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2025-08-30-accounts

GRACE CHURCH, WOLVERHAMPTON

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2025

Company Registration No. 10905279 (England and Wales) Charity Registration No. 1174223

Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Contents

Page
Trustees Report 4
Independent Examiners Report 8
Statement of Financial Accounts 10
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the financial statements 11 - 16

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Trustees Report Objectives and Activities

The Charity’s objects (“Objects”) are for the public benefit and are specifically restricted to the advancement of the Christian faith and the relief of sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.

Grace Church Wolverhampton is a Christian Church working in partnership with the Catalyst group of Newfrontiers churches, as well as sharing together with Connect, an association seeking to network Wolverhampton’s Churches. Grace Church believes that the good news of knowing God personally through faith in Jesus Christ is a message that is as important today as any other. The team serving GCW is led by Mark and Sally Lloyd who were called to Wolverhampton to assist in planting the Church in 2011 alongside Anthony and Gill Henson who were the original leaders of the church plant. Anthony and Gill had established a number of churches across the South East and the Midlands over the past 26 years. GCW has been established as a church since March 2013.

GCW believes that you do not have to be of a certain standard to get involved and participate in the life of the church. There are no experts. Even those who have been doing it for more than 30 years, do not consider themselves to be experts. There are also no perfect people including the leadership team and Elders. The church seeks together to simply go with what they believe God is saying at each stage of its development within the local context. GCW is built on a number of teams. It believes that having a good core team is an essential element in establishing the work that God has called it to. The church is young in heart and flexible, full of faith, able to adapt and prepared to take risks.

GCW desires to fulfil the command of scripture to take the Gospel into the world. GCW desires very much to grow not so much from transfer growth from other churches but by reaching new converts and seeing prodigals return to the Lord.

The vision of the church is about building a solid foundation of the Grace of God, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit but also reaching out to the community and the world around us. As much energy is spent on reaching people outside of the church as it is building up those who are already in the church.

Grace Church has certain values and characteristics which shape what it does and how it does it. These are:

● To give away what we receive in humble service to one another. Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Leaders and members of the congregation are committed to upholding and promoting this vision and these values.

Grace Church’s main activities comprise of the following:

Achievements and Performance

Leadership and Pastoral Care

The past year has been one of significant transition in leadership at Grace Church. On 9 March, Anthony and Gill Henson concluded their long-standing role in pastoral leadership. The trustees and wider church expressed deep gratitude for their faithful service and the lasting contribution they have made to the life and mission of the church.

Following this transition, Anthony and Gill undertook a three-month sabbatical, supported by the church, to allow for rest and renewal. Leadership responsibility has continued under the senior leadership of Mark Lloyd, supported by Sally Lloyd and a team of pastoral leaders. Investment in leadership development, mentoring and participation in Catalyst Network training has strengthened capacity and helped ensure continuity and stability during this period of change.

Pastoral care remains central to the church’s life. During the year, the church continued to develop structures and practices to ensure individuals and families are supported with wisdom, compassion and consistency.

Supporting the Vulnerable and Marginalised

Care for vulnerable and marginalised individuals remains a core expression of the charity’s public benefit. During the year, the church supported a family granted the right to remain in the UK who faced homelessness following their successful asylum claim. Through sustained pastoral, practical and financial support, the family was assisted in securing accommodation and meeting essential needs.

The church has also continued to support individuals affected by the cost-of-living crisis, including those in employment who nevertheless experience financial hardship. Support has included pastoral visits, prayer and practical and financial assistance where appropriate.

The Manna Soup Kitchen, now operating monthly in Heath Town, continues to provide a vital point of connection for those experiencing isolation, hardship or food insecurity. Approximately 30 people attend regularly. The ministry is led by a member of the congregation and supported entirely by volunteers, who offer a warm meal, conversation and friendship. Feedback from attendees and the wider community remains consistently positive.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Children, Youth and Families

Grace Church continues to prioritise ministry among children, young people and families. The children’s ministry has developed further during the year, offering engaging and ageappropriate teaching that encourages children to grow in faith and understanding.

Youth ministry has continued to grow, supported by a developing partnership with another local church. This partnership has enabled children and young people to participate in a local kids’ club and youth group, widening opportunities for connection and discipleship.

In addition, the church ran the Parenting for Faith course during the year, equipping parents with practical tools and confidence to nurture faith within family life. Feedback from participants was highly positive, with many reporting renewed encouragement and clarity in their parenting role.

