2021-03-31-accounts

SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS – ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

1. Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers

Sustainability Partners, was registered with the Charity commission on 22 May 2007, number 1119345.

Trustees during the year 2020-21 were: RHJ Hopwood (Managing Trustee), AL Hopwood, CR Hopwood and. MJ StJohn .

2. Structure, governance and management

The charity is a charitable trust, governed by a Declaration of Trust signed on 15 February 2007. It is managed by a board of trustees. All new grants and investments are approved by the board of trustees as a whole, payments are then made by the managing trustee using electronic banking. General administration, such as keeping records and accounts, dealing with correspondence and drafting reports for approval is the responsibility of the managing trustee.

Due to Covid restrictions, the board did not meet during the year, business was conducted by e-mail and telephone.

3. Financial Review

Income reduced again, largely due to the timing of the GiftAid claim close to the year end. Grant making reduced in proportion, reserves were essentially unchanged and remain sufficient to cover committed payments for two years.

Cash reserves are held in a deposit account. Funds not required for short term use are invested in organisations which support the charity’s objectives. These include Oicocredit which supports micro-credit societies in many poor countries, Thrive Renewables which invests in renewable energy schemes in the UK, the Shared Interest Society which provides loan finance to fair trade organisations, Triodos Bank and the John Cleveland College Community Woodheat Cooperative.

4. Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others

The charity does not hold funds on behalf of others.

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

5. Public benefit statement

The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when approving grants and have managed the charity in accordance with the declaration of trust and approved objectives.

6. Objectives and activities

The charity’s objectives are:

1. To develop the capacity and skills of the members of socially and economically disadvantaged communities in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society, in particular but not exclusively by supporting the development of self help associations.

2. To relieve financial hardship, either generally or individually, through the provision of grants, goods or services.

3. To promote the protection and sustainable use of the natural environment for the benefit of the public, through education, training and demonstration projects.

During the year we pursued these objectives by making grants to nine organisations in three countries:

Nicaragua

1. Los Angelitos , a youth music group in Esteli, aims to develop young people’s skills and self-confidence and counter the spread of gang culture. At year end there were 38 youngsters learning to play an instrument or sing. Members of the first intake are acting as tutors for the new students. Income from public performances helps to pay college fees.

2. Colibrí Initiativa Arte Infantil, also based in Esteli, is a youth theatre group using ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’ techniques to help young people explore their past and present situation while developing social skills and self-confidence. Following successful fundraising efforts they have refurbished and redecorated their accommodation and expanded to include handicraft and cooking classes for adults.

3. Sunshine English School , aims to develop the self-confidence and employment prospects of children from a poor barrio in Esteli. The school is now firmly established; we support the day to day running costs. We increased our regular grant to compensate for the loss of tourist income due to the Covid pandemic.

4. Luz Verde Social Projects continue to support eco-tourism, vegetable gardens and other income generating projects plus a ‘Library Bus’ in the Miraflor Natural Reserve near Esteli. We increased our regular core funding to help counter the loss of tourist income .

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

1. Asociación Tierra is a Nicaraguan NGO associated with the La Mariposa language school and eco-hotel, based in La Concepcion. It works to protect and improve the local environment and provide sustainable employment for local people. In addition to core funding we supported their appeals to replace trading income due to the pandemic and to support their help to local villagers following two hurricanes in late 2020.

Indonesia

1. Senang Hati is a local NGO started and run by disabled people in Gianyar, Bali. Our regular core funding grant covers the bills for electricity, gas, food and domestic supplies.

2. Ayu Indonesia is a local NGO based in Ruteng, Flores working with poor rural communities in Manggarai district. They reported on the successful project training rural health workers but no additional funds were sent this year.

3. In addition we made one-off emergency grants to Tananua Flores Foundation, a partner from some years ago based in Ende and Yayasan Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Sosial a new contact based in Larantuka, recommended by Ayu Indonesia, to support their response to the floods and landslides caused by cyclone Seroja.

Moldova

1. Phoenix is a day centre for disabled children in Riscani which provides care, company, stimulus and treatment to children who continue to live at home with their families. This year the scope was extended to include a new old people’s home. We contribute to the core funding of the centre.

7. Achievements and performance

All in all this has been a successful year despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid 19 pandemic.

We normally provide on-going core funding but areas of both Nicaragua and Indonesia where our partners work were affected by heavy rainfall and landslides. Having trusted partners in the area we were able to send funds quickly to support local self-help efforts.

Cash reserves remained high and the overall financial position remains satisfactory.

