2024-12-31-accounts - Connections Of Hope Foundation

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CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Connections of Hope Foundation

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

CIO Number: CEO 16603 Charity registration number: 1182162

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual Trustees Report together with the financial statements of Connections of Hope Foundation for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

It is with gratitude to Allah Almighty and great pride in our collective efforts that I present the 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Connections of Hope Foundation for the year ended 31 December 2024. This year has been one of consolidation, innovation, and growth. Building on the solid foundations established in previous years, the Foundation has continued to strengthen its governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks, ensuring that every aspect of our work remains transparent, accountable, and impactful. Our focus has remained consistent to empower and guide sister organisations so that they can operate effectively, implement best practice, and deliver greater benefit to the communities they serve.

Governance and Committees

The committees formed in 2023 have now become integral to our organisational structure. Throughout 2024, they have met regularly to provide oversight, strategic guidance, and technical expertise. These include:

The Development & Planning Committee
The Compliance & Risk Management Committee
The Fundraising Committee
The Finance Committee

Each committee has played a vital role in ensuring coordination across our activities, supporting partner organisations, and enhancing accountability throughout the network. Their collaborative work continues to and operational capacity.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

A major highlight of the year was the development and expansion of the AmanSafe online platform. Originally launched to assist organisations in strengthening compliance and improving efficiency, AmanSafe has now evolved into a powerful digital tool. In 2024, it was upgraded with new features that enable partner organisations to monitor governance standards, streamline documentation, and enhance organisational performance. The platform is now a practical and scalable system that embodies our commitment to innovation and capacitybuilding within the charitable sector.

Financial Context and Resilience

The broader economic climate in 2024 continued to pose challenges across the charitable sector. However, the Foundation has responded with resilience promoting efficiency, sustainability, and value optimisation among our partners. Through training programmes, policy development, and advisory support, we have helped organisations remain strong and focused despite financial constraints.

Acknowledgement and Appreciation

These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our Trustees, who continue to offer their time, guidance, and leadership in the service of our mission. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues on the Board for their professionalism, vision, and unwavering commitment. Their contributions have allowed the Foundation to expand its influence, strengthen its systems, and support a growing network of charities both in the UK and abroad.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The coming year presents new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our foremost priority is to expand the adoption of the AmanSafe platform to a wider network of organisations, ensuring that its benefits reach as many partners as possible. We also intend to diversify our income streams and strengthen our fundraising strategy through partnerships and engagement with new donors.

Furthermore, the Foundation aims to engage skilled professionals to reinforce governance, finance, and compliance disciplines across the network. These steps will ensure that our partner organisations are equipped to grow sustainably and continue delivering life-changing services to their beneficiaries.

Closing Reflection

The Connections of Hope Foundation stands today as a trusted source of guidance and a catalyst for positive

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

change. Our work is driven by faith, professionalism, and a deep belief in the power of collaboration. With continued dedication, the Foundation will persist in building connections of hope, trust, and transformation for communities in the UK and beyond.

We thank Allah Almighty for His continued blessings and guidance, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all who support our mission our trustees, partners, donors, and the dedicated individuals working across the network. Together, we look forward to another year of service, growth, and impact.

Dr. Saeed Al-Ghadi, Chairman Connections of Hope Foundation

Vision and Mission Statement

The organisation will advance education and building bridges between communities by supporting organisations that aim to build awareness about Islam amongst communities.

Objectives

The prevention or relief of poverty or financial hardship anywhere in the world by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects and all necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient.
To advance the Islamic religion anywhere in the world for the benefit of the public through the holding of prayer meetings, establishment of religious places, producing and/or distributing literature on Islamic religion to enlighten others about the Islamic religion.

Background

The Connections of Hope Foundation was set up as a grant making organisation to provide funding, support and guidance to other organisations that have similar charitable objectives.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Connections of Hope Foundation is a registered charitable foundation (CIO) under the Laws of England & Wales regulated by the Charity Commission. All members of the board are appointed and are committed to serving the Foundation by fulfilling their roles as Trustees in keeping with its constitution.

Currently serving trustees are:

Dr Saeed Al-Ghadi (Chairman)

Mr Salah Taifoor

Mr Abdul Hakeem Montague

Induction of Trustees

All of our trustees are volunteers. They are chosen because they have the diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience that Connections of Hope foundation needs to respond to key challenges. Stakeholders and partners may nominate trustees, and sometimes we will make a personal approach to potential candidates.

To ensure that the charity benefits from a professional and dynamic board, trustees are provided with a comprehensive induction and on-going training in new or emerging areas of responsibility.