Students and Young Adults

There has been encouraging growth in engagement with students and young adults in their twenties. Regular gatherings, shared meals and discipleship opportunities have provided space for community and spiritual formation. The church has also supported engagement with local universities and colleges, including mentoring and support for the development of a Christian Union, investing in emerging leaders seeking to live out their faith within educational settings.

Premises and School Partnership

One of the most significant developments during the year was the church’s move into new school premises. This transition represented both a practical relocation and a new missional opportunity. The church has been warmly welcomed by the school community and has begun developing positive relationships with staff and leadership, with a view to future partnership and community engagement.

Alongside this developing relationship, Grace Church provided financial support towards the delivery of the Worth It Programme, run by Engage Trust UK, within the local secondary school. This programme supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people, reflecting the church’s commitment to fostering resilience, hope and positive identity among children and adolescents in Wolverhampton.

Community Outreach and Wider Engagement

Grace Church remained actively engaged in serving the wider community through a range of outreach activities. During the Christmas period, the church participated in two Christmas Hamper Appeals: one supporting patients and families connected to New Cross Hospital, and another serving families across Wolverhampton through the Wolverhampton Christmas Hamper Appeal. These initiatives provided practical support and encouragement to many households during a period of increased pressure.

The church also hosted the Tearfund Big Quiz Night in a local coffee shop, combining community-building with fundraising for Tearfund’s international poverty relief work.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Looking Ahead

As the church reflects on the year ahead, there is a growing sense of opportunity to deepen engagement within the local community and to strengthen partnerships with other organisations and stakeholders. Trustees note an increasing sense of shared ownership of the church’s calling within its locality, alongside a developing vision for sustainable impact across Wolverhampton.

The trustees remain committed to ensuring that the charity’s activities continue to align with its charitable objects, provide clear public benefit and are carried out with appropriate care, governance and financial oversight.

Financial Review

The charity’s income continues to be derived primarily from regular tithes and donations from members of the congregation. This remains the most significant and reliable source of funding for the church’s ongoing activities.

During the year, the charity recorded a planned financial deficit, with expenditure exceeding income. This reflects a continuation of the trustees’ previously agreed approach to invest reserves intentionally in order to sustain leadership, pastoral care and ministry during a period of transition and development.

In recent years, reserves have been drawn upon to support the transition in pastoral leadership, invest in training and development, and maintain the church’s capacity to serve both the congregation and the wider community. Trustees consider these decisions to have been deliberate and aligned with the charity’s purposes, rather than a result of unmanaged financial pressure.

However, trustees recognise that reserves have reduced over time as a result of these planned deficits. While the charity continues to hold reserves, these provide limited breathing space and do not represent a long-term solution for funding ongoing ministry. Trustees are therefore mindful of the need to move towards a more sustainable financial position, where regular income more closely aligns with regular expenditure.

The charity maintains a reserves policy of holding approximately three months’ equivalent of charitable expenditure, unless specific circumstances justify a different level. Trustees continue to review the level of reserves in light of current expenditure commitments and anticipated income.

Looking ahead, trustees believe the charity remains a going concern, but recognise that progress towards financial sustainability will be required in the nearer term. Trustees will continue to monitor income and expenditure closely, review costs where appropriate, and encourage responsible stewardship across the life of the church, as they seek to ensure that the charity can continue to fulfil its objects and provide public benefit into the future.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Structure, Governance and Management

The Church is governed by Articles of Association and is constituted as a Charitable Company (limited by guarantee). It is overseen by a board of trustees who are appointed by the Elders of the church.

In relation to the policies and procedures adopted by the charity for the induction and training of trustees, current and any new trustees are referred to guidance from the Charity Commission on their website under the heading of “Trustee Role and Board”. The Chair of trustees has put together an induction pack which includes guidance from the charity commission, information about the church itself including its policies and procedures and financial status and health.

New trustees are provided with up-to-date charity commission guidance relating to the role and responsibilities of trustees. They are provided with copies of the policies and procedures of the organisation and encouraged to read through them and ask any questions that they may have. The Chair of trustees meets with them to discuss the above documents, answer any questions and ensure that they have understood the requirements of the role that they are being asked to undertake.

The trustees are all members of the congregation. They all have experience of governance within educational or charitable organisations and a number have served on other boards in similar capacities or work operationally in partnership with boards within their own organisation.

