Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 02/04/2024 Period start date To 1/4/2025 Period end date
Charity name: Matthew 25:40
Charity registration number: 1185473
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | 1. To relieve poverty among those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless through provision of: items, training and long term practical and social support for individuals in need, to allow for re-integration into society 2. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
1. Friends: initiative designed to encourage members of the community to develop genuine and supportive relationships in a safe and compassionate environment. It involves weekly (1.5 hours) gatherings between volunteers and beneficiaries to engage in conversations, with refreshments provided. Through this we want to help build greater support networks for those who are vulnerable and provide a place where they can provide their thoughts, feelings and worries in a place free of judgement, where support can be offered. 2. Community Incentivised Fundraising (CIF): a fundraising initiative designed to engage with the wider community around a particular issue that relates to our objects. This can either be for projects developed within Matthew 25:40 or for small local projects that align with our |
| objects and mission. 3. Collaborative Conversations: We gather leaders in local communities to have topical discussions with the purpose of creating better outcomes for those who are vulnerable in the community. This also involves both small and larger scale projects that serve relevant beneficiaries for social organisations/charities involved. 4. Heart of Unity: A part networking, part celebratory event held in the autumn/winter with other organisations/charities that work to support those within the community. It acts as a space to share successes, challenges and ideas for the future. It is also a space to encourage collaboration across different organisations and build synergistic relationships. This is currently held every two years. |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | We, the trustees of Matthew 25:40, have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference |
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|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Grants are funded through the Community Incentivised Fundraising (CIF) initiative of the charity and are to be issued to organisations where they support the objects stated in the governing document for Matthew 25:40 (as stated above). The principles that will underpin the awarding of grants are: 1. Trustees will hold ultimate responsibility for grant-making decisions in accordance with the charitable objects of the charity 2. Each situation or request will be considered on its own merits and the trustees will carry out appropriate due diligence to ensure that it would meet the charitable purposes of the charity, (this will be detailed scope of what the grant will be used for) 3. Periodic check-ins to ensure that the grant has been used for |
| intended purpose 4. Grants will only be provided to charities or organisations that have a demonstrable charitable purpose in line with our objects 5. The charity will work in partnership with other organisations where appropriate to support initiatives beyond the financial scope of a single organisation The trustees will carry out sufficient due diligence on all potential grant- recipients to ensure: That funds or items are used and applied in accordance with the charity’s charitable objects and purpose That funds or items are not knowingly used for activities which are illegal or likely to cause damage to the charity’s reputation |
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|---|---|---|
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The contribution of our volunteers remains at the core of our Friends initiative, which is a vital service of the charity. We rely on our volunteers to foster a sense of inclusion for all those who engage with the service, creating supportive relationships and long-term networks for all users. Since our launch in October 2019, our volunteers have been essential in establishing a consistent presence of familiarity on a weekly basis not only for our beneficiaries, but also the wider community, as they encourage those they have existing relationships with and new people to join a session (this could be from a point of receiving support, giving support or both). Across 24/25, our volunteers helped us to maintain the work we do in the city centre with Friends and a consistent base of community for people to engage with. With greater confidence in their own ability and authority to maintain the |
positive culture the service was built on, there has been more willingness from those who have been volunteering with the charity for an extended period taking on more leadership responsibilities during Friends sessions, where they feel comfortable to do so. In partnership with a local university (Nottingham Trent University), we continue to receive unsold food items to distribute amongst our beneficiaries, which has been a big help. Our volunteers have supported us in both collection and distribution of these items as well as collections of hot drinks, taking a much greater role in leading this area of the service. N/A Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Friends : The charity has continued to engage with individuals who are isolated, lonely, or vulnerable. During this period, we have maintained the delivery of our Friends service, which provides beneficiaries with a supportive network and a sense of familiarity and stability. We have also encouraged both volunteers and beneficiaries to take greater ownership in shaping our activities by sharing their thoughts, opinions, and ideas. This includes suggesting group sessions, discussing personal interests, and identifying shared passions that help build connections. As a result, engagement has improved among participants, and we are better informed when planning future activities. With recent cutbacks from the local council due to significant financial difficulties, there are less resources across the city for people to access support. Also, with an ever-changing social climate it further highlights the importance of the service and volunteers’ contributions as more people have found themselves isolated, |
