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The Louis Ross Foundation Charity Number: 1168723

Trustees' Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Period 2 June 2023 to 1 June 2024

March 30, 2024

Reference & Administration Details

Charity name: The Louis Ross Foundation

Charity number: 1168723

Charity's operating address: Ashley Wood House Tarrant Keyneston Blandford Forum Dorset

Postcode DT11 9JG

Names of the Charity Trustees who Manage the Charity

Trustee Name Office Appointed Retired 1: Penny Ross Chair March 2023 2: John Ross Treasurer March 2023 3: Tim Evans March 2023 4: Judi Tipping March 2023 5: Richard Stephenson March 2023

5: Richard Stephenson

Names & Addresses of Advisors

Name Address & Postcode Independent Amanda Peroni Ivy Cottage Examiner F.C.C.A. Stubhampton Blandford Forum Dorset DT11 8JU

Structure, Governance & Management

Description of the Charity's Trusts

Type of Governing Document: Constitution

How the Charity is Constituted: Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Trustee Selection Methods: Appointed by the Board of Trustees.

How New Trustees are Inducted and Trained:

The charity trustees will make available to each new charity trustee, on or before his or her first appointment:

(a) a copy of the current version of this constitution; and

(b) a copy of the CIO’s latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts.

Summary of the Objects of the Charity as set out in its Governing Document

1) The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial or other disadvantage for the public benefit, in particular, but not exclusively by, providing donations to:

a) Charities supporting young people or young people in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire who provide regular or on-going caring support to a family member who is either physically or mentally ill, disabled or addicted to substances, by providing the resources for respite activities and practical help.

b) Charities in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire helping homeless young people who provide shelter and sustenance with the aim of helping them return to the community and enabling them to resume a normal life.

c) Institutions and charities in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire providing care, respite and education facilities for autistic young people and their families.

d) Improve the emotional resilience and mental health of children and young people throughout Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire by informing and actively engaging with children, young people, parents, policymakers and professionals.

2) To advance such charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the trustees see fit from time to time in particular, but not limited to advancing the education of young people for the public benefit by making awards that foster innovation and opportunity to financially disadvantaged students in full-time education in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Summary of the Main Activities Undertaken for the Public Benefit in Relation to the Charity's Objects

The Foundation have focused in granting monies to charities, institutions that ‘help young people facing difficulties’ and directly to young people within the framework of the objectives documented above. The overriding criteria is that monies given must make a difference by either contributing to individuals directly to address a specific need or by contributing to a project run by the charity or institution. In advance of the approving and granting of monies, a visit is made by several trustees to discuss directly with the charity/institution/individuals concerned to ascertain exactly how the money will be spent, the impact it will make and arrange a follow up to ascertain the results of the contribution.

During the financial year, June 2, 2023, to June 1, 2024, the following charities/individuals have received funding from the Foundation totalling £21,865:

Challengers
Langside School
Montacute School
Strongbones
Faithworks Sleepsafe
Bernie’s Compression Unit
Key Changes Music Therapy
Wimborne Town Football Club

Additional Details Activities – Grant Making/Donations

A clear and documented account of any proposal for funding will have to be submitted to our Trustees for proposed donations to individuals, groups or projects. All applications will include and observe at a minimum the following criteria:

a. An explanation of how funding will achieve the Foundation’s objectives. The proposal must ensure how the application, whether it be from an individual, charity or organisation will directly benefit young people in difficulty in the areas outlined by the Foundation’s objectives e.g. homelessness, autism, young carers, young people’s mental health and education

b. The location of the individual, group or project must be resident or operating within Dorset, Wiltshire or Hampshire

c. Where funding is going towards a charity, the organisation must be registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Preference will be given to local charities when making donations

d. The time period within which the proposal is valid must be one year. (Subsequent future funding applications will have to be submitted for re-approval by the Trustees)

e. Donations to individuals will be limited to £1,250.00 in any 12-month period. (Variation to this will be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees)

f. For funding given to individuals, a letter of support (from a qualified medical, social care professional or educationalist) should accompany the proposal

Organisations will be required to demonstrate the benefit of any donations made by the Foundation by providing an impact report to the Board of Trustees within an agreed time period.

Achievements & Performance

Statutory Declaration

The trustees declare that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the commission in exercising their powers or duties.

Summary of the Main Achievements of the Charity for the Year

This Trustee report represents activity within the period June 2, 2023, to June 1, 2024 (as defined by the Charity Commission).

