CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1194895
Soroptimist International Foundation Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended
31 December 2024
Soroptimist International Foundation
Financial Statements
Year ended 31 December 2024
| Pages | |
|---|---|
| Trustee's Annual Report | 1 to 10 |
| Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustee | 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 13 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 to 23 |
Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report
Year ended 31 December 2024
The Trustee presents their report and the unaudited Financial Statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Reference and administrative details
| Registered charity name | Soroptimist International Foundation |
|---|---|
| Charity registration number | 1194895 |
| Principal office | Suite 1 |
| 28 St. Thomas Place | |
| Ely | |
| Cambridgeshire | |
| CB7 4EX | |
| The Trustee | S I (Soroptimist International) Limited |
| Independent Examiner | Shane Tharby FCA |
| For and on behalf of | |
| Streets Chartered Accountants | |
| 3 Wellbrook Court | |
| Girton | |
| Cambridge | |
| CB3 0NA |
Structure, governance and management
Soroptimist International Foundation is an unincorporated Charity formed and governed by a Trust Deed dated 1 March 2021 and became a registered Charity on 22 June 2021 under Charity number 1194895.
The Trust Deed does not provide for the appointment of new Trustees as the Trustee is a Corporate Trustee, being S I (Soroptimist International) Limited, and the Articles of Association of S I (Soroptimist International) Limited provides for the appointment of Directors of that Company.
Day to day management is undertaken by Deborah Thomas, the Global Executive Director of S I (Soroptimist International) Limited.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Objectives and activities
The Objects of the Charity are to apply the income from the Trust Fund and at its absolute discretion the Trustee may also apply any part or parts of the capital of the Trust Fund for all or any exclusively charitable purpose or purposes (according to the laws of England) as fall within the Soroptimist International Objects ("The Charitable Objects") and not the wider Soroptimist International Objects themselves.
The Objects of Soroptimist International (as referred to above) are to promote either directly or by the encouragement and support of others:
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the advancement of education;
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the advancement of health and saving of lives;
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the relief and/or prevention of poverty;
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the advancement of good citizenship and community development; and
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the advancement of human rights, peace, equality and diversity;
in each case for the benefit of the public across the world and in particular for the benefit of women and girls to advance their status, position and role in society where currently unequal or disadvantaged (the 'Objects').
Soroptimist International, consists of five Federations: Soroptimist International Africa Federation, Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland and Soroptimist International of the South East Asia Pacific. A global volunteer movement, we work together to transform the lives of women and girls. Our network of over 3,000 clubs in 118 Countries across the world work at a local, national and international level to Educate, Empower and Enable opportunities for women and girls.
The activities undertaken are collecting Appeal donations from the five Federations and wider afield and making grants to providers that meet the objectives of the Charity.
The Trustee has had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
Achievements and performance
The Charity was established on 1 March 2021 and then obtained charitable status. Appeal Funds previously received by S I (Soroptimist International) Limited from the five Federations before the Charity was formed were transferred to the Charity and further Appeal donations continued to be received from the five Federations.
The previous Appeals in operation have been reduced during the year with the majority of funds held for these separate Appeals now having been paid out during the year.
The Appeals that were running during the year are detailed below.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal
'Opening Doors to a Bright Future' is the Soroptimist International (SI) President's Appeal, 2021-2023, officially launched on 1 October 2021. Headed by SI President Maureen Maguire, 2022-23, the Appeal springs from the learnings and success of many of the SI Appeals that have gone before; uniting Soroptimists, Clubs, Regions, Unions and the five Federations, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to some of the world's most marginalised women, girls, and their communities. Projects have been undertaken in each of the five Soroptimist Federations. This Appeal sought to increase gender equality women's empowerments and participation through education and training.
It's aim was to:
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To provide access to education and training for disadvantaged and marginalized women and girls;
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To provide education for women and girls in a safe, friendly and stimulating environment where there is equality of opportunity and support for all;
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To develop self-confidence, self- esteem and to feel valued through mentoring programmes;
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To enable women, particularly the most vulnerable and excluded in society to access information, resources and services they need to make positive life choices; and
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To breakdown barriers to learning and participation for women so that they become fully active citizens and are equipped to pass on their experience to benefit their families and broader communities.
