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2025-04-05-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 6[th] April 2024 Period start date To 5[th] April 2025 Period end date

Charity name: Dress It Forward

Charity registration number: 1189810

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The relief of financial hardship among
disadvantaged and impoverished
individuals living in South Africa by
providing such persons with formal clothing
(including but not limited to outfits for
graduation celebrations or job interviews)
which they could not otherwise afford.
The prevention or alleviation of poverty
either generally or individually, of people
living in South Africa, by providing: grants
and services to charities, or other
organisations working to prevent or relieve
poverty.
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		 The charity sources and collects donations
of second-hand, formal clothing (especially
prom dresses and suits) from within the
UK. Using partner organisations it then
distributes this clothing to disadvantaged
and impoverished individuals living in South
Africa, allowing these individuals to attend
their high school graduation ceremonies
and so inspiring the next generation of
pupils.
During the financial year 2024 to 2025, the
charity continued to fundraise and grow on
the foundations of the previous year, which
had seen us emerging from the impact of
the COVID pandemic. With fewer overhead
expenses this year, we were able to give
grants to our South African partner
organisation. We believe we are now on an
upward trajectory in terms of fundraising,
reach, and long-term impact.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The charity supports and benefits those
living in poverty or facing financial hardship,
especially but not limited to, graduating
high school students. We rely on trusted
partner organisations (i.e. the South African
registered non-profit organisation ‘Dress It
Forward SA’) to manage the donations
once they arrive in South Africa and
distribute them to the appropriate
recipients. We do not means test the
individuals who receive our donations but
instead operate on a trust basis in terms of
assessing financial hardship. We target
poor communities and schools with a high
level of students living in poverty and
therefore ensure that the clothing reaches
those who need it most. To qualify for
clothing, students must be in Grade 12 in
the year that they choose their outfit. They
also need to provide a copy of their ID and
proof that they are in matric (the final two
years of high school). This could be either
their latest school report or a letter from the
school confirming their attendance. Other
non-student recipients of clothing (e.g.
those in need of clothing for job interviews,
weddings or other church services) will be
referred direct to us from other
organisations or individuals who will testify
to their need on a case by case basis. We
have found this to be a successful way of
operating.
The trustees 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 The charity provides grants to charities and organisations in South Africa share our objectives and can carry out this work on Para 1.38 our behalf, i.e. those who can administer Policy on grant making and manage our donations of clothing once

they have arrived in South Africa. The charity has an already established working relationship with the South African registered NGO ‘Dress It Forward SA’ but may also use other organisations that have been approved by our trustees. Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment All the charity’s activities are undertaken by volunteers, there are no paid staff. Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers 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 Trustee Annual Report
Year: 2024–2025
Summary of Achievements
During the financial year 2024–2025,
Dress It Forward continued to build on the
momentum of the previous year. Our work
reached more beneficiaries than ever
before, and we strengthened our
operations both locally and in South Africa.
Key Achievements
● Major Donations:We received
substantial clothing donations from
our US-based representative.
● New School Partnerships:We
gained a new UK school supporter,
Prior Park College, which is now
collecting on our behalf, adding to
our growing network of supporting
schools.
● Fundraising Events:Our annual
Quiz Nightand participation in the
Bath Half Marathonremained
highly successful. These events
have become well-established and
sustainable income streams, with
high local engagement and
recognition.
● Public Recognition:Our visibility
within the local community has
increased significantly. We are now
a recognised name at the Bath Half,
with many participants approaching
_us_directly to run on our behalf —
reducing recruitment costs and
efforts.
● School Engagement:We
expanded our school outreach
efforts:
○
Re-established a meaningful
connection withRoyal High
School Bath, delivering a
talk on the charity’s origins
and ongoing work.
○
Strengthened ties withSt
Lawrence School,
Bradford-on-Avon, where
we delivered additional talks
and received new support.
● Progress in South Africa:
The South African NGO,Dress It
Forward SA, was able to sustain
and grow its team. The tagging and
tracking system for donated outfits
continues to prove effective, and
we’ve begun providing feedback to
donors showing where their
donations were used — a major
milestone in transparency and
impact tracking.
● Social Media Growth:
A dedicated social media volunteer
helped develop our presence on
Instagramand other platforms,
increasing engagement and
visibility. Video content and
editorials have further supported
outreach and awareness efforts.
● Local Partnerships:
We established a new connection
withBath Rotary Club, who kindly
awarded us a £500 grant to support
our ongoing transport and logistics
expansion goals — a key objective
from the previous year.
Impact on Beneficiaries and Society
● For the beneficiaries in South
Africa, a donated dress or suit
means far more than an outfit. It
symbolises hope, achievement, and
a brighter future. Attending the
matric dance is a profound
milestone for students in the Cape
Flats and other disadvantaged
communities, showcasing their
determination to overcome
significant socioeconomic
challenges.
● By alleviating the financial burden
on families, DIFSA enables these
students to celebrate their hard-
earned success without incurring
further hardship. The ripple effect is
profound: younger community
members witness these
celebrations and are inspired to
remain in school despite the
obstacles of poverty, gangsterism,
and teen pregnancy.
● The continued support of schools
and the increased social media
visibility have helped increase
awareness of our work,
encouraging empathy and
engagement from young people in
the UK.

