**Registered number: 06040746 Charity number: 1118821**
## **THE LINK FOUNDATION**
**(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **UNAUDITED**
**TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **CONTENTS**
||Page|
|---|---|
|**Reference and administrative details of the company, its Trustees and advisers**|1|
|**Trustees' report**|2 - 8|
|**Independent examiner'sreport**|9|
|**Statement of financial activities**|10|
|**Balance sheet**|11 - 12|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|13 - 19|
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
**Trustees** Ms U Loughrey Miss E Jeyasingham Mrs K Walter Mrs K Roberts Mrs S Welch Mrs N Ross **Company registered number** 06040746 **Charity registered number** 1118821 **Registered office** The Old Barrel Store Draymans Lane Marlow Buckinghamshire SL7 2FF **Company secretary** Ms U Loughrey **Accountants** MHA Chartered Accountants Building 4 Foundation Park Roxborough Way Maidenhead Buckinghamshire SL6 3UD
Page 1
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Since the company qualifies as small under section 383, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director's Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.
The Link Foundation is a voluntarily staffed children’s charity based in Maidenhead that is committed to improving the lives of children and their families in the local community and surrounding areas.
## **Objectives and activities**
## **a. Policies and objectives**
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
The Link Foundation aims to help as many disadvantaged children as possible in Maidenhead, Slough, Windsor, Ascot, Bracknell, Marlow and Wycombe. Working with their strategic partners, the charity identifies families who are struggling to provide essentials for their children. The charity is always reaching out to new groups so they can endeavor to help as many children as possible and the trustees regularly meet with health visitors and schools to educate them on how the Link Foundation can help their families.
## **b. Strategies for achieving objectives**
We do not always see them around us but there are many families quietly struggling to give their children the kind of basics many of us take for granted. 2023 continued to be a hard year for many families in the community as the Covid-19 pandemic forced many parents on low income and zero hour contracts to lose their jobs. Many families who had never approached the Link Foundation before, found themselves applying for vouchers for food, clothes, and hygiene essentials as they struggled to make ends meet..
At the Link Foundation, we aim to help these children by providing grants to cover their specific needs. In addition to this, in 2023 the Link Foundation was still able to assist the international charity WORK, a Kenyan charity set up to help widows and girls in a rural community, with a grant of £5,000.
The Link Foundation aims to help local children in difficult circumstances regardless of background, race, or religion, when we know our assistance will make a real difference to them. These could be children living with a disability, children who have suffered parental illness or desertion, children who are living in a domestic violence refuge or children whose parents simply can’t afford the basics or “little extras” a child needs. Each year we are delighted to be able to help hundreds of our local children and their families.
Uniquely, we work very closely with local partners such as healthcare and educational professionals who are right at the heart of the community and can identify, and refer to us, the children who will most benefit from our help.
Page 2
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Objectives and activities (continued)**
All our partners, including Health Visitors, Family Nurses, School and Nursery Staff, Community Groups, local Charity Staff, Social Services and Domestic Violence Workers are vital to us. We only accept applications through our partners, who use our application form to indicate their support for the application. They also know the many deserving families whose children may need our help but would not necessarily ask for it. Given that The Link Foundation is staffed entirely by volunteers, and we do not have the resources to visit and verify all applications made, this support is invaluable. It also means we can operate on a tiny infrastructure and, as a result, an incredible 95% of all funds raised goes directly to the children and their families.
We believe at The Link Foundation that even a small gesture can make a big difference in a child’s life.
## **c. Fundraising practices**
Since its inception in 2006, the Link Foundation has held annual events to raise funds for the charity. This included Fireworks and Fun, Let’s Rock the Moor and the Link Ball. Since 2022, and mainly as the result of the pandemic, the Link Foundation has moved away from major fundraising events and has actively pursued grant applications to other foundations and trusts coupled with a drive to engage businesses and their corporate responsibility programs. It is hoped that in 2024 the charity will recruit new businesses, including Mattel, to help fundraise for the charity.
In 2023, the Link Foundation received donations from other trusts including the Louis Baylis trust, St James Place, the Berkshire Community Foundation, the Masonic Community Foundation and the Louis Baylis Trust.