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

Annual accounts for the financial year 2020/21

Opening balance	Opening balance		(2019/20)
-	Cash at bank	4316.11	3205.72
-	Investments	14890.04	14939.04
-	Loans outstanding	2136.00	4849.94
-	Funds in Nicaragua	464.00	384.00
-	Total	21806.15	23378.70
Income
-	Donations – general	9880.00	13271.91
-	Donations – restricted	20334.48	19203.72
-	Interest & dividends	276.46	684.52
-	Total	30490.94	33160.15
Grants
-	General	9418.32	13419.04
-	Restricted	20789.44	18240.32
Total		30207.76	31659.36
Administration
-	Bank charges	122.80	275.20
-	Tax	0	19.20
-	Web site	201.60	96.00
-	Travel costs	0	0
-	Total	324.40	390.40
Asset changes		(317.58)	(2682.94)
Surplus (deficit) for the year		(358.80)	(1572.55)
Closing balance
-	Cash at bank	4274.89	4316.11
-	Investments	14572.46	14890.04
-	Loans outstanding	2136.00	2136.00
-	Funds in Nicaragua	464.00	464.00
-	Total	21447.35	21806.15

Note: GiftAid has been included in donation totals.

Approved by the board

R H J Hopwood, Managing Trustee

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

Suslainabilily Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Soulhamplon, S045 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS – ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

1. Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers

Sustainability Partners, was registered with the Charity commission on 22 May 2007, number 1119345.

Trustees during the year 2020-21 were: RHJ Hopwood (Managing Trustee), AL Hopwood, CR Hopwood and. MJ StJohn .

2. Structure, governance and management

The charity is a charitable trust, governed by a Declaration of Trust signed on 15 February 2007. It is managed by a board of trustees. All new grants and investments are approved by the board of trustees as a whole, payments are then made by the managing trustee using electronic banking. General administration, such as keeping records and accounts, dealing with correspondence and drafting reports for approval is the responsibility of the managing trustee.

Due to Covid restrictions, the board did not meet during the year, business was conducted by e-mail and telephone.

3. Financial Review

Income reduced again, largely due to the timing of the GiftAid claim close to the year end. Grant making reduced in proportion, reserves were essentially unchanged and remain sufficient to cover committed payments for two years.

Cash reserves are held in a deposit account. Funds not required for short term use are invested in organisations which support the charity’s objectives. These include Oicocredit which supports micro-credit societies in many poor countries, Thrive Renewables which invests in renewable energy schemes in the UK, the Shared Interest Society which provides loan finance to fair trade organisations, Triodos Bank and the John Cleveland College Community Woodheat Cooperative.

4. Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others

The charity does not hold funds on behalf of others.

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

5. Public benefit statement

The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when approving grants and have managed the charity in accordance with the declaration of trust and approved objectives.

6. Objectives and activities

The charity’s objectives are:

1. To develop the capacity and skills of the members of socially and economically disadvantaged communities in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society, in particular but not exclusively by supporting the development of self help associations.

2. To relieve financial hardship, either generally or individually, through the provision of grants, goods or services.

3. To promote the protection and sustainable use of the natural environment for the benefit of the public, through education, training and demonstration projects.

During the year we pursued these objectives by making grants to nine organisations in three countries:

Nicaragua

1. Los Angelitos , a youth music group in Esteli, aims to develop young people’s skills and self-confidence and counter the spread of gang culture. At year end there were 38 youngsters learning to play an instrument or sing. Members of the first intake are acting as tutors for the new students. Income from public performances helps to pay college fees.

2. Colibrí Initiativa Arte Infantil, also based in Esteli, is a youth theatre group using ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’ techniques to help young people explore their past and present situation while developing social skills and self-confidence. Following successful fundraising efforts they have refurbished and redecorated their accommodation and expanded to include handicraft and cooking classes for adults.

3. Sunshine English School , aims to develop the self-confidence and employment prospects of children from a poor barrio in Esteli. The school is now firmly established; we support the day to day running costs. We increased our regular grant to compensate for the loss of tourist income due to the Covid pandemic.

4. Luz Verde Social Projects continue to support eco-tourism, vegetable gardens and other income generating projects plus a ‘Library Bus’ in the Miraflor Natural Reserve near Esteli. We increased our regular core funding to help counter the loss of tourist income .

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

1. Asociación Tierra is a Nicaraguan NGO associated with the La Mariposa language school and eco-hotel, based in La Concepcion. It works to protect and improve the local environment and provide sustainable employment for local people. In addition to core funding we supported their appeals to replace trading income due to the pandemic and to support their help to local villagers following two hurricanes in late 2020.