The charity is led by Mark Lloyd, Senior Pastor and Lead Elder, who is supported by a team of trustees and a wider leadership team. During the course of the year, Anthony Henson concluded his role in active pastoral leadership, marking the completion of a significant leadership transition for the church.

The year reflected a period of consolidation and change as Mark continued to grow into the role of Senior Pastor, building on the transition undertaken in previous years. Trustees note the development of a core leadership team drawn from within the wider church, alongside an increasing level of pastoral oversight, teaching and vision-setting. These developments have provided increased clarity and stability in leadership as the church looks to the future.

Anthony Henson’s long-standing contribution to Grace Church and to churches beyond Wolverhampton is acknowledged with gratitude. During the year, he continued to support and mentor church leaders in the UK and Germany, particularly in the areas of leadership development, church planting and pastoral ministry, before stepping back from leadership responsibilities within Grace Church.

Grace Church remains part of the Newfrontiers family of churches and continues to benefit from shared relationships, training and support across the network. The church is part of the Catalyst Network within Newfrontiers, led by Simon Holley, which includes churches across the UK and internationally. During the year, Mark Lloyd participated in Leadership and Theology Training within the Catalyst Network and maintained active links with the Catalyst Hub of churches, contributing to his ongoing development and the strengthening of leadership capacity within Grace Church.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Grace Church Wolverhampton
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1174223
Charity’s principal address 61 Vicarage Road, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, WV11 1SE
1
2
3
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if
not for whole
year
Name of person
(or body) entitled
to appoint
trustee (if any)
Matthieu Lambert Chair / Treasurer Elders
Denise Bellingham-Young Elders
Stephen Morgan Staff welfare Elders

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Mark Lloyd is the “Lead Elder” having the effective function of CEO.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Declarations

T he trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2019. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2019.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2019 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the micro-entity provisions and have been delivered in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Chair of Trustees – Matthieu Lambert – dated 2nd January 2026

Matthieu Lambert 02 January 2026

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Independent Examiners Report to the trustees of Grace Church Wolverhampton

on the accounts for the year to 31[st] August 2025 as set out on pages 10 – 16 in this document

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed

Independent examiner's statement

It is my responsibility to:

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

to prepare accounts that accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or

Signed:

Mervyn Thomas 128 Putnoe Lane Bedford MK41 8LS

Dated: Will sign/date after Trustees complete

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Statement of Financial Activity
Unrestricted
Restricted

Total this
Total last
For the year ended 31st. August 2025 Notes funds funds year year
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources 3
Incoming resources from generated funds -
-

-

-
Voluntary income 57,470
3,161

60,631

52,435
Total incoming resources 57,470 3,161 60,631 52,435
Resources expended 4
Costs of Generating Funds 546
-

546

2,281
Charitable activities 70,854
1,670

72,524

68,388
Total resources expended 71,400 1,670 73,070 70,669
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before
transfers (13,930)
1,491

(12,439)

(18,234)
Gross transfers between funds 7 -
-

-

-
Net movement in funds (13,930)
1,491

(12,439)

(18,234)
Total funds brought forward 51,841
1,294

53,135

71,369
Total funds carried forward 37,911 2,785 40,696 53,135
Balance Sheet
Note Unrestricted
funds

Restricted
funds

Total this
year

Total last
year
For the year ended 31st. August 2025
£
£

£

£
Current assets
Debtors 5 3,635
-

3,635

37,206
40,841

(145)
40,696

37,911

2,785
40,696

7,907
Cash at bank and in hand 34,422
2,785

45,434
Total current assets 38,057 2,785 53,341
Creditors:amounts falling due within one 6 (145)
-

(206)
year
Net assets less liabilities 37,912 2,785 53,135
Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds 37,911
-

51,841
Restricted income funds 7 2,785
1,294
Total funds 37,911 2,785 53,135

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2020.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2021 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

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

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf.

Matthieu Lambert 1st January 2025

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025

1 BASIS OF PREPARATION

1.1 Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

1.2 Going concern

The Charity is a going concern. Income generation through members’ donations is maintaining adequate reserves.

1.3 Change of accounting policy

The accounts present a true and fair view and the accounting policies adopted are those outlined in note 2.

1.4 Changes to accounting estimates

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period (3.46 FRS 102 SORP).

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2.1 Income

Recognition of income

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS 102 SORP).