Donations Made

We are proud to have donated a total of £21,685 to the following worthy causes/charities during the financial year, in line with our mandate:

CHALLENGERS £1,470 - his was our fourth donation to Challengers, whose Playschemes allow disabled and non-disabled children and young people the chance to come together and play, have fun and make new friends in a safe space. The Playschemes run during weekends, in term time and on weekdays during Easter and Summer school holidays.
LANGSIDE SCHOOL £7,742 - We were so pleased to make this donation to Langside School in Poole, funded by Diverse Abilities, Dorset's Disability Charity. Our fifth donation to this amazing school where children aged 2-19, with profound physical and learning disabilities and complex medical needs, are cared for and helped to achieve their full potential. The funding was to purchase an Acheeva Bed which is a height- adjustable mobile therapy bed that helps maintain functional position throughout the school-day, which allows a child to get involved in activities. This new bed is to be used by Tasha who is no longer able to stand - it will allow her to be placed in different lying positions and means that the adult working with her will be at the appropriate height.
MONTACUTE SCHOOL £3,575 - Montacute is a very special school in Poole, supporting pupils with complex learning difficulties and disabilities. The pupils, ranging in age from 3-19 years, are part of a wonderful school family where each child is seen as unique in their talents and needs. Music is a very important part of the curriculum and we are so pleased to report that our funding has been used to pay for a term's visit from Music Jack.
STRONGBONES £3,511 - we were approached for funding by Strongbones, a wonderful organisation that supports children and young people with bone conditions such as Scoliosis, Bone Cancer, and Spina Bifda. Strongbones has been working on a new, fully- adapted respite holiday home on a park in Lymington. This funding to allow the purchase of a ceiling hoist to be used in this new changing space at the holiday park's pool, to allow full use of the pool and the therapy that this provides. Respite breaks are essential for the clinically vulnerable and povertystricken children supported by Strongbones and for their families, carers and siblings.
FAITHWORKS £3,000 - This is our 7th consecutive, annual donation to help with projects for rough sleepers in Bournemouth. Faithworks have now launched an exciting new programme called Safesleep to help vulnerable people of all ages not just get off the streets but importantly stay off the streets. Safe sleep offers a partnership agreement with volunteers who are committed to each individual to ensure that they settle into their new community and continue to have a safe sleep in a new home. Our funding will help to fund this project, and we are proud of the partnership that we have developed with Faithworks in this area of care.
BERNIE’S COMPRESSION UNIT £700 - We are delighted that we have been able to help lovely 22month-old Bernie with funding towards the purchase of a specialist Compression Suit. Bernie has a Trio de Novo gene mutation, of which there are only 200 cases in the world. Unfortunately, this causes global development delay, macrocephaly, seizure-like episodes, sensory and gastric issues and also affects sleep and behaviour. His physiotherapist has recommended a DMO Compression Suit which should both calm and regulate Bernie and help with his body awareness. The NHS was unable to help with funding and so we're glad we have been able to assist.
KEY CHANGES MUSIC THERAPY £1,250 - Key Changes Music Therapy supports young, vulnerable people by helping to relieve physical and mental disabilities and alleviates social difficulties. Clients may have profound learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders and mental health problems.
WIMBORNE TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB £267 – This small grant was given to Louis’s old football club’s junior section to enable the purchase of new kit for the Under 8 team.

Fundraising

The above donations made by the Foundation have been funded through numerous fundraising activities and donations made. The Trustees want to put on record how grateful we are to everybody who has donated, undertaken fundraising activities or helped the Foundation in any way. We are so grateful to those people who remain loyal friends of the Foundation and whose enthusiasm and commitment helps Louis’s Foundation to achieve its aims and make real differences to those experiencing difficulty who are unable to help themselves. It is so touching that in remembrance of Louis, acts of kindness and positivity are carried out.

In total £10,346 has been raised in fundraising activities. This is slightly down on last year (£11,852). This year’s figure is in line with that raised in previous years (See Financial Review section in this report). Please note that the figure only reflects monies received within the financial year and will not include money raised by activities towards the year end, as money from these events will not have been received within the financial year:

June 2023

Sturminster Marshall Church Fete - St Mary's Church held its annual Church Fete on a gloriously sunny June 3rd. We were grateful to have a Tombola Stall with lots of donated gifts and it was good to have Louis's Foundation included in the community event. A most enjoyable afternoon and £95 raised!

Ashley Wood Golf Club – Our golf day was a great success with 21 teams of four entered. The grand total raised was an incredible £3,3995. This figure not only reflects monies donated during the day, but fundraising activities throughout the year. For this, and his tireless organisation and help we have Andre Labouchardiere to thank.

Craig’s Challenge - On June 15th, Ashley Wood Golf Club Greenkeeper, Craig Jordan, bravely took on an incredible 'many holes' challenge, raising funds for Louis's Foundation. He began at 4am and walked and played 6 rounds of golf - 108 holes! Exhausting!! We are both incredibly grateful for, and in awe of, Craig's efforts which raised an amazing £535.

Colehill Community Choir Concert - On June 24th, Colehill Community Choir held a glorious Summer Concert evening at St Michael's Church in Colehill. We were thrilled that they chose to support two charities with the proceeds - Louis's Foundation and the Friendly Food Club with £478 donated to the Foundation.

October 2023

Mix & Mingle Cake Sale - On October 19th, we were fortunate to have a Cake Stall at the monthly Mix & Mingle village gathering in Tarrant Keyneston's Village Hall. We were well-supported and pleased to say £131 was raised!