vulnerable, lacking in community and unable to access relevant help. On a weekly basis, they continue to offer up their time to support the Friends service, engaging with those that attend, whether frequently or on one off occasions. Collaborative Conversations Originally titled ‘Conversations’, as a result of work done through the Youth Project, we developed this into ‘Collaborative Conversations’. In this, we gather leaders in local communities to have topical discussions with the purpose of finding better outcomes for those who are vulnerable in the community. After the success of the Youth Action Project, Collaborative Conversations in St Ann’s has been able to secure a grant from Nottinghamshire Police to continue with Youth Engagement activity in the area Youth Engagement Funding from Nottinghamshire Police was secured through the Collaborative Conversations initiative to support ongoing youth engagement work. As a result, the charity has been able to run weekly basketball sessions for local young people, providing a safe and welcoming space where they can develop a sense of belonging and inclusion. These sessions help young people strengthen relationships with peers and trusted adults, reducing the risk of social exclusion and its associated impacts.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
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|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity’s financial position at the end of period is healthy. A further grant issued for the work of our Collaborative Conversations initiative during the financial period has continued to support our work. The three-year grant received from Benefact during the 23/24 financial period is also continuing to support the work of our Friends initiative. We continue to comfortably meet the charity’s monthly running costs through our primary source of unrestricted funding. This support enables us to sustain our core service initiative, Friends, and to develop a new collaboration portal for charities and non-profits, shaped directly by feedback from the most recent Heart of Unity event. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | We believe that reserves are required to ensure we can continue to carry out activities in line with our objects, which are to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and carry out activities to promote social inclusion within the community. We have taken into account: - The length of time the charity has been set up for - The typical cash flow of the charity during a monthly period and likely future expenditure - Reliability of current and future monthly income streams We have set the current reserve level to ensure: - The charity can cover unforeseen loss of primary income source to allow for continued service provision for at least one month, taking into account potential increase in beneficiaries This will be reviewed on a quarterly basis or if circumstances change. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £400.00 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
charity continuing as a going concern
Additional information (optional)
| Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) |
|---|---|---|
| You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: | ||
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Funding for the charity has been primarily through monthly contribution/donations from the charity founders Jerome Edwards and Alex Owusu, which was started from the inception of the idea of the charity. In addition to this, there have also been ad hoc donations from those keen to support the work of the charity. This funding has allowed the charity to cover running costs related to administration, marketing and promotion, inventory and refreshments for Friends sessions. For key projects, such as Collaborative Conversations, grant funding is utilised to provide resourcing across the life of the project. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The main risks facing the charity are: - External factors like reduction in funding opportunities in the sector, as seen in local council, will create greater need and less resource to match the need so it’s important that we remain open to collaboration with relevant organisations where quality of service can be maintained and greater outcomes for beneficiaries can be found. We remain aware that as a charity we need to be alert to external pressures that could affect our services and how we are able to engage with beneficiaries. - Social and political tensions are rising nationwide across a range of issues, which can particularly focus on marginalised groups such as immigrants, homeless, people of colour etc. This can create an environment where the purpose of our work can be misrepresented, so it’s important that the purpose of the work we |