This Appeal, due to funding remaining, continued during 2024 and the projects undertaken have included:
(1) Cambodia Community Dream Organisation - Cambodia
This project, titled 'Education and Learning in Cambodia throughout the life course', has been a beacon of empowerment for women and girls in rural communities. In 2024, partnering with the Cambodian Community Dream Organisation (CCDO), this project provided education and support to 1,000 marginalised women and girls in six villages: Tropeang Thom, Ballank, Run Ta Ek, Rom Chek, Knur Sandai and Peak Sneng in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The project exceeded its expectation and engaged with 1,288 women and girls in various activities aimed at education and learning, fostering empowerment and sustainable development, an increase of 28.8%.
This project saw numerous training sessions that covered vital areas such as health care, gender equity, personal development, business training and more. The sessions have not only equipped women and girls with essential skills but also boosted their confidence and self-esteem and enabled them to actively participate in their communities.
Many of the women established small business enterprises that enabled them to send their children to school and maintain their household. Classes in business management and budgeting form part of the training.
One of the key outcomes of the project was the establishment of Smart Women groups, each comprised active members from each community who served as mentors and counsellors to those in need.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
(2) Rose Academies - Uganda
This project, Uganda Vocational Skills Program - Tailoring, Baking and Computer Literacy, embraced the three key areas at the heart of the Soroptimist International Mission and Vision - Educate, Empower and Enable Women and Girls.
The value of education has been and continues to be well recognised, but learning from experience, sometimes it is more realistic and feasible to support girls to pursue skills development in a vocational program. Benefits of vocational skills development cannot be understated. A year of dedicated study in a vocation takes the girl child into a career that promises to bring in an income for her and her family.
The project selected 20 girls from the Soroti Region, Uganda, a remote, improvised rural area located in Central/Eastern Uganda. The vocational training programme covered three distinct vocational training packages - bakery skills, tailoring skills and computer literacy. An additional sum was given to provide much-needed equipment for the Technical Institute and the procurement of a bicycle.
Overall, this project has been instrumental in transforming the lives of these young women. The skills and knowledge acquired programs have not only enhanced their personal development but also opened doors to economic independence and improved quality of life. As they continue to apply what they have learned, it is anticipated that they will serve as inspiring role models and catalysts for change within their communities.
(3) Restore a Sense of I Can - Caribbean
'Restore a Sense of I Can' (RSC) is an organisation that seeks to educate, empower, and enable women and girls in the Caribbean by giving them access to digital skills, networks and opportunities.
This project selected 100 women and girls (from 11 years of age upwards) living in Trinidad and Tobago in basic digital technology, with a specific focus on offering in-person training to 25 participants from Trinidad and Tobago and 20 participants from the Venezuelan migrant community.
In addition, 50 women from the previous project carried out during 2023, received advanced digital education and of these, 25 participants were placed on a 9-month mentorship programme to develop online businesses using the Big Cartel. The project used both virtual and in-person sessions and opportunities were given to students without devices through the in-person sessions which enabled the development of hands-on skills as well as assisting with greater individual attention. Other soft skills associated with in-person interaction were also enhanced, e.g. teamwork, conflict management, etc.
The participants were trained in the basic use of digital technology, including how to navigate and stay safe in online spaces, to become creators and not just users of digital spaces. By bridging the digital divide, the project empowered participants to make better decisions, gained self-confidence and developed critical thinking skills, ultimately breaking down socio-economic barriers that continued to hinder women's access to digital opportunities.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
(4) Girls and Women capacity is enhanced for independent decision making and improved well-being. - Georgia Europe
This project was achieved with the support of World Vision Georgia, who sought to empower women and girls through the improvement of their life skills and employability, in a country where 74% of women experience intimate partner violence.
In total, 59 women and girls were supported through a series of interventions and workshops designed to address several key focus areas.
Digital Skill Online Workshop
Twenty-one of the most vulnerable girls and women were equipped with digital skills and online safety tools that enabled them to access to higher income and online job opportunities. A total of 20 training sessions were held and included a mixture of IT (80%) and civil activism topics (20%). Topics covered included: - digital marketing; - making own page in social network; - copyrighting; - basics of graphical design; - digital advertisement and analysis of data; - civil activism; - leadership and communication.
Violence against Women and Girls Intervention
This section included training women and girls in psycho-emotional and physical safety basics to raise their awareness about the types of violence, patterns of violators' behaviour, how to respond to physical threats, including the basics of physical protection.
With the support of partners (government agencies and other non-governmental organisations) 23 girls and women enrolled in the training courses. The participants found the sessions engaging and interesting, and in addition to the theoretical discussion, they had the opportunity to engage in practical activities.