Environmental Benefits

sustainability goals.
Plans for the Future / Strategic Aims
● Transport Logistics:
With funding secured, we will begin
implementing our strategy to reach
more remote and under-resourced
areas of South Africa, overcoming
one of our biggest logistical
challenges.
● Capacity Building:
We are now operating close to full
capacity. Our business model is
working efficiently, but we urgently
require additional funding to scale
further and meet demand.
● Continued Growth:
Having stabilised and rebuilt after
COVID, this year has been one of
consolidation and scaling. Our
focus in 2025–2026 will be to
maintain that upward trajectory
while refining our model for
sustainability.

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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against
objectives set
Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set
Para 1.41
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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 experienced
continued income growth
during 2024–2025, helped by
sustained fundraising through
repeat events and new donors.
Our core fundraising events
(Bath Half Marathon and quiz
night) performed well again,
and we saw significant
donations from our
international representatives.
Our expenses were lower this
year, enabling us to increase
grant distribution to our South
African partner. The Bath
Rotary Club also awarded a
£500 grant to support logistics
expansion.
●
Total income:£6,319
●
Total expenditure:£9,309
●
Largest cost areas:Grant-making
and Advertising & Promotion
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The charity intends to hold in reserve funds
equivalent to four months operating costs,
to cover unforeseen costs, uncertainties
about inflation and possible shortfalls in
expected income.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £0
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 The charity’s income is currently too low to
be able to hold reserves, but in future, it is
the intention for the charity to hold in
reserve funds equivalent to four months
operating costs, to cover unforeseen costs,
uncertainties about inflation and possible
shortfalls in expected income.
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23

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
The charity’s principal sources of
funding were made up as follows:
62% of our income came from individual
sporting sponsorships
4% of our income came from
Easyfundraising
23% of our income came from one
fundraising event
4% of our income came from corporate
sponsorship
8% of our income came from a grant
donation
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 The charity is currently operating at near
full capacity in terms of volunteers,
resources, and operational throughput.
While demand for our services and
donations has never been higher, our
biggest risks include:
●
Limited volunteer capacity
●
Funding pressures
●
The logistical challenge of reaching
more remote areas in South Africa
We now have the model, demand, and
public engagement to scale, but require
greater and more consistent financial
backing to do so sustainably.

Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation
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 All trustees are appointed by the members.
There are no ex-officio or nominated
trustees.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees
Para 1.51
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51
Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51

Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Dress It Forward
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1189810
Charity’s principal address 17 Pulteney Gardens
Bath
BA2 4HG

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		 Nam
e of
pers
on
(or
body
)
entitl
ed to
appo
int
trust
ee (if
any)
Georgina Short Chair
Sharon Jelf Treasurer
Alexandra Ensom
Tine Stapelfeldt

– 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 held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for 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 adviser Name Address Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

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) Georgina Short Sharon Jelf Position (eg Chair Secretary, Chair, etc) Date

Section A Receipts and payments

A1 Receipts

Bath Half Marathon Donation Quiz Ticket Sales Other Income

Sub total(Gross income for AR)

A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).

Sub total

Total receipts

A3 Payments

Charitable Donations to South Africa Advartising Printing & computer costs

Sub total

A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)

Sub total

Total payments

Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Page 1

Categories

B1 Cash funds

B2 Other monetary assets

B3 Investment assets

B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use

B5 Liabilities

Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees

Page 2

Dress it Forward

Receipts and payments accounts For the period from

06/04/24

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £
-
4167 -
1462 -
690 -
- -
- -
- -
- -
6319 -
- -
- -
- -
6319 -
- -
8319 -
440 -
550 -
-
-
- -
- -
- -
9309 -
- -
- -
- -
9309 -
-2990 -
- -
7898 -
4908 -

Page 3

Details

Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))

Details Details Details Details Signature

Page 4

1189810 CC16a
To 05/04/25
Endowment funds Total funds Last year
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
- - -
- 4167 -
- 1462 -
- 690 -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- 6319 -
- -
- - -
- - -
- 6319 -
- - -
- 8319 -
- 440 -
- 550 -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- 9309 -
- -
- -
- - -
- 9309 -
- -2990 -
- - -
- 7898 -
- 4908 -

Page 5

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Agreement Error OK OK
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Current value (optional)
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Current value (optional)
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) When due (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name Date of approval

Page 6

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