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2021-12-31-accounts

Company Registration Number: 05938633 Charity Registration Number: 1116751

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers 1
Trustees' Report 2 - 8
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 9
Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements 10 - 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15
Statement of Cash Flows 16
Notes to the Financial Statements 17 - 34
List of 2021 Grants by Programme / Organisation / Country 35 - 36

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Trustees Mr Ayman Asfari, Chair
Mrs Sawsan Asfari
Mr John Ferguson FCA
Dr Marwan Muasher
Ms Rasha ElMasry
Mr Adeeb Asfari
Mr Kareem Asfari
Ms Saba Almubaslat (appointed 1 April 2022)
Company registered
number
05938633
Charity registered
number
1116751
Registered office
The Asfari Foundation Unit A
1-3 Canfield Place
London
United Kingdom
NW6 3BT
Chief Executive Officer
Saba Almubaslat (resigned 31 March 2022)
Anas Darkaoui (appointed as interim CEO 31 March 2022)
Independent auditor
MHA MacIntyre Hudson
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
6th Floor
2 London Wall Place
London
EC2Y 5AU
Bankers
Metro Bank
1 Southampton Row
London
WC18 5HA
EFG Bank AG
Bleicherweg 8
P.O. Box 6012
8022 Zurich
Solicitors
BDB Pitmans
50 Broadway
Westminster
London
SW1H 0BL

Page 1

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Introduction

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

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 Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)”.

Constitution

The Asfari Foundation (the Foundation) is a company limited by guarantee (company number 05938633) and a registered charity governed by its memorandum and articles of association. Charity number in England and Wales: 1116751.

Directors and Trustees serving during the year and since the year end:

Mr Ayman Asfari (Chair) Mrs Sawsan Asfari Mr Adeeb Asfari Mr Kareem Asfari Mr John Ferguson FCA Dr Marwan Muasher Mrs Rasha ElMasry Ms Saba Almubaslat (resigned as CEO: 31 March 2022, appointed as Trustee: 01 April 2022)

Objectives and activities

The objectives of the Foundation are to further such charitable objects as the Trustees in their absolute discretion think fit, but to include the following:

These charitable objects are encompassed within the Foundation’s vision of creating a just world where people have equal opportunities to transform their lives, invest in their communities, and shape the future of their countries. In support of achieving this vision, the Foundation makes its mission to invest in, and support the sustainability of, a resilient and empowered civil society infrastructure and innovative youth, who can collectively lead a transformational positive change in their communities and countries.

Page 2

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The Foundation engages in this mission by supporting the activities of our partner organisations activities at the local, regional and global level. At the local level the Foundation makes grants available across four thematic programmes including: Youth Learning, Entrepreneurship & Innovation (YLEAP), Civil Society (CS), Strategic Learning & Engagement (SLE), and Relief. At the regional level the Foundation develops strategic partnerships with influential academic and policy centres (such as the American University of Beirut and Carnegie Middle East Center) for convening around critical issues facing the Middle East region and connecting high-level policy and research with effective practice on the ground. The Foundation also actively pursues partnerships with International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs, such as International Rescue Committee) and other Foundations (such as the Ford Foundation) to deliver co-investment in areas of shared common interest, enabling the Foundation to take its impact to scale. At the global level, the Foundation uses the evidence of its impact and that of its partners to advocate for localisation, collaboration, experimentation with innovative approaches to grant making and partnerships, and the important role family foundations can play in helping to drive positive change in the Middle East.

Grant making policy

The Foundation supports organisations that:

Grant funding provided to eligible organisations is designed to support one of more of:

Page 3

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The Foundation’s Grants are offered through 4 programmes that address our thematic focus areas:

Youth Learning, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (YLEAP)

Well-educated and engaged young people, working together with others as active members of society can make a genuine contribution to the development of their communities. The YLEAP Programme aims to address the structural and systemic issues that restrict the educational, vocational, and business opportunities available to young people. It does so by investing in organisations and initiatives that contribute to the overall vibrancy, professionalism, effectiveness and accountability of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Palestine, Lebanon and the United Kingdom.

Civil Society Programme (CSP)

A strong, energetic, and resilient civil society is key to the development of all healthy, participatory democratic societies and therefore critical to the future of Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. The aim of the Civil Society Programme is to effectively bring people together for the common good, to provide quality information to citizens and policymakers, serving those in need and advocating for change.