The Link Foundation does not approach the public for donations unless it is as part of a wider fundraising events such as the Maidenhead Boundary Walk so protection of the public does not apply to the charity.
The Link Foundation plans any fundraising events a year in advance and our standards of fundraising are rigorously adhered to by the trustees..
## **d. Main activities undertaken to further the company's purposes for the public benefit**
The Link Foundation regularly provides grants to help children enjoy a significant improvement to their lives, whether it’s to cover emergency needs or to buy something more long term. This can mean giving vouchers to buy essentials such as shoes or school uniforms. We also provide funding for essential household items or specialized equipment to help less able-bodied children be more comfortable at home, as well as funding opportunities for children to be included in a school trip or a short break away. Sometimes, we can help local families by passing on good quality, nearly new children’s clothing, toys, baby equipment etc. that have been donated to us.
In 2023 the Link Foundation was faced with the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that local services in the community have been decimated. Many families, who were already struggling, were thrown into greater poverty.
In 2023, the Link Foundation benefited hugely from the pharmaceutical company Biogen who donated more than £30,000, much of which was raised by selling their office furniture during the company’s recent office move. Other notable donations included £11,000 from the Berkshire Community Foundation, £6,000 from the Masonic Community Fund, £4,500 from the Louis Baylis Trust and £8,760 from the Charities Trust. The Link Foundation also received an amazingly generous donation of £12,000 from MCS Rentals and the Vanderknapp family trust, which means the company and family have donated over £32,000 from 2020.
In 2023, the Link Foundation continued its valuable partnership with the Family Nurse Partnership, situated at
Page 3
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Objectives and activities (continued)**
Wycombe General Hospital. This initiative is dedicated to assisting very young mothers who often face financial challenges while caring for their children. The Link Foundation played a crucial role by providing essential items for babies, including cots, prams, and beds. These contributions helped these mothers establish nurturing homes for their families. The Family Nurse Partnership has expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, as they believe that the Link Foundation not only aids these young mothers in building self-esteem but also provides vital support for their newborns.
During the Christmas season of 2023, the Link Foundation extended its generosity to 25 local children's centers and schools that support disadvantaged families. The fund for Christmas presents primarily came from Biogen Idec, a local pharmaceutical company, but the charity was also ably assisted by Lapland UK, which donated hundreds of Christmas presents to families supported by the Link Foundation. Additionally, Berkshire Community Foundation donated £5,000 to help buy dinners for families in need at Christmas. With these funds, the Link Foundation was able to distribute Christmas dinners to over 500 families in the community. These families had been referred to the Link Foundation by local health visitors and received a £25 Sainsbury voucher, ensuring they could enjoy a festive holiday season.
The Link Foundation collaborates closely with several local charities to identify and assist the most vulnerable families in the community. These partners include organizations such as Family Friends, DASH, Hestia, and Abri, and the Link Foundation regularly receives applications from these groups. In addition to these local charities, the Link Foundation also works in coordination with the RBWM (Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead) social services team. In 2023, the charity continued its valuable partnership with the Family Resilience Service and Health Visitors in Wycombe, given the substantial need for support in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
Notably, the Link Foundation received numerous applications for aid from Slough Borough Council and Slough Children's Services in 2023, showcasing the strong relationships it maintains with these organizations. The charity also extended invitations for applications to the Achieving for Children health visiting team in Maidenhead, the Slough health visiting team, Solutions 4 Health, as well as children's centres and health visitors in Bracknell and Bracknell Forest Council.
The charity's trustees strive to visit its strategic partners annually to assess how effectively the charity is assisting families and to enhance the services provided to the community. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, in-person visits were not feasible as personnel were working remotely. However, the trustees are committed to arranging meetings with strategic partners in 2024 or whenever individuals return to their workplaces.
Page 4
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Achievements and performance**
## **a. Main achievements of the company**
In 2023 the Link Foundation worked with the health visiting teams in Maidenhead, Slough, Bracknell, Windsor, Reading, Wycombe, and Marlow as well as local schools to identify families that were finding life incredibly difficult. The Link Foundation helps families by donating Argos and Sainsbury vouchers, which can be given quickly to families in need, and, in some cases, health visitors asked for urgent help for families and the charity gave emergency help in the form of vouchers that were picked up directly from the office.