Vocational Training Workshop
This part of the project enabled 10 vulnerable women-led households in the Ultra Poor-Graduation development model to increase social and economic inclusion of women and girls, empower them with skills to have better access to financial resources and enhance their participation in community structures and networks.
Individual development plans were developed for each beneficiary and included both social and economic components. Vocational trainings sessions were held and on completion, they were provided with equipment and materials for work. The training included courses on hair dressing, sewing, accountancy, beauty nail care, confectionary and culinary art.
Advanced German language class
Five vulnerable young girls benefitted from the German courses (basics). These participants had expressed a desire to learn German or wished to enhance their existing knowledge for various purposes, including future employment, the continuation of their studies abroad, or participation in exchange programs.
A three-month training program was implemented, tailored to meet their specific needs. The participants demonstrated significant progress, showing marked improvement in their German language proficiency.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
(5) Sport Empowering Marginalised Girls - Paraguay
The Mbaracayú Educational Center is a boarding school for rural and indigenous youth between the ages of 15 and 1 and is located within the Mbaracayú Forest Natural Reserve, one of the last vestiges of primary forest in Paraguay. The school was established in 2009 by the Moisés Bertoni Foundation (FMB) as a conservation strategy to protect one of the remaining forests in the country and provide access to quality education for rural and indigenous girls. The school's mission is to transform rural and indigenous girls into entrepreneurs for sustainable development and active agents of change within their communities and encourages a "learning by doing" methodology.
This project with the Moisés Bertoni Foundation (FMB) recognised that sport was and continues to be an education tool for skills development and addressed the following specific needs:
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Develop a set of skills to empower girls, and young people in general, to become a new generation of young environmental leaders and agents of change.
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Provide access to recreational sports activities, as a development tool, to rural and indigenous youth who study and/or live near the Mbaracayú Forest Natural Reserve / Biosphere Reserve.
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Improve the infrastructure of bathrooms and changing rooms (currently inadequate) at the Mbaracayú Educational Center, both for internal use and to be able to organize sports tournaments and receive students from the surrounding communities.
This project has created a new generation of 120 young environmental leaders and change agents through sport and continued to emphasise collaboration, self-esteem, and values to prevent gender-based violence. New sports equipment, such as balls, was purchased for the Mbaracayú Educational Center.
On-going is the improvement of the infrastructure of bathrooms and changing rooms at the Mbaracayú Educational Center. The architect has been appointed, the construction plans have been approved and the contract started on 1 December 2024. The refurbishment of the bathrooms and changing facilities are on track to be completed during 2025.
Additionally, 40 young people attended the Annual Environmental Camp and were trained in areas such as the management of protected wild areas, climate change causes and consequences, biodiversity, proper waste management and how to make compost, causes and management of forest fires, environmental interpretation: bird watching and hiking, and development of environmental projects were achieved. A knowledge assessment was executed with a simple selection test. It was handed out at the beginning and the end of the camp, to compare and measure whether the initial answers match the end results. In conclusion there was a significant improvement in most of the participants. Results showed 50% of them having a positive difference of one point, 31% had two more points correctly and 19% were able to get three to six points more.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
(6) Economic Empowerment of Girls in Child Marriage - Malawi
This project was organised in conjunction with Amitofo Care Centre (ACC), Ingo, Malawi, Soroptimist International Foundation and the Soroptimist International Region of Taiwan, who gave a very generous donation to enable this project to take place.
This project "Economic Empowerment of Girls in Child Marriage" sought to change the minds of young girls who marry early, to see the advantages of returning to school and continue their education, with the overall aim of providing a better life for themselves and their families.
10 young girls were selected to start school, and they were enrolled in 2 schools in the district: Mtakataka Community Secondary School - 4 girls and Mtakataka Secondary School - 6 girls.
There has been a stark difference in outcomes between the two school communities, with attendance being good in one school but poor in the other. Absence has been explained as illness, or no clear reason being given as to why they were absent, but the authorities felt that it may been due to family reasons. The behaviour both in and out of class at both schools was commended by the teachers.
In one school, performance was poor, and the girls struggled in all subjects resulting in low achievements in examinations, whereas in the other school, the girls achieved very good grades. It appeared that psychologically these girls were ready to study, and this has shown in their grades. The outcomes of the National Examination outcomes are not yet known.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Education of Women in or from War Torn Countries
Soroptimist International Region of Taiwan gave a very generous donation to the Soroptimist International Foundation to provide funding for projects that educate women who are in or from War Torn Countries.