Indonesia

1. Senang Hati is a local NGO started and run by disabled people in Gianyar, Bali. Our regular core funding grant covers the bills for electricity, gas, food and domestic supplies.

2. Ayu Indonesia is a local NGO based in Ruteng, Flores working with poor rural communities in Manggarai district. They reported on the successful project training rural health workers but no additional funds were sent this year.

3. In addition we made one-off emergency grants to Tananua Flores Foundation, a partner from some years ago based in Ende and Yayasan Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Sosial a new contact based in Larantuka, recommended by Ayu Indonesia, to support their response to the floods and landslides caused by cyclone Seroja.

Moldova

1. Phoenix is a day centre for disabled children in Riscani which provides care, company, stimulus and treatment to children who continue to live at home with their families. This year the scope was extended to include a new old people’s home. We contribute to the core funding of the centre.

7. Achievements and performance

All in all this has been a successful year despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid 19 pandemic.

We normally provide on-going core funding but areas of both Nicaragua and Indonesia where our partners work were affected by heavy rainfall and landslides. Having trusted partners in the area we were able to send funds quickly to support local self-help efforts.

Cash reserves remained high and the overall financial position remains satisfactory.

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

Annual accounts for the financial year 2020/21

Opening balance	Opening balance		(2019/20)
-	Cash at bank	4316.11	3205.72
-	Investments	14890.04	14939.04
-	Loans outstanding	2136.00	4849.94
-	Funds in Nicaragua	464.00	384.00
-	Total	21806.15	23378.70
Income
-	Donations – general	9880.00	13271.91
-	Donations – restricted	20334.48	19203.72
-	Interest & dividends	276.46	684.52
-	Total	30490.94	33160.15
Grants
-	General	9418.32	13419.04
-	Restricted	20789.44	18240.32
Total		30207.76	31659.36
Administration
-	Bank charges	122.80	275.20
-	Tax	0	19.20
-	Web site	201.60	96.00
-	Travel costs	0	0
-	Total	324.40	390.40
Asset changes		(317.58)	(2682.94)
Surplus (deficit) for the year		(358.80)	(1572.55)
Closing balance
-	Cash at bank	4274.89	4316.11
-	Investments	14572.46	14890.04
-	Loans outstanding	2136.00	2136.00
-	Funds in Nicaragua	464.00	464.00
-	Total	21447.35	21806.15

Note: GiftAid has been included in donation totals.

Approved by the board

R H J Hopwood, Managing Trustee

Sustainability Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, SO45 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

Suslainabilily Partners, 18 Woodlands Close, Dibden Purlieu, Soulhamplon, S045 4JG, UK [phone] [e-mail]

SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS (REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1119345): INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES FOR FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020121 This document constitutes my report to the tNstees on my examination of the accounts of Susiainabiliiy Partners {"[he Charity") for Ihe financial year ended 31. March 2021. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparaiion of the accounts in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Chariiies Act 2011 ('the Act.). This repon is in respect of my examination of ihe Charily's accounts carried out under s.145 of the 2011 Aci and in carrying out my examinaiion I have followed all the applicable Directions giveii by Ilie Charicy Commission under s.145(5)(b) of Ihe Acl. Independent examiner's statement I confinn (hai l observed no material mailers giving me cause 10 believe thai in any maierial respect.. l. accouniing records were not kepl in respeci of ihe Charity as required by seclion 130 of Ihe Aci. or 2, Ihe accounts do not accord wilh those records. or 3. the accoun15 do noi comply with ihe applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounis and Reports) Regulations 2008. In (his review l examined the controlling spreadsheet which contains the individual records of income and grant & adminisiraiive expendiiure and changes in assels which support Ihe detail summarised in the accounts slalemeni in the Annual Report of the Charity for the period under review. I found the basi5 of accounting to be sound and that all entries contsin references and explanations. This statement is made nolwithsianding that there is no requirement that an independent examinaiion gives consideration io whether the accounis give a 'true and fair view..

I have no concerns and have come across no other mattets in connecuon with ihe examinaiion 10 which aitention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a Proper Unde￿tandIng of Ihe accoun15 10 be reached. I declare thai I have no interest in or any connecikon with SustainabilÈiy Panners or its operations and Ihac chis report is provided independenily. Patrick Michael O'Grady FCIS FCG IC.SA rni'nihor iiii. JOIOI ?3 Tel: [phone] email: [e-mail]