. Treasury activities aim to ensure sufficient liquidity for Fobzu’s operational needs while minimising risk in a cost-effective manner.

Reserves Policy

The trustees aim to maintain reserves at a level equivalent to approximately one year of management and administrative costs in unrestricted funds, after accounting for known scholarship commitments. This provides a financial cushion in the event of unforeseen circumstances and helps safeguard the continuity of the charity’s work.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

SS

Dr A Shalan Dr M Masri Dr M Qato Ms S Hamrouni Dr H Murray (Appointed 1 December 2023) A Najar

Approved by the Board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Sandra Hamrouni

Ms S Hamrouni

Chair Dated: 30 June 2025

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Friends of Birzeit University (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 20.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Andrew Dean ACA Mercer & Hole LLP

21 Lombard Street London EC3V 9AH

Dated: 30 June 2025

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds Year ended Year ended
31 August 31 August
2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 77,888 9,899 87,787 57,022
Charitable activities 2,500 9,999 12,499 16
Investment income 3 47 2,668 2,715 4,930
Other income 4 - - - 2,744
Total income 80,435 22,566 103,001 64,712
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 14,682 60 14.742 14,294
Charitable activities 6 68,984 27,388 96.372 101,646
Total expenditure 83,666 27,448 111,114 115,940
Net gains/(losses) on investments 12 335 - 335 (14,053)
Net outgoing before transfers (65,281)
Gross transfers between funds 18 119 (119) - -
Net outgoing resources (65,281)
Other recognised gains and losses
Other gains or losses 13 225 - 225 196
Net expenditure & net movement in funds (2,552) (5,001) (7,553) (65,085)
Fund balances at 1 September 2023 97,953 119,531 217,484 282,569
Fund balances at 31 August 2024 95,401 114,530 209,931 217,484

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

S

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
Income funds
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds		 2024
£
5,151
70,141
75,292
(9,279)		 £
-
143,918
66,013
209,931
209,931
114,530
95,401
209,931		 2023
£
5,454
77,835
83,289
(9,388)		 £
-
143,583
73,901
217,484
217,484
119,531
97,953
217,484

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 August 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 30 June 2025

Sandra Hamrouni

Ms S Hamrouni

Chair

Company Registration No. 05713430

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds comprise general funds created by the accumulated surplus within the statement of financial activities. They are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds represent amounts received for a specific purpose, which have not yet been fully spent, on that purpose by the year end.

 The board took the decision in 2021 that future annual scholarship sponsorships should be recorded as unrestricted funds in order to ensure the efficient use of resources. Existing donors were consulted about this change and their agreement secured.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings on a time spent basis:

 Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of scholarship, advocacy, awareness and academic activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include payroll and governance costs which support the programmes. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures, fittings & equipment

5 years straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.6 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/ (expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.9 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.10 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

2 Subscriptions and Donations

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 71,670 21,749 93,419 57,022
HMRC Gift Aid 6,075 793
 6,868 16
For the year ended 31 August 2023 77,745 6,836 100,287 57,038

3 Investment income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Income from bank deposits 2,715 4,930
4 Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Other income - 2,744

5 Raising funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Consultancy/contracted services
-
-
Office Costs
739
-
Bank charges
296
-
Website costs
418
60
Support costs
1,577
-
Rent and utilities costs
646
-
Staff costs
11,006
-
For the year ended 31 August 2024
14,682
60		 Total
2024
£
-
739
296
478
1,577
646
11,006
14,742		 Total
2023
£
1,600
61
113
245
11,321
432
_
13,772

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

6 Charitable activities

Consultancy/contracted
services
Office costs
Bank charges
Website costs
Share of support costs
(see note 9)
Share of governance
costs (see note 9)
Rent and utilities
Staff costs
Travel Expenses
Workshops and
conferences
Grant fundings of
activities (see note 8)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Scholarship
2024
£
2,405
450
180
291
960
-
394
6,701
137
2,341
26,777
40,636
18,098
22,538
40,636		 Advocacy
and
Awareness
2024
£
4,382
847
340
547
1,809
-
741
12,622
249
4,265
-
25,802
23,559
2,244
25,803		 Building
H.E
Links
2024
£
5,090
982
394
635
2,097
-
859
14,633
290
4,954
-
29,934
27,327
2,606
29,933		 Academic
2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
2024
£
11,877
2,279
914
1,473
4,866
-
1,994
33,956
676
11,560
26,777
96,372
68,984
27,388
96,372		 Total
2023
£
27,110
233
440
946
43,790
4,320
1,671
-
-
-
23,136
101,646
81,766
19,880
101,646