(1) Education of women and girls in Agri-food Techniques- Mali
This project was to support the education of 100 displaced, girls and women who have fled the locality of Menaka, in the north of Mali because of war and the threat of terror. The consequences of a lack of security and gender-based violence in Menaka manifested during the war and terrorists' threats, through the closure of schools and the removal of girls and women from their villages of origin. Partnered with Soroptimist International Lumière in Bamako, Mali, the Soroptimist Internation Africa Federation and Mali Government the project educated, empowered, and enabled women and girl survivors displaced from Menaka due to armed conflict by teaching them Agri-food techniques over a period of six months.
The training in literacy and Agri-food techniques included processing of rice, peanuts, millet, fino, and sorghum into saleable produce was a success. Based on the results obtained, this training was an activity particularly appreciated by the beneficiaries, with ninety-one women completing the training that will assist their social and economic integration. The success of this project was linked on the one hand to the commitment of the participants and on the other to the approach of the SI Lumière club members and the trainers.
(2) Ensuring Girls Equitable Access to Education- Haiti & Nepal
This Project 'Ensuring Girls Equitable Access to Education' in partnership with the Steve Sinnott Foundation is a combination of two innovative projects developed by the Steve Sinnott Foundation led by women for women and girls. Providing training to prevent period poverty (Positive Periods) and preventing gender based violence which are two factors which stop girls attending school and accessing education.
This project will simultaneously commence in Haiti, funded by the Education of Women in War Torn Countries Fund and in Nepal by the SI Foundation General Project Fund. As funds become available we will seek to educate and support women within the areas of: Limonade Pokhara Nepal Ballybonna, The Gambia (Upper West Region) Ghana Makeni, Sierra Leone.
Girls can miss up to fifty days of schooling each year because of period poverty; having no access to menstrual products, coupled with the shame and stigma around menstruation, these absences impact greatly. Within the safe spaces provided during the Positive Periods training, women and girls will share some of the other challenges preventing girls attending school; one of these is Gender Based Violence (GBV). The project teaches women and girls to use locally available resources to make reusable, sustainable and eco-friendly period pads and to learn how to manage their sexual health and demystify myths around menstruation and sexual health. The project also creates awareness and trains school leaders (heads of schools, mentors, and Guardian councillors) on how to manage girls' menstrual hygiene, managing violence and how to report School Related Gender Based Violence. Such awareness will improve on how school leaders support girls attending school, their retention and progression. This project that is currently in the beginning stages will address the following specific needs:
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The economic empowerment of women and girls
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The improvement of the human rights and status of the women and girls who have, in some areas, been displaced from their homes.
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To ensure that the potential of these women and girls is realised in the community in which they now live and that they have an equal voice in leadership.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
(3) Providing School Facilities to Assist the Education of Girls - Kori, Sierra Leone
This project in partnership with Trustees of Kori Development Project Ltd UK embraces the three key areas at the heart of the Soroptimist International Mission and Vision - to Educate, Empower, and Enable Women and Girls.
This project will assist the education of girls at the Bob Simson Technical Secondary School, Bai Largo, Kori Chiefdom, Sierra Leone by providing funding to complete three additional classrooms and a second toilet block for girls only. The second toilet block providing water and sanitary needs for girls will allow girls to continue to attend their schooling during their period. The provision of the toilet facilities for girls only and extra space for education at the school will assist more girls to achieve their potential.
The building of the three classrooms and a toilet block began in Autumn 2023 and is planned to be completed during 2025. The classrooms are being built using local materials and local workforce. Project management of the building work will be carried out by the Kori Development local project manager; with the charity founder visiting at least twice during the project's timespan. This project has also been funded by Soroptimist clubs in England led by Soroptimist International Stratford on Avon.
These rooms will be a welcome addition to our existing classrooms and will ease congestion within the rooms. Providing a clean well built environment. This improved environment will also help to attract good quality teachers. In 2022 twenty two students took the Basic Education Certification Exam not only did they all pass but the highest score was achieved by a girl. Many students who were being sent to schools a long distance from their homes are already returning and this has led to better attendance overall by the individual students.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Trustee's Annual Report (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
Greening Our Horizons: Soroptimists Leading the Way
The purpose of this new project is to mitigate the exacerbated environmental degradation evidenced by increasing deforestation, inadequate green cover, soil erosion, reduced air quality and biodiversity. This exciting project is commencing by working with SI Nairobi Central, Kenya. As funds become available it will be expanded to other areas of Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF). Engaging and educating women directly in tree planting of indigenous species, vegetables and fruit is a natural way to saving Mother Earth, securing agriculture, food security, poverty reduction, health, and malnutrition.