Strategic Learning and Engagement Programme (SLE)

The Foundation’s partners work on societally transformative issues in a volatile region. The ensuing data offers a rare insight into how civil society in the Middle East is developing; yet their capacity to collect and share it is limited. The Strategic Learning & Engagement Programme aims to leverage data from its peers, partners and wider practitioner and research communities and present best practices to stakeholders across regional and global networks, helping to shape global understanding of the challenges of the region, and to share the innovative solutions and approaches developed in that context.

Relief Programme

The Relief Programme is reactive and ad hoc in nature. As geopolitical disruptions continue in the Middle East, the Foundation recognises that there will be specific needs in communities not supported through our main funding programmes.

Achievements and performance

In its strategic plan for 2021, the Foundation mainstreamed the use of digital capacity and technology to maintain partner support and to be able to respond to the needs of their communities at scale. To support partners through this digital transformation, the Foundation released the ‘Digital Transformation Grant’ which offered partners access to quality digital learning, mentoring and financial support to operationalize such transformation in their line of business.

The Youth Learning, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Programme (YLEAP)

The Foundation’s grants of £1,668,000 invested in 15 partner organisations enabling them to support aspiring entrepreneurs responding to a wide range of social issues including inclusive quality education, employment, gender justice, and environmental sustainability. The grants also enabled young people to bridge their academic aspirations with the needs of the world of work and offered women in the West Bank, youth in Gaza and Lebanon specialised training to join the technology sector.

Page 4

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The Foundation’s Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework, partner progress reports, observation and anecdotes from partners provides evidence of how the Foundation’s financial support enables organisations to offer alternative opportunities to youth in the region in a stagnant labour market, giving youth agency to decide what they want to do and become more engaged in responding to their social challenges while doing so, and offering innovative upskilling opportunities for youth to compete on a global level.

The Civil Society Programme (CSP)

The Foundation paid 21 grants totalling £1,265,500 that empowered local and diaspora civil society organisations to contribute to the vibrancy, professionalism, and effectiveness of the civil society sector and engage citizens directly in critical societal issues. The Foundation provided grants, networking and learning opportunities for our partners. The grants included:

Our civil society partners are critical for creating a more peaceful, just, and prosperous future in a region that is facing poor governance, tyranny and lack of justice. We are investing in their long-term sustainability and professionalism as tackling these chronic issues requires commitment and decades of sustained efforts.

Through the Foundation’s long-term investment, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship (the Institute) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) has become a well-recognised regional centre with civil society expertise, providing research, convening and education for the entire region. It is bridging the gap between academic and activism and is helping our civil society partners with relevant learning and networking opportunities. The Institute will host the Foundation’s digital knowledge and learning hub ‘Midan: A Knowledge Hub for Civil Society’ (Midan).

Strategic Learning and Engagement Programme

In 2021, the Foundation awarded grants totalling £190,200 to enable Midan to offer formal and informal e-learning in the Foundation’s key thematic areas, in Arabic, to increase accessibility and relevance. This included the launch of the ‘Learning Development’ grants, to support local ‘grassroots’ civil society organisations to invest in knowledge production and management, as they evolve to become knowledge and learning organisations.

Through shaping and funding the development and ongoing promotion of Midan, the Foundation is expanding knowledge management among stakeholders across regional and global networks. This is helping to shape global understanding of the challenges of the region, and to share the innovative solutions and approaches developed in that context.

Page 5

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Relief Programme

The relief grants totalling £93,232 in 2021 enabled us to respond to emerging crises and developments in the region, including:

Future Plans and Recent Developments

The Foundation continues to make grants that strengthen organisations with a focus on youth education (entrepreneurship, education system improvement, and higher education provision), and in the field of civil society (governance, citizenship, and media). We support this work in Lebanon, Palestine (including funding organisations supporting Palestinians residing in Israel), and the UK. Continuing from its 2021 strategic plan, the Foundation will offer a further round of Digital Transformation Grants in 2022.

Financial Review

Total income for 2021 amounted to £3.0 million (2020 - £3.7M). Donations from the Asfari family constitute the principal source of income for the Foundation. Over the years, the family has made substantial donations to the Foundation, part of which is intended to progressively build an investment capital base that at a future date can serve to fund charitable expenditures. Income from investments is usually applied to augmenting the investment capital but with the flexibility to be called upon for annual expenditures if required.