In addition to our local work, the Link Foundation continued to work internationally, although this has declined in recent years due to the pressures on the charity’s resources from local families living in poverty. In 2023 the Link Foundation donated £5,000 to assist an overseas children’s charity WORK in Kenya. The Widows and Orphans in Rural Kenya (WORK) is an amazing charity set up by Mary-Jane Butler with the aim to help the numerous elderly women who care for their grandchildren as the parents have died from Aids. WORK also helps young girls to get to school in a very dangerous environment where they can be raped regularly.
It is vital that we have robust partnerships with the overseas charities with whom we work to ensure that any donations are going directly to the children we wish to help. In 2024 the Link Foundation will review the aid it gives to developing countries as many of the charity sponsors insist that their donations go to help local families.
The Link Foundation relies on the continuing flow of donations to fund its grant giving activity and this was never truer as in 2023.
The Link Foundation received several generous donations both personally and from businesses, including the following personal donations - £10,000 from Peter Griffin, £1,000 from the Allanson family, £1,000 from Patricla Losel, £1,000 from the Stewart family and some smaller donations from other local families.
The Charity also had some sizeable donations from local businesses and foundations. The Berkshire Community Foundation donated £11,000, Lets Rock the Moor raised £8,000, Louis Baylis Trust £4,500, Maidenhead United Football Club donated £2,000 and 52 Lives donated £1,600 to help with the Link Foundation Christmas appeal.
Nicola Ross was recruited as a trustee in 2020 and her remit has been to create a presence for the Link Foundation on various social media platforms. Nicola is a great asset to the charity and her work continued and expanded throughout 2023 and the difference she has made with fundraising is indicated by the increase of money donated via JustGiving, which is a direct response from social media campaigns on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and this will continue throughout 2024. Nicola has also taken on the role of gatekeeper for the Link Foundation website, which is another key element in our charity fundraising campaigns.
At the end of 2021 the trustees agreed that a new website was needed as the old website was not supported technically anymore and was also very outdated. It was recognized that a website is very important as it can be the first interface potential sponsors or volunteers have with the charity. The website was completed in 2023, and all the trustees were thrilled with the finished product as it gives a great initial impression of the charity to families and sponsors alike.
Page 5
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Achievements and performance (continued)**
## **b. Key performance indicators**
The Foundation aims to keep reserves at a minimum by distributing funds in accordance with the objects, directly to children and their families. In the year to December 2023, 98% of expenditure is related to assistance and direct costs of raising voluntary income.
## **Financial review**
## **a. Going concern**
After making appropriate enquiries, the board of trustees has a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, it continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Statement of Accounting Policies.
## **b. Reserves policy**
The work of the trustees generated total incoming resources of £110,402 (2022: £116,235) which is a decrease of 5% from the prior year. Income from donations and grants increased from £76,612 to £100,636 in the year, however fundraising income was £9,766 (2022 £39,623). Our donations to assist children totalled £117,796 (2022: £111,810) in the year. This was an increase of £5,986 in the year.
At the end of the year we had a small deficit of £8,978 (2022: £9,254 deficit), which, with reserves brought forward of £25,860, there are reserves carried forward of £16,882.
Support costs for the year totalled £1,584 (2022: £3,191). We continue to be able to minimise our support costs as much of the finance and administrative effort is provided by volunteers.
The Foundation aims to keep reserve at a minimum by distributing funds in accordance with the objects, directly to children and their families. In the year to 31 December 2023, 98% of expenditure is related to assistance and direct costs of raising voluntary income. Reserves were £16,882 at 31 December 2023.
## **c. Principal risks and uncertainties**
There are no significant risks involved in The Link Foundation as we do not offer practical help to individuals or other charities. We do provide financial help to disadvantaged children and their families, who have been directed to us from our partners in the community; however, we do not meet these individuals and therefore do not have to be DBS checked.
## **d. Principal funding**
Funding to support activities is from personal and corporate donations and a few fundraising events.
Page 6
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Structure, governance and management**
## **a. Constitution**
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The charitable company’s memorandum and articles of association are the primary governing documents of the charity. The trustees of the charity are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law.