November 2023

Sturminster Marshall Quiz Night – Our Quiz Night held in Sturminster Marshall on November 10[th] and we are so grateful to Quiz Master, John Jocham, for preparing and delivering an evening's entertainment which resulted in £757 being raised for the Foundation.

SPAR Book Sale - We are so grateful to the Spar in Sturminster Marshall for holding a fundraising book stall for quite some time in aid of Louis's Foundation and then as a grand finale, advertising their closing sale on November 18th. We are grateful for the £30 raised.

December 2023

Salisbury House’s Bake Sale - On December 1st, Salisbury House at Canford School, held a Bake Sale and we were delighted to receive the £379 raised.

Just Sing Christmas Concert -We were incredibly touched that Louis's Foundation was voted to be the charity of choice to benefit from this Christmas Concert 2023. The practice that goes into making the event so amazing is quite incredible - led by their two fabulous leaders, Kelly and Amy. The concert was held on December 9th at Parkstone Grammar School and a fabulous £2,180 was raised!

January 2024

Andre Labouchardiere’s Year of Captaincy - On January 20th we were delighted to attend an event at Ashley Wood Golf Club at which Andre handed over the reins to the new Golf Club Captain for 2024. The ceremony celebrated Andre's achievements during the year including all the fundraising for his chosen Captain's charity. There was a ceremonial handing- over of a cheque which represented the sum raised throughout the year for Louis's Foundation: a magnificent £6,250. Thank you so much Andre and to all who supported you at Ashley Wood Golf Club!

March 2024

Blandford Darts Round Robin - Once again, as in 2023, we are indebted with gratitude to Sarah Thompson and Dennis Crane for choosing Louis's Foundation as the cause for support from their amazing raffle. This was held to coincide with Dennis's Darts Tournament held at Blandford's Royal British Legion on March 30th. We're grateful also of course to those who generously donated the fabulous prizes and those who bought the tickets. The fabulous sum of £1,265 was raised and we're so appreciative of all the hard work and generosity that went into making this possible!

May 2024

Tarrant Monkton Quiz Night - Huge thank you to Mike Sandford for delivering his brilliant Quiz on May 24th in Tarrant Monkton Village Hall. £522.50 was raised for Louis's Foundation!

Donations to the Foundation

During this year, the Foundation received over £2,844 in donations for which we are incredibly grateful.

We are so grateful to family, friends and supporters of the work of Louis's Foundation for the donations we receive during a year. Sometimes these are to mark Louis's Birthday on September 8th and Christmas, sometimes as a gesture passing on good fortune and sometimes 'just because'. This year for example we were so touched to receive a generous donation from Hannah Palmer and fiancé Andy as a celebration of their engagement and also a regular donation from the Furber family, passing on a share of their son's scholarship funding from Canford.

Additionally, on October 14th, we had a wonderful surprise from Sarah Thompson and Dennis Crane who had organised the fundraising in April 2022 from the Darts tournament. They got in touch with very welcome news. The Blandford Super League Darts, who had ceased to enter tournaments, decided that the £900 remaining in their float should be donated to Louis's Foundation.

Financial Review

Brief Statement of the Charity's Policy on Reserves

Gross receipts were down by 40.16% from £30,663 to £18,346. This is mainly due to a significant reduction in donations in the year (from £17,933 in 2023 to £2,844 in 2024). However, donations in 2022/23 reporting period reflected two ‘one-off’ significant corporate donations which have significantly skewed this year’s comparison. However, fundraising in the year remained in line with previous years on £10,346

Expenses the year were £26,748 which is in line with previous years where no major fundraising event was undertaken. See below table:

Income/Exps.	01/06/2019	01/06/2020	01/06/2021	01/06/2022	01/06/2023	01/06/2024
Total Gross Income	£30.90k	£26.51k	£25.22k	£47.70k	£30.66k	£18.35k
Total Gross Exps **	£29.78k	£19.15k	£25.95k	£33.17k	£37.42k	£26.74k

** this figure includes grants awarded

This year the Foundation were pleased to have made a total of £21,865 in grants to the organisations mentioned in this report. This represents a slight decrease of 9% from £24,006 in 2023 to £21,865 this year. Extracting the grants donated in the year from overall gross expenses, highlights that a very positive 82% of all outgoings in the year were in the form of direct awards to our grant applicants. This is slightly up on previous years.

Non-grant related expenditure has decreased from £13,417 in 2023 to £4,883 this year. This reflects a significant reduction in expenses associated with Fundraising. However, on a positive note this

63.6% reduction in fundraising costs was not reflected in overall grants awarded in the year. Only, £275 has been spent on direct administration costs (bank charges and insurance costs etc).

Cash at Bank has decreased by £8,403 at £70,557. All funds are unrestricted. It is the intention of the Foundation to maintain sufficient funds to (i) help source future fundraising activities and (ii) maintain a consistent monetary level of grants awarded in any year. This gives us the ability to ‘absorb’ any deficit in overall receipts, as has happened this year.

Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit

Not Applicable

Statutory Notes to the Accounts

Particulars of Any Outstanding Guarantee Given by the CIO

None

Particulars of Any Outstanding Debt