This is a large-scale tree planting project to restore the ecosystem, improve nutrition and environmental health, and enhance communities' resilience. This outcome will provide Women and Girls with the education on how to improve and develop their environment to benefit their whole communities.
The UN states that the climate crisis does not affect everyone equally, women and girls face disproportionate impacts from climate change. Women are a strong agent for change, leading the way to a sustainable future! The project will educate women to implement water conservation techniques such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation to support tree growth, especially during dry seasons. This will be done through facilitated workshops on tree care, sustainable agricultural practices, and environmental stewardship. The implementation of annual campaigns will raise awareness, engage and mobilise the women, and the selected viable communities. The project will motivate advocacy efforts to influence local and national policies that support reforestation, environmental protection, and sustainable land use practices.
"Greening our Horizons - Soroptimists Leading the Way" overall goal is to educate and empower women thereby enabling them to improve ecosystem restoration and air quality by increasing the green cover in areas by planting 5 hundred thousand native tree species, fruit and vegetables in the designated five SIAF Regions by the end of 2027. Core activities will include training and capacity building -facilitated workshops on tree care, sustainable agricultural practices, and environmental stewardship. SIAF and its partners will mobilise and engage support through (semi) annual campaigns with messages such as 'plant a tree, grow a forest', or 'plant a fruit tree, feed your family' using social and local media to increase awareness about the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation, to save the Future. It will also engage advocacy efforts to influence local and national policies that support reforestation, environmental protection, and sustainable land use practices.
Financial review
No formal policy has been established for holding reserves as the charity has little to no fixed overheads and therefore the charity's policy is to pay out grants only from funds received.
The Trustee's Annual Report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of Trustee by:
w logan w logan (Jun 6, 2025 09:41 GMT+12)
Mrs S Y Ng Mrs W Logan Director of S I (Soroptimist International) Ltd Director of S I (Soroptimist International) Ltd
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustee of Soroptimist International Foundation
Year ended 31 December 2024
I report to the Trustee on my examination of the Financial Statements of Soroptimist International Foundation ('the Charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of Report
As the Trustee of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's Financial Statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the Financial Statements do not accord with those records; or
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the Financial Statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Shane Tharby FCA Independent Examiner
For and on behalf of Streets Chartered Accountants 3 Wellbrook Court Girton Cambridge CB3 0NA
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Statement of Financial Activities
Year ended 31 December 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | ||||
| funds | funds | funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 65,815 | 778 | – | 66,593 | 185,763 |
| Other trading activities | 5 | 50 | – | – | 50 | 18,518 |
| Investment income | 6 | 289 | – | 3,211 | 3,500 | 469 |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||
| Total income | 66,154 | 778 | 3,211 | 70,143 | 204,750 | |
| ============================== | ============================ | ======================== | ============================ | ================================= | ||
| Expenditure | ||||||
| Expenditure on raising funds: | ||||||
| Costs of other | ||||||
| trading activities | 7 | – | – | – | – | 9,851 |
| Expenditure on charitable | ||||||
| activities | 8,9 | 9,067 | 125,732 | – | 134,799 | 165,659 |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||
| Total expenditure | 9,067 | 125,732 | – | 134,799 | 175,510 | |
| ======================== | ================================= | ======================== | ================================= | ================================= | ||
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||
| Net (expenditure)/income and | ||||||
| net movement in funds | 57,087 | (124,954) | 3,211 | (64,656) | 29,240 | |
| ======================== | ================================= | ======================== | ================================= | ================================= | ||
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 19,735 | 161,241 | 92,193 | 273,169 | 243,929 | |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 76,822 | 36,287 | 95,404 | 208,513 | 273,169 | |
| ============================ | ================================= | ============================ | ================================= | ================================= |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 14 to 23 form part of these financial statements.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Statement of Financial Position
31 December 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | |||||
| Investments - long term treasury deposit | 16 | 100,000 | 100,000 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 123,830 | 193,941 | |||
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||||
| 223,830 | 293,941 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 17 | 15,317 | 20,772 | ||
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||||
| Net current assets | 208,513 | 273,169 | |||
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 208,513 | 273,169 | |||
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||||
| Net assets | 208,513 | 273,169 | |||
| ================================= | ================================= | ||||
| Funds of the charity | |||||
| Endowment funds | 95,404 | 92,193 | |||
| Restricted funds | 36,287 | 161,241 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 76,822 | 19,735 | |||
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ||||
| Total charity funds | 18 | 208,513 ================================= |
273,169 ================================= |
These Financial Statements were approved by the Trustee and authorised for issue on ........................, and are signed on behalf of the Trustee by:
w logan w logan (Jun 6, 2025 09:41 GMT+12) Mrs S Y Ng Mrs W Logan
Director and Chair of S I (Soroptimist International) Ltd Director of S I (Soroptimist International) Ltd
The notes on pages 14 to 23 form part of these financial statements.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 31 December 2024
1. General information
The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Suite 1, 28 St Thomas Place, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EX.