## **b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees**
Appointment to the board of trustees is by invitation after the needs of the charity and the range of suitable candidates are considered by the current trustees.
## **c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies**
The overall strategic direction of the charity is determined by the trustees who meet formally monthly. The Trustees meet monthly to adjudicate on the applications for funding. Decisions are made based on the criteria of the charity and how important the needs of the applicant are.
## **d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees**
The induction of new trustees is tailored to the needs of the individual concerned and would, however, always include the provision of key documents and information relating to our activities and obligations under the Charities Commission.
## **e. Related party relationships**
The Link Foundation works in partnership with other charities, domestic violence refuges, schools, the Family Nurse Partnership, Sure Start children centers and Health Visitors in the community. These strategic partners screen all individuals applying to the charity and confirm that they agree with what is being asked for. In many instances, they will also help the applicant complete the application form to ensure it is comprehensive and precise. This procedure ensures that applicants are bona fide, and the trustees have confidence that their need is valid. The Link Foundation application form allows the trustees to understand the demographic, benefits, and income information so that more accurate metrics can be recorded. Businesses and individuals who donate to the Link Foundation can now look at who we help in the community and overseas.
## **Plans for future periods**
The Link Foundation aims to donate in the region of £8,000 per month to disadvantaged families in the Community.
## **Members' liability**
Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charitable company in the event of it being wound up while they are a member, or within one year after they cease to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10, for the debts and liabilities contracted before they ceased to be a member.
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**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Statement of Trustees' responsibilities**
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 30 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
**==> picture [100 x 34] intentionally omitted <==**
**Ms U Loughrey**
Trustee
Page 8
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Link Foundation ('the company')**
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the Trustees of the company (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company 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 company's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the 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:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
This report is made solely to the company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 30 September 2024 Bianca Silva ACA
MHA, Building 4, Foundation Park, Roxborough Way, Maidenhead, SL6 3UD
Page 9
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Note**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
3
Other trading activities
4
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
**Total expenditure**
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**100,636**
**9,766**
**110,402**
**1,398**
**117,982**
**119,380**
**(8,978)**
**25,860**
**(8,978)**
**16,882**|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**100,636**
**9,766**
**110,402**
**1,398**
**117,982**
**119,380**
**(8,978)**
**25,860**
**(8,978)**
**16,882**|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_76,612_
_39,623_
_116,235_
_10,488_
_115,001_
_125,489_
_(9,254)_
_35,114_
_(9,254)_
_25,860_|
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 13 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
## **THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 06040746**
## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
|**Fixed assets**
**Note**
**Current assets**
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
11
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Net assets excluding pension asset**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Restricted funds
12
Unrestricted funds
12
**Total funds**|**10,000**
**17,346**
**27,346**
**(10,464)**|**2023**
**£**
**-**
**16,882**
**16,882**
**16,882**
**16,882**
**-**
**16,882**
**16,882**|_17,530_
_18,608_
_36,138_
_(10,278)_|_2022_
_£_
_-_
_25,860_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_25,860_|
|||||_25,860_|
|||||_25,860_|
|||||_-_
_25,860_|
|||||_25,860_|
The company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
Page 11
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 06040746**
## **BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 30 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
**==> picture [100 x 34] intentionally omitted <==**
## **Ms U Loughrey**
The notes on pages 13 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 12
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **1. General information**
The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the company.
## **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) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Link 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.
## **2.2 Going concern**
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainities exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for the 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
## **2.3 Income**
All income is recognised once the company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Donated services or facilities are recognised when the company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the company item is probable and that economic benefit cna be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102), the general volunteer time of the Friends is not recognised and refer to the Trustees' Report for more information about their contribution.
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**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **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 is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the company to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the company's objectives, as well as any associated 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 Interest receivable**
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
## **2.6 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.
## **2.7 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.
## **2.8 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 company 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.