New trustees receive a full overview of the strategic and operational functions, which includes a copy of

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees play a significant role in the running of the charity and are always expected to keep up to date in the charity site. They are also encouraged to help identify any gaps in their training needs.

Achievement and Performance

In 2024, the Connections of Hope Foundation achieved significant milestones in strengthening its organisational structure and advancing its strategic objectives. The committees established in the previous year have continued to play a pivotal role, meeting regularly to provide effective oversight, strategic guidance, and technical support to sister organisations. Their contributions have been -driven.

A major highlight of the year was the development and enhancement of the AmanSafe online platform, which has become a cornerstone of our digital governance framework. The platform has empowered partner organisations to improve compliance, streamline administrative processes, and enhance operational efficiency, enabling them to deliver greater impact to their beneficiaries. In addition, the Foundation has continued to strengthen the capacity of affiliated organisations through ongoing governance support, training programmes, and advisory services. These initiatives have contributed to measurable improvements in performance, resilience, and sustainability across our network, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and continuous development.

Key management personnel

Most administrative tasks were carried out by the Trustees.

The Board of Trustees meet at regular intervals to carry out reviews and take decisions and has the overall receives regular performance reports, annual financial reports, plans and budgets. It also approves relevant new policies and procedures.

LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity Name	Connections of Hope Foundation
Charity Number	CIO Registration No: 1182162
Registered address
	Suite 12 94 Fulham Palace Road
	London, W6 9PL
	HRHS Accountancy
	41 Revere Way
	Epsom, KT19 9RQ
	Lee Bolton Monier-Williams
	1 The Sanctuary
	Westminster
	London SW1P 3JT
	Barclays Bank
	Hammersmith Branch
	1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Risk Management

The Trustees of the Connections of Hope Foundation recognise their responsibility to identify, assess, and manage the range of risks to which the charity may be exposed. This includes ensuring that robust internal controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against potential financial loss, fraud, or operational irregularities.

particularly those relating to governance, financial management, and programme delivery. These reviews enable the Board to assess the effectiveness of existing safeguards and to implement appropriate mitigating measures where necessary.

Based on the most recent assessment, the Trustees are satisfied that the charity maintains sound financial and operational systems, and that effective controls are in place to address identified risks. They have therefore concluded that the Connections of Hope Foundation remains a going concern, with sufficient capacity and resilience to continue its activities successfully throughout 2025 and beyond.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commissions' general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing and shaping the charity's aims and objectives. It is estimated that there are around three million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, many of whom have been born and raised in the U.K. Connections of Hope foundation aims to provide public benefit by supporting and making grants to organisations that serve communities in the UK and overseas.

Reserve Policy

At present, the Foundation has not yet built formal reserves. However, the Trustees have been actively developing a reserves policy during 2024. The aim is to ensure that reserves equivalent to at least three months of operating costs are maintained on an ongoing basis. This will provide financial stability and allow the Foundation to respond effectively to challenges and opportunities as they arise.

Financial Review Growth & Expansion in 2024

During 2024, the Trustees have continued to engage with a wider pool of donors and funding partners. This has strengthened the financial position of the organisation and enabled us to broaden the scope of our support to sister organisations. A particular emphasis this year has been on expanding our role in promoting operational efficiency and increasing impact for beneficiaries through improved governance and compliance systems.

Plans for the Future (2025)

Looking forward, anticipated funding in 2025 is expected to enable the Foundation to engage skilled professionals across a range of organisational disciplines. This will act as a platform to strengthen our capacity and enhance the services we provide, ensuring that sister organisations can continue to grow, improve their governance, and deliver stronger outcomes for their beneficiaries.

Bank Account and Financial Transactions:

of strengthening and developing charitable organisations across the UK and beyond. This remains a key priority moving forward.

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

:

Under charity law in England and Wales, Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give year. In preparing such statements, the Trustees are required to:

Select appropriate accounting policies and apply them consistently
Follow the methods and principles set out in the Charities SORP
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
Confirm compliance with applicable Accounting Standards and Statements of Recommended Practice, subject to any departures disclosed and explained within the financial statements
Prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Charity will continue to operate

The Trustees hold ultimate responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the Charity. This includes taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect error, fraud, or other irregularities. They must also ensure that accurate accounting records are kept, which

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees on 1st October 2024.