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

6 Charitable activities

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 August 2023

Scholarship Advocacy Academic Building H.E Total
and Developmen Links 2023
Awareness t
£ £ £ £ £
Consultancy/contracted services 2,119 1,207 5,766 18,018 27,110
Office costs 127 57 3 46 233
Bank charges 239 108 6 87 440
Website costs 513 232 14 187 946
Rent & utilities 908 409 24 330 1,671
3,906 2,013 5,813 18,668 30,400
Grant funding of activities (see note 8) 23,136 - - - 23,136
Share of support costs (see note 9) 23,792 10,723 628 8,647 43,790
Share of governance costs (see note 9) 4,320 - - - 4,320
55,154 12,736 6,441 27,315 101,646
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 35,274 12,736 6,441 27,315 81,766
Restricted funds 19,880 - - - 19,880
55,154 12,736 6,441 27,315 101,646

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

7 Description of charitable activities

Scholarship

Working with UNRWA and Birzeit University, the Fobzu scholarship programme supports Palestinian students in financial need at universities in the West Bank and Gaza.

Advocacy and Awareness

Fobzu's work in Parliament and civil society, independently and in coalition with other UK charities and NGOs to promote Palestinian access to education.

The Education, Occupation & Liberation events programme and other activities to raise awareness within the UK education sector and general public about the experience of Palestinian students and educators, the barriers they face to education and how they seek to overcome them.

Academic Development

Support for Palestinian academics and institutions of higher education through the Fobzu-Oxford Writing Residency for Palestinian Scholars and other work to promote Palestinian scholarship and educational exchange.

Building H.E Links

Designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between Palestinian academics and universities and their counterparts in the UK. This programme aims to address the challenges faced by Palestinian academia due to isolation and restricted access through primarily the Palestine-UK Academic Links (PALS) programme and the annual ‘Overcoming Barriers, Building Links: Supporting Palestinian Higher Education’ workshop.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

8 Grants payable

Scholarship

Grants totalling £26,776 (2023: £23,136) were awarded to 20 (2023: 20) individuals.

9 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Staff costs
Staff training
Consultancy
-
150
-
-
-
-
Office costs
-
-
Other overheads
-
297
Professional Fees
Audit fees
235
-
-
5,760
385
6,057
Analysed between
Fundraising
385
6,057
Charitable activities
-
-
385
6,057		 2024
£
-
150
-
-
297
235
5,760
6,442
6,442
-
6,442		 2023
£
44,963
150
8,925
673
-
-
5,760
60,471
25,182
35,289
60,471

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

One trustee was reimbursed £297 against travel expenses during the year None (2023: None).

11 Employees

Number of employees

The average number of employees during the year was:

umber of employees
he average number of employees during the year was:
2024 2023
Number Number
Employees 2 2
Employment costs 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 43,630 49,972
Social security costs (405) 418
Other pension costs 1,737 1,878
44,963 52,268

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 (2023: £nil).

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

12 Net gains/(losses) on investments

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Revaluation of investments 335 (14,053)
13 Other gains and losses
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
(Gains)/losses upon: £ £
Foreign exchange (225) (196)
14 Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
£
Cost
At 1 September 2023 200
At 31 August 2024 200
Depreciation
At 1 September 2023 200
At 31 August 2024 200
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2024 -
At 31 August 2023 -

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

15
Fixed asset investments
Listed
investments
Cash in
portfolio
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2023
138,475
5,108
Valuation changes
(2,232)
2,567
At 31 August 2024
136,243
7,675
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2024
136,243
7,675
At 31 August 2023
138,475
5,108
16
Debtors
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Other debtors
4,145
Prepayments and accrued income
1,006
5,151
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
£
Other taxation and social security
1,270
Other creditors
1,560
Accruals and deferred income
6,449
9,279		 Total
£
143,583
335
143,918
143,918
143,583
2023
£
4,824
630
5,454
2023
£
876
2,975
5,537
9,388