Total expenditure on charitable activities for 2021 was £3.1 million (2020 - £3.4M). Of this total, £2.6 million (2020 - £2.8M) was spent on grants awarded across the Foundation's programmes. Support costs to operate the organisation amounted to £0.4 million (2020 - £0.6M).

At 2021 year end, the funds of the Foundation amounted to £16.3 million (2020 - £15.2M). These funds were entirely unrestricted. During 2021, some £1.0 (2020 – deficit of £1.2M) was added as a result of net gains on investments and a surplus of income over expenditure.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees periodically review the Reserves policy. This recognises that the income of the Foundation varies year on year and so to enable the Foundation to plan its activities, it is prudent to hold reserves with an appropriate level of liquidity. The material impact of Covid-19 and uncertainties in economic outlook resulted in requiring that liquid reserves can cover 12 months of expenditure. The policy also recognises that the reserves that represent the fixed assets and the restricted funds of the Foundation are not freely available and thus are to be distinguished from free reserves. The pool of unrestricted funds comprises investment capital and funds for annual expenditures. In practice the flexibility offered enables funding of the annual expenditures whilst investment capital grows or, if required, can be drawn upon. At the year end liquid reserves significantly exceeded the 12 months cover target due in part to changes in the components of investment capital.

Page 6

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Investment policy and performance

The Trustees have an investment policy that evolves in line with the strategic goals for the organisation. In the short term, the Foundation's investment objective is growth. Longer term (beyond 10 years), the objective is to provide income to support the Foundation's programme expenditure. The Foundation’s Investment Committee reviews, monitors investments and provides investment support to the Board.

Over the period of investment, the portfolio has performed well. In 2021 the Foundation made the decision to move its investment portfolio from Credit Suisse to EFG. This process was completed in the first quarter of 2022. In addition, the Foundation has maintained its direct shareholdings in three listed stocks and it’s stakes in private equity investment.

Public benefit statement

The Trustees have complied with their duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Risk Management

The Foundation operates a comprehensive risk register, and, for each risk, specific mitigations are put in place. The risk register is regularly reviewed by the CEO, the team and the Trustees to ensure risks are appropriately managed. The Audit and Risk Committee monitors and advises the Board on audit, risks, and policy development and each Board sub-committees addresses relevant risks. The principal risks and countermeasures identified by Trustees include:

The increased political tensions in the Middle East, specifically between governments and Civil Society partners, coupled with the instability of the banking system in Lebanon are currently risks the Foundation is monitoring closely.

Page 7

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Structure, governance and management

The Foundation's Articles of Association provides for a minimum of three Trustees, who are also directors for the purpose of company law. Trustees are selected for their skills and abilities to ensure that the overall governance is sound and meets its legal and moral obligations. Newly appointed Trustees undertake a series of meetings with the Foundation's senior management to ensure they gain a full understanding of the Foundation and their responsibilities.

The Foundation does not actively raise funds, income is received through donations from the Asfari Family to meet its objectives.

All grants paid by the Asfari Foundation are independently agreed by the Trustees collectively after review by the Projects sub-committee. Trustees with conflicts of interest declare these in advance and do not participate in related decision making.

The Key Management Personnel of the Foundation represent the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer only. Whilst the Trustees provide their time on a voluntary basis and thus do not receive any remuneration, the Chief Executive Officer's remuneration is set by the Board of Trustees, and in doing so they pay regard to sector benchmarks.

In Saba Almubaslat's capacity as the Chief Executive Officer, she was accountable for the team's performance and had the overall responsibility to ensure proper management of the foundation, so that its objects are met, and resources are well managed. She joined the Board in April 2022 after resigning as Chief Executive Officer in March 2022.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditors are aware of such information.

This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

···-�·-····

Mr Ayman Asfari Chair

Date: 12 September 2022

Page 8

T E ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

S ATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES F R THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Th Trustees (who are also the Directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for pr paring the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kitl dom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, th Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair vi of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its me and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

Th Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain th Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity an enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also re ponsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention an detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In o far as the Trustees are aware:

Mr Ayman Asfari

Ch ir

Da e: 12 September 2022

Page 9

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Asfari Foundation (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.