do is clear for the public to be able to engage with Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Foundation Model Constitution of CIO |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Current procedure involves noting where gaps in knowledge are and current trustees putting forth suggestions for candidates to fill position from individuals known to trustees. If no appropriate candidate can be agreed upon, senior members of staff will be consulted for viable candidates. If an individual has been agreed upon as a candidate, an informal approach to an individual is then made and the position is discussed with them along with responsibilities of the position. If this is agreed upon by the individual then current trustees approve the appointment and they are added to the post |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | New trustees are provided with the Foundation Model Constitution of the CIO, which is the charity’s governing document and where possible, the charity’s most recent Annual report and Financial Statements Guidance from the Charity Commission is signposted to for further reference of duties and best practice |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The charity is set up with four trustees with one trustee also acting as an additional volunteer for Friends initiative. There are two additional volunteers who make up the senior staff team. Day-to-day decisions are taken by the charity’s Director. Aims and objectives for the charity are set by the Director and trustees with senior staff consulted and encouraged to engage with discussion and share their thoughts – overall decision making for aims and objectives sits with trustees. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 |
| Other | The charity currently has no paid staff and is currently solely staffed by volunteers |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Matthew 25:40 |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | N/A |
| Registered charity number | 1185473 |
| Charity’s principal address | Mailbox 2266 37 Westminster Buildings Theatre Square Nottingham NG1 6LG |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Owusu | ||||
| Rachel Foster | ||||
| Ayo Ogunbo | ||||
| Luke Scott | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity
Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Jerome Edwards (Volunteer/Director), Sonia Fernandes (Volunteer/Secretary)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
N/A
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date |
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|---|---|---|
| Alexander Owusu | Ayo Ogunbo | |
| Trustee Trustee 31/01/26 |
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| 31/01/26 |
| Charity Name Matthew 25:40 1 |
Charity Name Matthew 25:40 1 |
Charity Name Matthew 25:40 1 |
No (if any) 185473 |
CC16a | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the period from |
Period start date 02/04/2024 |
To |
Period end date 4/1/2025 |
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| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
| A1 Receipts Voluntarydonations 4,352 Grants Fees for event - Service refund 271 Payment for services 737 Gift Aid 2,547 - - 7,907 - Sub total - Total receipts 7,907 A3 Payments Cost of charitable activities 1,724 Raisingfunds - Marketing 21 GoverningCosts 530 Phone & IT 2,540 Payment for services Consumables 46 Catering - Travel 2 Training - Other admin 50 Sub total 4,912 Assets - Sub total - Total payments 4,912 Net of receipts/(payments) 2,995 A5 Transfers between funds - A6 Cash funds last year end 1,364 Cash funds this year end 4,359 Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ Sub total(Gross income for AR) A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - 3,570 - 15 - - - - 3,585 - - - 3,585 4,005 - 29 - 735 209 - - - - 4,978 - - - 4,978 - 1,393 - 5,291 3,898 |
to the nearest £ Endowment funds |
Total funds to the nearest £ 4,352 3,570 - 286 737 2,547 - - 11,492 - - - 11,492 5,729 - 50 530 2,540 735 255 - 2 - 50 9,890 - - - 9,890 1,602 - 6,655 8,257 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
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| - - - - - - - - - |
4,352 | 2,257 | |||
| 3,570 | 4,000 | ||||
| - | 185 | ||||
| 286 | 125 | ||||
| 737 | - | ||||
| 2,547 | - | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| 11,492 | 6,567 | ||||
| - - - |
- | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| - | 11,492 | 6,567 | |||
| - - - - - - - - - - - - |
5,729 | 2,072 | |||
| - | - | ||||
| 50 | 84 | ||||
| 530 | 239 | ||||
| 2,540 | 1,234 | ||||
| 735 | 6,292 | ||||
| 255 | 4 | ||||
| - | 176 | ||||
| 2 | 27 | ||||
| - | 75 | ||||
| 50 | - | ||||
| 9,890 | 10,203 | ||||
| - - - |
- | - | |||
| - | - | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| - | 9,890 | 10,203 | |||
| - 1,393 | - - - - |
1,602 | - 3,636 | ||
| - | - | - | |||
| 5,291 | 6,655 | 10,288 | |||
| 3,898 | 8,257 | 6,652 |
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|
| Categories Details B1 Cash funds Bank current account - - Details B2 Other monetary assets - - - - - - Details B3 Investment assets - - - - - Details Stationary Laptop Tablet computer Details B5 Liabilities Signature Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
to nearest £ to nearest £ 4,359 3,898 - - - - 4,359 3,898 OK OK to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) unrestricted unrestricted - unrestricted - - - - - - - - - - - - Print Name Alexander James Owusu Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted Restricted Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) |
to nearest £ Endowment funds |
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| OK | ||
| to nearest £ Endowment |
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| Current value (optional) |
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| Current value (optional) |
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| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| Alexander James Owusu | 31/01/26 |