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Current year

Adela Every Scholarship
Doreen & Leila Ingrams
Scholarships
Peter Holliday
Scholarships
Sarah Hayward
Scholarships
El-Gomati Scholarships
Al-Shehabi Family
Scholarships
Dr Salem H. Khamis
Scholarships
Leri Scholarships
Boulos and Margaret
Kaibni
Boulos and Margaret
Kaibni Student Exp
Bseisu-Fobzu STEM
Scholarships
Advocacy and Awareness
Raising Programme
ISRF
Dominic Simpson
Memorial Scholarship fund
Evan Cornish Foundation
Hardship Fund
Kings College
W Barnaby		 Balance at
01-Sep
2023
£
27,978
11,717
32,762
9,659
15,022
338
3,000
6,715
9,743
2,596
1
**119,531 **		 Income
£
1,212
2,050
1,171
-
-
-
-
1,850
-
-
-
3,000
-
10,000
1,358
1,926
22,566		 Expenditure
£
0
(1,074)
0
(314)
(13)
(637)
(2,120)
(2,352)
(3,525)
(10,505)
(3,200)
(1,520)
(1,014)
752
(1,926)
(27,448)		 Movement
between
Funds
£
(280)
299
(280)
502
(280)
0
200
(280)
(119)		 Balance at
August
2024
£
29,190
12,693
33,933
9,345
14,729
-
600
-
2,910
-
(10,505)
-
-
7,943
8,986
4,705
0
1
114,530

In the year, £119 was transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds. Fobzu covers the overhead expenditure associated with managing the scholarship by charging a student admin for each scholarship to the relevant fund, and transferring it to unrestricted reserves. Additionally, one of the funds was changed from an unrestricted fund to a restricted fund on donor request. Their reserves were transferred to restricted funds.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Comparative year

Balance at 1
September 2022
£
Adela Every
Scholarship
32,333
Doreen & Leila
Ingrams
Scholarship
11,720
Peter Holliday
Scholarship
32,762
Hardship Fund
4,934
Sarah Hayward
Scholarship
11,814
El-Gomati
Scholarship
16,957
Boulos and
Margaret Kaibni
11,317
Al-Shehabi Family
Scholarship
1,422
W Barnaby
1
Dominic Simpson
Memorial
Scholarship
10,412
Dr Salem H. Khamis
Scholarship
-
133,672		 Movement in funds
Income
Other
expenditure
Scholarships
Transfers Balance at 31
August 2023
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
(4,355)
-
27,978
2,150
-
(2,153)
-
11,717
-
-
-
-
32,762
1,573
-
(3,911)
-
2,596
-
-
(2,155)
-
9,659
-
-
(1,375)
(560)
15,022
416
-
(4,738)
(280)
6,715
-
-
(804)
(280)
338
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
(389)
(280)
9,743
3,000
-
-
-
3,000
7,139
-
(19,880)
(1,400)
119,531		 Movement in funds
Income
Other
expenditure
Scholarships
Transfers Balance at 31
August 2023
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
(4,355)
-
27,978
2,150
-
(2,153)
-
11,717
-
-
-
-
32,762
1,573
-
(3,911)
-
2,596
-
-
(2,155)
-
9,659
-
-
(1,375)
(560)
15,022
416
-
(4,738)
(280)
6,715
-
-
(804)
(280)
338
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
(389)
(280)
9,743
3,000
-
-
-
3,000
7,139
-
(19,880)
(1,400)
119,531
119,531

In the prior year, £1,400 was transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds. Fobzu covers the overhead expenditure associated with managing the scholarship by charging a student admin for each scholarship to the relevant fund, and transferring it to unrestricted reserves. Additionally, one of the funds was changed from a restricted fund to an unrestricted fund. Their reserves were transferred to unrestricted reserves.

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2024
£
£
Fund balances at 31
August are
represented by:
Investments
95,401
48,517
Current assets
-
66,013
95.401
113,411		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
143,918
97,953
45,630
66,013
-
73,901
209,931
97,953
119,531		 Total
2023
£
143,583
73,901
217,484

The Trustees have overall control of the activity.

20 Control

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

21 Related party transactions

Unrestricted donations totaling £nil (2023: £nil) were received from trustees in the year. There were no other related party transactions.