We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the Trustees’ assessment of the entity’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included critical reviews of budgets and forecasts provided.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in

the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Page 10

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement included on page 9 of these accounts, the Trustees (who are also the Directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Page 11

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Audit/Audit-and-assurance/Standardsand-guidance/Standards-and-guidance-for-auditors/Auditors-responsibilities-for-audit/Description-ofauditors-responsibilities-for-audit.aspx. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Page 12

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

Use of this report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Stuart McKay BSc FCA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of

MHA MacIntyre Hudson Statutory Auditor London, United Kingdom

Date: 27/09/2022

Page 13

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Note
Income from:
Donations
4
Investments
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Costs of Raising funds: Investment
management fees
7
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Revaluation of investments
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,727,729
298,010
-
3,025,739
46,789
3,047,972
3,094,761
1,113,518
1,044,496
15,243,988
1,044,496
16,288,484		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
3,623
-
-
3,623
-
3,623
3,623
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
funds
2021
£
2,731,352
298,010
-
3,029,362
46,789
3,051,595
3,098,384
1,113,518
1,044,496
15,243,988
1,044,496
16,288,484		 As restated
Total
funds
2020
£
3,340,917
351,790
12,012
3,704,719
43,130
3,375,352
3,418,482
(1,475,713)
(1,189,476)
16,433,464
(1,189,476)
15,243,988

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

In the previous year all income and expenditure was allocated to / from unrestricted funds.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

T E ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee) R GISTERED NUMBER: 05938633

LANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Fld assets
Tagible assets
Inv stments
Curent assets
Detors: Amounts falling due within one year
Cah at bank and in hand
itors: Amounts falling due within one
Necurrent assets
t I net assets
To
Chrity funds
Res ricted funds
Unr
r
tricted funds
Tot I funds
Note
12
13
14
19
15
16
16		 2021
£
643,481
1,865,037
2,508,518
(1,253,010)		 2021
£
2,355
15,030,621
15,032,976
1,255,508
16,288,484
16,288,484
16,288,484		 2020
£
717,391
2,663,686
3,381,077
(2,022, 704)		 2020
£
7,072
13,878,543
13,885,615
1,358,373
15,243,988
15,243,988
15,243,988

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

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the mall companies regime.

The inancial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Mr an Asfari Ch Da 12 September 2022

The otes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
18
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
Proceeds from sale of investments
13
Purchase of investments
13
Net cash provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
19
The notes on pages 17 to 34 form part of these financial statements.		 2021
£
(1,052,133)
298,010
7,628,570
(7,673,096)
253,484
(798,649)
2,663,686
1,865,037		 2020
£
1,049,013
351,790
-
-
351,790
1,400,803
1,262,883
2,663,686

Page 16

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1. General information

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Registered Number 1116751) and Registrar of Companies (Company Registration Number 05938633).

The Members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per Member of the Charity.

The address of the registered office is given in the Charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity's operations and principal activities are listed in the Trustees' Report.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Asfari Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest pound.

2.2 Going concern

The Trustees have assessed the use of going concern and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements. The Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Page 17

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

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.

Property income is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for services provided, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

Income in relation to Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Support costs represents costs that cannot be directly attributed to the charitable activities.

Governance costs include the costs of compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and have been allocated to the charitable activities in the same proportions as support costs.

Staff costs and depreciation have been allocated in full to support costs.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition are included in the measurement of cost.

Page 18

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Fixtures, fittings & equipment - 20% Straight line Office equipment - 20% Straight line

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

2.6 Investments

Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are continuously measured at fair value with changes recognised in ‘net gains / (losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities, if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably. As investments are continuously revalued there are no realised gains or losses recorded. Investment income is accounted for in the period in which the charitable company is entitled to receipt.

2.7 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.

2.8 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.9 Liabilities and provisions

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.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

Page 19

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.10 Financial instruments

The Charity only holds basic Financial Instruments. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Charity are as follows:

Debtors – trade and other debtors (including accrued income) are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 14. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors will be classified as financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 15. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as in the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply an obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument.

2.11 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.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

2.12 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.

2.13 Foreign exchange

Foreign currency transactions are initially recognised by applying to the foreign currency amount the spot exchange rate between the functional currency and the foreign currency at the Balance Sheet date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the Balance Sheet date.

Exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Page 20

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.14 Restatement of activities

During the year the Charity decided to reallocate investment management costs from Expenditure on Charitable Activities support costs to Costs of Raising Funds. Furthermore, the Charity decided to redistribute total grants payable between programmes, and allocate the reduced total support costs between said programmes, in line with Accounting Policy 2.4. The prior year comparatives have also been redistributed to ensure comparability with the current financial reporting period. Affected notes have been marked as such throughout these financial statements. The reclassification did not affect the Charity's deficit nor its net assets for the year ended 31 December 2020.

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

No significant accounting estimates or judgements were made in preparing these accounts.

Page 21

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

4.
Income from donations
Donations and gifts
Gift aid
Donations and gifts
Gift aid
5.
Investment income
Rental income
Listed investment income
Fund investment income
Interest receivable		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,198,539
529,190
2,727,729		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
3,623
-
3,623
Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
2,737,981
602,936
3,340,917
2021
£
4,800
194,719
98,137
354
298,010		 Total
funds
2021
£
2,202,162
529,190
2,731,352
Total
funds
2020
£
2,737,981
602,936
3,340,917
2020
£
4,400
233,194
111,345
2,851
351,790

All investment income in both the current and prior year has been allocated to the unrestricted fund.

Page 22

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

6. Other income

Other income 2021
£
-
-		 2020
£
12,012
12,012

Other income in the prior year related to the recovery of a donation made to Kid's Company which went into administration in 2014.

7. Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
Investment management fees
46,789
As restated
Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
Investment management fees
43,130		 Total
funds
2021
£
46,789
As restated
Total
funds
2020
£
43,130

Page 23

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Youth Empowerment
Civil Society
Relief
Strategic learning		 Grant
funding of
activities
2021
£
1,367,836
912,380
93,252
237,769
2,611,237		 Support
costs
2021
£
230,672
153,863
15,726
40,097
440,358		 Total
funds
2021
£
1,598,508
1,066,243
108,978
277,866
3,051,595
Youth Empowerment
Civil Society
Relief
Strategic learning		 As restated
Grant
funding of
activities
2020
£
1,055,059
1,354,042
165,828
196,859
2,771,788		 As restated
Support
costs
2020
£
229,742
294,846
36,109
42,867
603,564		 As restated
Total
funds
2020
£
1,284,801
1,648,888
201,937
239,726
3,375,352

Please see Note 24 for detailed analysis of grants payable.

Page 24

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Depreciation
Office costs
Other professional services
Finance interest expense
Governance costs
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses		 Total
funds
2021
£
362,494
4,717
102,402
23,224
-
22,510
(74,989)
440,358		 As restated
Total
funds
2020
£
356,544
5,426
115,587
76,418
32,792
13,800
2,997
603,564

9. Governance costs

Auditor's remuneration - Audit of the financial statements
Auditor's remuneration - Other services
Auditor's remuneration - Under accrual of prior year fees
Tax compliance - Corporation tax return		 2021
£
15,600
2,400
3,550
960
22,510		 2020
£
13,800
-
-
-
13,800

Page 25

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2021
£
322,463
30,567
9,464
362,494		 2020
£
317,111
30,466
8,967
356,544

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

2021 2020
No. No.
Managerial, administrative and programme technical 7 7

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

2021 2020
No. No.
In the band £60,001 - £70,000 1 -
In the band £90,001 - £100,000 1 1

The Foundation considers its Key Management Personnel to be the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. Total remuneration paid to Key Management Personnel in 2021 was £109,486 ( 2020 - £97,280 ).

Page 26

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2020 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 December 2021, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2020 - £NIL) .

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2021
At 31 December 2021
Depreciation
At 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2021
Net book value
At 31 December 2021
At 31 December 2020		 Fixtures,
fittings &
equipment
£
5,889
5,889
2,356
1,178
3,534
2,355
3,533		 Office
equipment
£
21,238
21,238
17,699
3,539
21,238
-
3,539		 Total
£
27,127
27,127
20,055
4,717
24,772
2,355
7,072

Page 27

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

13. Fixed asset investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2021
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
Interest and management charges paid from portfolio
At 31 December 2021
Net book value
At 31 December 2021
At 31 December 2020		 Listed
investments
£
11,550,319
7,370,781
(7,624,981)
1,090,193
(5,966)
12,380,346
12,380,346
11,550,319		 Unlisted
investments
£
2,328,224
302,315
(3,589)
23,325
-
2,650,275
2,650,275
2,328,224		 Total
£
13,878,543
7,673,096
(7,628,570)
1,113,518
(5,966)
15,030,621
15,030,621
13,878,543

Page 28

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

14. Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year

Due within one year
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Gift aid receivable		 2021
£
13,167
101,124
529,190
643,481		 2020
£
14,172
100,283
602,936
717,391

15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Grants payable
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals		 2021
£
1,230,000
2,236
1,577
237
18,960
1,253,010		 2020
£
2,006,362
339
1,558
429
14,016
2,022,704

Grants payable relates to grants committed in furtherance of the Charity's objectives that are expected to be made within twelve months.