Dr. Saeed Al-Ghadi Chairman

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Connection Of Hope Foundation

I report on the accounts which are set out below

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as 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

Independent examiner's statement

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:
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities

to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Hashem Soliman Dated: 4[th] October 2025 HRHS Accountancy Hashem Soliman

Member of Association of Accounting Technicians 41 Revere Way London KT19 9RQ

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Statement of financial activities (including summary income and expenditure account)

Income and endowments from:	Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 156,400 156,400 187,415	Total funds to the nearest £ 156,400 156,400	2023 to the nearest £
Donations and legacies			178,000
*Total Income* Expenditure on:			178,000

Charitable activities		187,415	142,206
*Total Expenditures*	187,415	187,415	142,206
*Net Movement of Funds* Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward *Total funds carried forward*	(31,015) 34,744	31,015 34,744
			35,794

			(1,050)
	3,728	3,728	34,744

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION Section B Balance sheet FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted funds £	Total 2024 £	Total 2023 £
-	-	3,000
5,828	5,828	42,795
5,828	5,828	45,795
		(11,051)
(2,100)	(2,100)

3,728	3,728	34,744

3,728	3,728	34,744

3,728	3,728	34,744

34,744	34,744	(1,050)
(31,015)	(31,015)	35,794
3,728	3,728	34,744

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 1[st] October 2025 and were signed below on its behalf by:

Dr. Saeed Al-Ghadi

1[st] October 2025

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes to the Accounts

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) (Charities SORP 2015 (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Connections of Hope Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going Concern

The trustees are not aware of any material uncertainties which suggest the charity cannot continue as a going concern. The accounting policies have been consistently applied for all material items.

a) Incoming resources

Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when West London Islamic Cultural Centre is entitled to the funds, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured.

All income is accounted for when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, the amount can be quantified, and receipt of the funds is probable. Where income is received in advance of providing goods and/or services, it is deferred until the charity becomes entitled to that income.

b) Resources expended

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

Support costs are those costs incurred indirectly in support of expenditure on the programmes of the Charity. Allocation of support costs and staff costs have been proportionated to the total of programme costs and corresponding thematic programme area.

Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. They include legal advice for trustees, cost of trustees' meetings, audit fee and internal audit costs. These costs are allocated in the same way as other support costs.

Suite 12, 94 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9PL

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes to the Accounts Cont.

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which include buildings and equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the Charity and other funds available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the Charity's objectives. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are subject to specific restrictions as imposed by the donor or nature of the appeal.

Taxation

As a registered charity, West London Islamic Cultural Centre is exempt from taxation of income and gains to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only.

Key judgements and estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires the Trustees to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on the Trustees' best judgment at the date of the financial statements, deviate from the actual circumstances, the original estimates and assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the year in which the circumstances change. The Trustees' do not believe that there are any significant areas of estimation uncertainty that need to be disclosed.

Building 3, Office 108, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, W4 5AN

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes to the Accounts Cont.

Unrestricted £ 156,400	Unrestricted £ 156,400	Total 2024 £		Total 2023 £ 178,000 178,000 2023 £ 8,791 12,938 118,401 140,129 2023 £ 2,113 3,678 2,999 8,791 2023 £ 42,795
		156,400
156,400		156,400		178,000
	£	2024
		20,170
		14,065
		153,181
		187,416		140,129
	£	2024
		750
		19,420
		-
		20,170		8,791
		2024 £

		5,828
				42,795
		5,828
	2024 £ -		2023 £ 3,000 3,000


	-		3,000

Building 3, Office 108, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, W4 5AN

CONNECTION OF HOPE FOUNDATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes to the Accounts Cont.

Note 7 Charity funds

Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period

Total Funds

----- Start of picture text -----
Type Fund Fund
PE, EE Purpose and balances brought Income Expenditure balances carried
Restrictions
Unrestricted R or forward forward
Funds UR * £ £ £ £
U N/A 34,744 156,400 187,416 3,728
----- End of picture text -----

Details of material funds held and movements during the PREVIOUS reporting period

----- Start of picture text -----
Type Fund Fund
PE, balances Incom balances
Fund names EE Purpose and brought e Expenditure carried
R or Restrictions forward forward
UR
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted
U N/A
Funds (1,050) 178,000 142,206 34,744
----- End of picture text -----*

Note 8

Staff Costs

The average number of employees for the year were None

The trustees are deemed to be the key management personnel and are not remunerated for their services to the charity.

Note 9 STATUS

The entity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales on 21[st] February 2019.

Note 10

RELATED PARTY RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS

There are no related party transactions to report.

Note 11

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

No post balance sheet events

Building 3, Office 108, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, W4 5AN