There are no performance-related grants.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

Legacies

Legacies are included in the SoFA when receipt is probable, that is, when there has been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the charity or have been met.

Government grants

The charity has not received any government grants in the reporting period.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

Contractual income and performance-related grants

This is only included in the SoFA once the charity has provided the related goods or services or met the performance-related conditions.

Donated goods

The charity has not received any goods in the reporting period considered to be of material value. No donated goods have been monetised.

Donated services and facilities

Donated services and facilities are included in the SoFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.

Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SoFA.

Support costs

The charity has not incurred expenditure on support costs.

Volunteer help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees’ annual report.

Income from interest, royalties, and dividends

This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.

Income from membership subscriptions

No membership subscriptions are charged.

Settlement of insurance claims

Insurance claims are only included in the SOFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS 102 SORP) and are included as an item of other income in the SOFA.

Investment gains and losses

Investment gains or losses in the year are recognized in the SOFA

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

2.2 Expenditure and liabilities

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Redundancy cost

The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.

Deferred income

No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.

Creditors

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts

Provisions for liabilities

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date

Basic financial instruments

The charity accounts for basic financial instruments on initial recognition as per paragraph 10.7 FRS102 SORP. Subsequent measurement is as per paragraphs 11.17 to 11.19, FRS102 SORP.

2.3 ASSETS

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £10,000 They are valued at cost except for land and buildings which are shown at the values at 31 December 2016.

The depreciation rates and methods used are below: Furniture and fittings 10% straight line Computers and equipment 33% straight line Buildings 0% straight line

Intangible fixed assets

The charity does not have intangible fixed assets, that is, non-monetary assets that do not have physical substance but are identifiable and are controlled by the charity through custody or legal rights

Debtors

Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

3 Analysis of income
Unrestricted Restricted
Total funds

Total funds
funds funds 2025 2024
Donations and legacies: £ £ £ £
Voluntary donations 47,493
1,821

49,314

44,397
Gift Aid 9,880
-

9,880

7,911
Grants -
1,340

1,340

-
Interest 97
-

97

127
Total Donations and legacies 57,470 3,161 60,631 52,435
4 Analysis of expenditure
Unrestricted Restricted
Total Funds

Total funds
funds funds 2025 2024
Expenditure on generating funds: £ £ £ £
Webpage 274
-

274

2,205
Publicity and printing 272
-

272

76
Total expenditure on generating funds 546 - 546 2,281
Expenditure on charitable activities -
Salaries and wages 44,362
-

44,362

37,789
Pensions 1,059
-

1,059

686
Travel, conferences 2,786
-

2,786

4,890
Office Expenses 8,166
188

8,354

4,385
property costs (rents) 10,747
-

10,747

6,910
Resources, Catering and cost of meetings 1,229
1,482

2,712

3,389
Pastoral and care for the needy 1,788
-

1,788

2,740
Ministry and Catalyst - 7,069
Children 546
0

546

361
Governance (Independent Examiner) 170
-

170

170
Total expenditure on charitable activities 70,854 1,670 72,524 68,388
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 71,400 1,670
73,070
70,669

4.1 Trustees Disclosures

In respect of expenses, Trustees have not received any expenses for their duties as trustees. There have been a number of reimbursements over the course of the financial year to all three trustees for direct expenditures on behalf of the charity in circumstances where it was simpler for the trustee to incur the expense and request reimbursement than arrange for the charity to make the initial payment.

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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Grace Church, Wolverhampton Trustee's Report and Financial Statements Year ended August 31st. 2025

Charity: 1174223 Company: 10905279

5 Debtors and prepayments

Analysis of debtors
Amounts
HMRC Gift Aid
Other debtors and Prepayments
Total
falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
1,353
7,907
2,282
-
3,635
7,907

6 Creditors and accruals

Analysis of creditors Amounts falling due within one year Amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals 145 50
Creditors 0 156
Total 145 206

7 FUNDS ANALYSIS

Movements of all funds summarised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Fund Fund
balances balances
brought Incoming Outgoing carried
Fund Name forward resources resources Transfers forward
£ £ £ £ £
Church Unrestricted 51,841 57,470 (71,400) - 37,911
Soup Kitchen Restricted 1,294 3,161 (1,670) - 2,785
Total Funds 53,135 60,631 (70,669) - 40,696

Grace Church Wolverhampton

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