2. Statement of compliance
These Financial Statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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 (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.
The Financial Statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the Financial Statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
There are no significant judgements or estimations made on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.
Foreign currencies
Foreign currency transactions are initially recorded in the functional currency, by applying the spot exchange rate as at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the reporting date, with any gains or losses being taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.
Investments – Long Term Treasury Deposit
Investments in longer-term deposits with financial institutions exceeding 3 months, but not exceeding 12 months, to maturity are accounted for as current asset investments. Where the maturity date is 3 months or less the balances are treated as a cash equivalent and accounted for as part of the cash at bank and in hand figure. Where maturity exceeds 12 months the deposit would be treated as a fixed asset investment.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee to further any of the Charity's purposes.
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Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Fund accounting (continued)
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
The Charity also has a permanent endowment fund set up from a legacy donation.
Incoming resources
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitlement has passed to the Charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Charity and the amount can be reliably measured.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the Statement of Financial Activities to which it relates.
All expenditure in the period was on charitable activities and include all costs incurred by the Charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries and includes grants made. The expenditure also includes those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the Charity apportioned to charitable activities.
4. Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | ||||
| Soroptimist International of Europe | 16,839 | – | – | 16,839 |
| Soroptimist International of the Americas | 31,613 | – | – | 31,613 |
| Soroptimist International of Great Britain | ||||
| & Ireland | 11,962 | – | – | 11,962 |
| Soroptimist International of South East | ||||
| Asia Pacific | 3,246 | 478 | – | 3,724 |
| Soroptimist International of Taiwan | ||||
| Region | – | – | – | – |
| Soroptimist International of Africa | – | – | – | – |
| Other | 2,155 | 300 | – | 2,455 |
| -------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | |
| 65,815 | 778 | – | 66,593 | |
| ========================== | ============================ | ======================== | ============================ |
- 15 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
4. Donations and legacies (continued)
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Donations | ||||||
| Soroptimist International of Europe | – | 43,828 | – | 43,828 | ||
| Soroptimist International of the Americas | – | 94,386 | – | 94,386 | ||
| Soroptimist International of Great Britain | ||||||
| & Ireland | – | 27,364 | – | 27,364 | ||
| Soroptimist International of South East | ||||||
| Asia Pacific | – | 5,922 | – | 5,922 | ||
| Soroptimist International of Taiwan | ||||||
| Region | – | 7,199 | – | 7,199 | ||
| Soroptimist International of Africa | – | 3,739 | – | 3,739 | ||
| Other | – | 3,325 | – | 3,325 | ||
| -------------- | --------------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------- | |||
| – | 185,763 | – | 185,763 | |||
| ============== | ================================= | ============== | ================================= | |||
| 5. | Other trading activities | |||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Funds | |||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fundraising activities in Dublin | – | – | – | |||
| Sale of water bottles | 50 | – | 50 | |||
| ----------------- | -------------- | ----------------- | ||||
| 50 | – | 50 | ||||
| ============== | ============== | ============== | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||||
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fundraising activities in Dublin | 9,905 | 8,613 | 18,518 | |||
| Sale of water bottles | – | – | – | |||
| ------------------------- | ------------------------ | -------------------------- | ||||
| 9,905 | 8,613 | 18,518 | ||||
| ======================== | ======================== | ============================ | ||||
| 6. | Investment income | |||||
| Unrestricted | Endowment | Total | Funds | |||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Treasury deposit account interest received | 289 | 3,211 | 3,500 | |||
| ============== | ======================== | ======================== | ||||
| Unrestricted | Endowment | Total Funds | ||||
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Treasury deposit account interest received | 38 | 432 | 469 | |||
| ============== | ============== | ============== | ||||