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**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.9 Financial instruments**
The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## **2.10 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 company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
## **3. Income from donations and legacies**
|Donations from corporate bodies
Donations from individuals
Grants|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
45,001
39,935
15,700
100,636|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**45,001**
**39,935**
**15,700**
**100,636**|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_24,425_
_39,687_
_12,500_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_76,612_|
## **4. Fundraising income**
## **Income from fundraising events**
|Fundraising events|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
9,766
9,766|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**9,766**
**9,766**|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_39,623_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_39,623_|
Page 15
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **5. Expenditure on raising funds**
## **Costs of raising voluntary income**
|Costs of raising voluntary income|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
1,398
1,398|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**1,398**
**1,398**|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_10,488_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_10,488_|
## **6. Analysis of grants**
|Grants
1 (2022: 4) grants were made to children overseas in 2023
details are provided in the Trustees report.
Grants|**Grants to**
**Institutions**
**2023**
**£**
**Grants to**
**Individuals**
**2023**
**£**
**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
5,000
112,796
**117,796**
5,000
112,796
**117,796**
totalling £5,000 (2022: £11,000). Further
_Grants to_
_Institutions_
_Grants to_
_Individuals_
_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_2022_
_2022_
_£_
_11,392_
_£_
_100,418_
_£_
_111,810_
_11,392_
_100,418_
_111,810_|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**117,796**|
|---|---|---|
|||**117,796**|
Page 16
## **THE LINK FOUNDATION**
## **(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **7. Analysis of expenditure by activities**
|Improving the lives of children
**Analysis of support costs**
Governance - accountancy
Other costs|**Grant**
**funding of**
**activities**
**2023**
**£**
117,796
117,796
**Activities**
**2023**
**£**
186
-
186|**Support**
**costs**
**2023**
**£**
186
186
**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**186**
**-**
**186**|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**117,982**
**117,982**
_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_2,857_
_334_
_3,191_|
|---|---|---|---|
## **8. Independent examiner's remuneration**
||**2023**|
|---|---|
||**£**|
|Fees payable to the company's independent examiner for the independent examination of||
|the company's annual accounts|**2,550**|
|Fees payable to the company's independent examiner in respect of:||
|All other services not included above|**510**|
## **9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses**
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits _(2022 - £NIL)_
During the year ended 31 December 2023 no Trustee expenses were incurred (2022 - £nil).
Page 17
**(A company limited by guarantee)**
## **THE LINK FOUNDATION**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **10. Debtors**
|**Due within one year**
Prepayments and accrued income
**Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
Accruals and deferred income|**2023**
**£**
**10,000**
**10,000**
**2023**
**£**
**10,464**|_2022_
_£_
_17,530_|
|---|---|---|
|||_17,530_|
|||_2022_
_£_
_10,278_|
## **11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
## **12. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General Funds
**Statement of funds - prior year**
**Unrestricted funds**
General Funds|**Balance at 1**
**January**
**2023**
**£**
~~**25,860**~~
_Balance at_
_1 January_
_2022_
_£_
~~_35,114_~~|**Income**
**£**
~~**110,402**~~
_Income_
_£_
~~_116,235_~~|**Expenditure**
**£**
**(119,380)**
_Expenditure_
_£_
_(125,489)_|**Balance at**
**31**
**December**
**2023**
**£**
~~**16,882**~~|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_Balance at_
_31_
_December_
_2022_
_£_
~~_25,860_~~|
Page 18
**THE LINK FOUNDATION (A company limited by guarantee)**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023**
## **13. Analysis of net assets between funds**
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current year**
|Current assets
Creditors due within one year
**Total**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
27,346
(10,464)
16,882|**Total**
**funds**
**2023**
**£**
**27,346**
**(10,464)**
**16,882**|
|---|---|---|
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year**
||_Unrestricted_|_Total_|
|---|---|---|
||_funds_|_funds_|
||_2022_|_2022_|
||_£_|_£_|
|Current assets|_36,138_|_36,138_|
|Creditors due within one year|_(10,278)_|_(10,278)_|
|**Total**|_25,860_|_25,860_|
## **14. Related party transactions**
Mrs U Loughrey and her husband P Griffin made personal donations to the charity of £10,342 (2022 - £10,580). G&L Scientific Ltd, a company in which P Griffin is a director and shareholder, donated £4,050 to the charity. Vanwall Property Development Limited, a company owned by U Loughrey and her husband, was owed £4,344 at 31 December 2022 in respect of invoices paid on behalf of The Link Foundation.
Page 19