Page 29

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

16. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2021
£
15,243,988
-
15,243,988		 Income
£
3,025,739
3,623
3,029,362		 Expenditure
£
(3,094,761)
(3,623)
(3,098,384)		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
1,113,518
-
1,113,518		 Balance at
31
December
2021
£
16,288,484
-
16,288,484

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity.

Statement of funds - prior year

Balance at
Balance at 31
1 January Gains/ December
2020 Income Expenditure (Losses) 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds 16,433,464 3,704,719 (3,418,482) (1,475,713) 15,243,988

Page 30

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

17. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
Tangible fixed assets
2,355
Fixed asset investments
15,030,621
Current assets
2,508,518
Creditors due within one year
(1,253,010)
Total
16,288,484		 Total
funds
2021
£
2,355
15,030,621
2,508,518
(1,253,010)
16,288,484

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
7,072
13,878,543
3,381,077
(2,022,704)
15,243,988		 Total
funds
2020
£
7,072
13,878,543
3,381,077
(2,022,704)
15,243,988

Page 31

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
12
(Gains)/losses on investments
13
Investment income
Decrease in debtors
14
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
15
Interest and management charges paid from portfolio
13
Income retained in portfolio
13
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
19.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
20.
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
January
2021
£
Cash at bank and in hand
2,663,686
2,663,686		 2021
£
1,044,496
4,717
(1,113,518)
(298,010)
73,910
(769,694)
5,966
-
(1,052,133)
2021
£
1,865,037
1,865,037
Cash flows
£
(798,649)
(798,649)		 2020
£
(1,189,476)
5,426
1,475,713
(351,790)
325,405
1,060,688
76,323
(353,276)
1,049,013
2020
£
2,663,686
2,663,686
At 31
December
2021
£
1,865,037
1,865,037

The Charity had no debt in either the current or previous year.

Page 32

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

21. Pension commitments

The amount recognised as an expense in the year was £9,464 (2020 - £8,967). There were £1,577 (2020 - £1,558) contributions payable to the fund at the Balance Sheet date.

22. Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2021 the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases as follows:

Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years		 2021
£
39,500
78,245
117,745		 2020
£
39,500
117,745
157,245

The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the Statement of Financial Activities:

2021 2020
£ £
Operating lease rentals 39,500 39,500

The operating lease relates to the rental of the Foundation's office over a period of 10 years.

23. Related party transactions

Marwan Muasher is the Vice President for Studies and Ayman Asfari is a Member of the Board of Trustees at Carnegie Endowment for the International Peace (Carnegie). In 2021, the Foundation granted £76,500 (2020 - £110,957) to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Sawsan Asfari is the Co-founder and Director of the Galilee Foundation. In 2021, the Foundation granted £75,000 (2020 - £75,000) to the Galilee Foundation. £75,000 remained payable as at the year-end (2020 - £75,000) and is therefore included within creditors.

Ayman Asfari and Marwan Muasher are Trustees of the American University of Beirut. In 2021, the Foundation granted £300,832 (2020 - £333,643) to the University.

All grants and donations made by the Asfari Foundation are independently agreed by the Board of Trustees at the Foundation's Board meeting. Trustees with conflicts of interest declare these in advance and do not participate in related decision making. When a decision is required in relation to programmes or funding associated with organisations that receive funding from The Asfari Foundation, the relevent Trustee abstains from voting.

The total amounts of donations given by the Trustees to The Asfari Foundation in the year was £2,116,979 (2020 - £2,737,981).

Page 33

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

24. Post balance sheet events

At the beginning of April 2022, the Charity received an unrestricted donation of shares from a Trustee. At the date of receipt, the fair value of the shares was £ 5 , 200 ,000.

Page 34

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

25. List of 2021 Grants by Programme / Organisation / Country

Page 35

THE ASFARI FOUNDATION

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

25. List of 2021 Grants by Programme / Organisation / Country (continued)

Page 36