| 7. | Costs of other trading activities | |||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Funds | |||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Merchandise costs for selling at Dublin | – | – | – | |||
| ============== | ============== | ============== |
- 16 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
7. Costs of other trading activities (continued)
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Merchandise costs for selling at Dublin | 7,993 | 1,858 | 9,851 | ||
| ======================== | ======================== | ======================== | |||
| Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type | |||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Direct charitable activities | 4,297 | 125,696 | – | 129,993 | |
| Support costs | 4,770 | 36 | – | 4,806 | |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------- | ||
| 9,067 | 125,732 | – | 134,799 | ||
| ======================== | ================================= | ============== | ================================= | ||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Direct charitable activities | 1,323 | 153,721 | – | 155,044 | |
| Support costs | 5,618 | 4,998 | – | 10,615 | |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------- | ||
| 6,941 | 158,719 | – | 165,659 | ||
| ======================== | ================================= | ============== | ================================= | ||
| Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type | |||||
| Activities | |||||
| undertaken | Grant funding | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| directly | of activities | Support costs | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Direct charitable activities | 1,609 ======================== |
128,384 ================================= |
4,806 ======================== |
134,799 ================================= |
165,659 ================================= |
8. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
9. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
The £1,609 includes foreign exchange differences, bank charges and membership fees.
10. Analysis of support costs
| Total activities | Total 2024 | Total 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Governance costs | 4,806 | 4,806 | 4,385 |
| Administration costs | – | – | 5,000 |
| Communications | – | – | 1,230 |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | |
| 4,806 | 4,806 | 10,615 | |
| ======================== | ======================== | ============================ |
- 17 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
11. Analysis of grants
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Grants to institutions | ||
| Willing Hearts International Society - Canada | – | 14,201 |
| Cambodia Community Dream Organisation | – | 36,741 |
| Rose Academies - Uganda | 11,487 | 26,816 |
| World Vision International - Georgia | 26,093 | 11,569 |
| Moisés Bertoni Foundation - Paraguay | 26,816 | 35,346 |
| Restore a Sense of I Can - Caribbean | – | 21,501 |
| Amito Care Centre - Malawi | – | 7,902 |
| SI Lumiere - Mali | 41,000 | – |
| Steve Sinnott Foundation – Haiti & Nepal (Based in UK) | 16,000 | – |
| SI Nairobi Central - Kenya | 2,988 | – |
| Kori Development Project – Sierra Leone (Based in UK) | 4,000 | – |
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | |
| Total grants | 128,384 ================================= |
154,076 ================================= |
As at the balance sheet date the Foundation had made funding commitments totalling £34,692 (2023: £72,995).
12. Net (expenditure)/income
Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Foreign exchange differences | 644 | (828) | |
| ============== | ============== | ||
| 13. | Independent examination fees | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Fees payable to the Independent Examiner for: | |||
| Independent examination of the Financial Statements | 1,980 | 1,890 | |
| Preparation of the Financial Statements | 1,980 | 1,890 | |
| Other services | – | 300 | |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ||
| 3,960 ======================== |
4,080 ======================== |
14. Staff costs
There were no employees during the current or previous year.
- 18 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
15. Trustee remuneration and expenses
No remuneration, or other benefits from employment with the Charity or a related entity, were received by the Trustee and no Trustee expenses were charged.
An administrative charge of £nil (2023: £5,000) was charged during the year by S I (Soroptimist International) Limited but this was not in connection with being a Trustee.
16. Investments - long term treasury deposit
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Treasury Deposit | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| ================================= | ================================= | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Trade creditors | 3,068 | 8,753 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 3,960 | 3,780 |
| Other creditors | 8,289 | 8,239 |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------- | |
| 15,317 ============================ |
20,772 ============================ |
17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors is a balance owed to the Corporate Trustee, S I (Soroptimist International) Limited.
18. Analysis of charitable funds
Unrestricted funds
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At | ||||
| At 1 January | 31 December | |||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 1,164 | 66,154 | (9,067) | 58,251 |
| Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal | 18,571 | – | – | 18,571 |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | |
| 19,735 | 66,154 | (9,067) | 76,822 | |
| ============================ | ============================ | ======================== | ============================ | |
| At | ||||
| At 1 January | 31 December | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General funds | 6,155 | 9,943 | (14,934) | 1,164 |
| Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal | 18,571 | – | – | 18,571 |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------- | |
| 24,726 | 9,943 | (14,934) | 19,735 | |
| ============================ | ======================== | ============================ | ============================ |
- 19 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
18. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
Restricted funds
| Restricted funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At | ||||
| At 1 January | 31 December | |||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal | 79,122 | 479 | (64,432) | 15,169 |
| Road to Equality Appeal | – | – | – | – |
| Educate to Lead Nepal Appeal | 1,081 | – | – | 1,081 |
| Education Fund for War-Torn Countries | 81,038 | – | (61,000) | 20,038 |
| Visible and Vocal Speaking Competition | – | 300 | (300) | – |
| --------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | |
| 161,241 | 779 | (125,732) | 36,288 | |
| ================================= | ============================ | ================================= | ============================ | |
| At | ||||
| At 1 January | 31 December | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal | 32,921 | 194,376 | (148,175) | 79,122 |
| Road to Equality Appeal | 12,402 | – | (12,402) | – |
| Educate to Lead Nepal Appeal | 1,081 | – | – | 1,081 |
| Education Fund for War-Torn Countries | 81,038 | – | – | 81,038 |
| Visible and Vocal Speaking Competition | – | – | – | – |
| --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------- | |
| 127,442 | 194,376 | (160,577) | 161,241 | |
| ================================= | ================================= | ================================= | ================================= |
- 20 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
18. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal
‘Opening Doors to a Bright Future’ was the Soroptimist International (SI) Presidents Maureen Maguire’s Appeal 2021-2023 with the aim of uniting Soroptimist Clubs, Regions Unions and five Federations, delivering tangible benefits to some of the world's most marginalized women, girls, and their communities through projects in each of the five Soroptimist Federations.
Road to Equality Appeal
'The Road to Equality' was the Soroptimist International (SI) President's Appeal, 2019-2021, headed by Past SI President Sharon Fisher focusing on taking Action and Advocating on topics affecting women and girls, including Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, Domestic Violence, Rights of Older Women, Migration, and Human Trafficking.
Educate to Lead Nepal Appeal
'Educate to Lead Nepal' Past International President Yvonne Simpson's Appeal 2015-2017, supported projects in Nepal with a focus on improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.
Education Fund for War-Torn Countries
Soroptimist International of the Americas, Taiwan Region donation for the education of women and girls from/in war torn countries.
Visible and Vocal Speaking Competition
The Soroptimist International Foundation held this competition in December 2023 in partnership with The Commonwealth Business Women Network (CBWN) to empower girls aged 10-11 years of age to enhance their communication skills.
- 21 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
18. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)
Endowment funds
| Endowment funds | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At | |||||||
| At | 1 | January | 31 | December | |||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Elynor Falk Legacy | 92,193 | 3,211 | – | 95,404 | |||
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------ | -------------- | ---------------------------- | ||||
| 92,193 | 3,211 | – | 95,404 | ||||
| ============================ | ======================== | ============== | ============================ | ||||
| At | |||||||
| At | 1 | January | 31 | December | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Elynor Falk Legacy | 91,761 | 432 | – | 92,193 | |||
| ---------------------------- | -------------- | -------------- | ---------------------------- | ||||
| 91,761 ============================ |
432 ============== |
– ============== |
92,193 ============================ |
Elynor Falk Legacy
The Elynor Falk Legacy is a restricted permanent endowment fund of £91,761. The permanent endowment has generated income to date of £3,643 (2023: £432) which is available for educational programs in Israel.
19. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | 92,139 | 36,287 | 95,404 | 223,830 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (15,317) | – | – | (15,317) |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | |
| Net assets | 76,822 | 36,287 | 95,404 | 208,513 |
| ============================ | ============================ | ============================ | ================================= | |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | 40,507 | 161,241 | 92,193 | 293,941 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (20,772) | – | – | (20,772) |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------- | |
| Net assets | 19,735 | 161,241 | 92,193 | 273,169 |
| ============================ | ================================= | ============================ | ================================= |
- 22 -
Soroptimist International Foundation
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 31 December 2024
20. Related parties
As noted in Note 15, the Charity was charged £nil (2023: £5,000) during the year by S I (Soroptimist International) Limited for administration services.
There were no other related party transactions in the current or previous year.
21. Controlling party
The Charity is under the control of S I (Soroptimist International) Limited, being the sole Corporate Trustee. S I (Soroptimist International) Limited has no individual controlling party.
- 23 -