2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/04/2024 Period start date To 31/03/2025 Period end date 31/032025

Charity name: BESTBUDDY SCHOLARSHIP & HOPE FOUNDATION Charity registration number: 1197722

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The charity is established for the public benefit with the following purposes:  Advancement of Education:To provide scholarships, educational materials, and support for indigent children, enabling access to quality schooling.  Relief of Poverty:To assist vulnerable families, orphans or abandoned children by meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.  Advancement of Health:To support healthcare needs by funding hospital bills, medical visits, and promoting well-being among disadvantaged communities.  Community Development:To work with grassroots organisations and international partners in promoting sustainable development and upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
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	During the year ended 31 March 2025, BESTBUDDY SCHOLARSHIP & HOPE FOUNDATIONcarried out a range of activities designed to advance education, relieve poverty, and promote health for the public benefit. These included:  Educational Support o Awarded scholarships to indigent children to cover school fees, uniforms, and learning materials. o Provided mentoring and encouragement to ensure continuity in education.  Healthcare Assistance o Supported vulnerable families by contributing

		towards hospital bills and medical visits. o Promoted awareness of basic health practices within communities.  Social Care and Relief of Poverty o Assisted orphans and abandoned children with food, clothing, and shelter.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when carrying out the charity’s purposes and planning its activities. In particular, the trustees have ensured that all projects, including scholarships, healthcare support, and welfare assistance, are directed towards delivering clear public benefit in line with the charity’s objectives.

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	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	The trustees ofBESTBUDDY SCHOLARSHIP & HOPE FOUNDATION consider applications for support in line with the charity’s purposes of advancing education, relieving poverty, and promoting health. Grants are awarded on the following basis: Eligibility o Priority is given to indigent children, vulnerable families, pensioners, and orphaned or abandoned children. o Beneficiaries must demonstrate genuine need and alignment with the charity’s objectives. Assessment Process  Applications are reviewed by trustees against agreed criteria, including financial need, potential impact, and sustainability.  Trustees ensure that grants are distributed fairly and transparently. Decision Making  All grant decisions are made collectively by the trustees.  Grants are approved only where they clearly advance the charity’s purposes and deliver public benefit. Monitoring and Accountability  Beneficiaries are asked to provide feedback or evidence of how grants were used.  Trustees monitor outcomes to ensure funds are used effectively and responsibly.

Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38	The trustees confirm that the charity does not hold investments and does not engage in social or program-related investment activities. All funds received are applied directly to the charity’s purposes, primarily scholarships, healthcare support, and welfare assistance, to maximise immediate public benefit.
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	The charity is supported by a small but dedicated team of three volunteers who play a vital role in delivering its objectives. Their contributions during the year included:  Educational Support: Assisting with scholarship administration, liaising with schools, and distributing learning materials.  Community Outreach: Helping identify indigent children and vulnerable families in need of assistance.  Fundraising and Advocacy: Supporting awareness campaigns and engaging with local communities to promote the charity’s mission  The charity is supported by a small but dedicated team of three volunteers who play a vital role in delivering its objectives. Their contributions during the year included:  Educational Support: Assisting with scholarship administration, liaising with schools, and distributing learning materials.  Community Outreach: Helping identify indigent children and vulnerable families in need of assistance.  Fundraising and Advocacy: Supporting awareness campaigns and engaging with local communities to promote the charity’s mission  Operational Support: Providing administrative help to trustees, ensuring smooth delivery of projects and services. The trustees acknowledge with gratitude the commitment and time freely given by volunteers, without which the charity could not achieve its aims. Their efforts significantly enhance the impact of limited financial resources, ensuring maximum benefit to beneficiaries.
Other		The trustees confirm that safeguarding policies are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults. Key risks, such as limited

funding and reliance on volunteers, are regularly reviewed and managed. The charity continues to build partnerships with grassroots organisations and international supporters to strengthen its impact. The trustees also acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of donors, volunteers, and partner institutions whose support has been vital to achieving the charity’s objectives.

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	During the year ended 31 March 2025, the charity made significant progress in advancing its purposes and delivering public benefit. Key achievements included:  Educational Impact o Awarded scholarships and provided school materials to indigent children, enabling them to remain in education and improve their future prospects. o Reduced school drop-out rates among vulnerable families by covering essential costs such as uniforms and fees.  Healthcare Support o Assisted families with hospital bills and medical visits, ensuring access to vital healthcare services that would otherwise have been unaffordable. o Improved health outcomes for children and reduced the burden of untreated illness in disadvantaged communities.  Social Care and Poverty Relief o Provided food, clothing, and shelter to orphaned and abandoned children, offering them stability and hope.  Community Development o Strengthened partnerships with grassroots organisations and enhanced the charity’s reach and effectiveness. o Promoted values of integrity and accountability by operating in line with the Nolan Principles of Public Life.

		Difference Made to Beneficiaries  Children supported through scholarships gained access to education that would otherwise have been denied, opening pathways to better opportunities.  Families receiving healthcare assistance experienced reduced financial stress and improved well- being.  Vulnerable individuals benefited from immediate relief from poverty, leading to greater stability and resilience. Wider Benefits to Society  By investing in education, the charity contributes to breaking cycles of poverty and fostering long- term community development.  Healthcare support reduces the strain on local health systems and improves public health outcomes.  Social care initiatives strengthen community cohesion and demonstrate compassion, inspiring wider societal commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.

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Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	During the year, the charity set objectives to:  Provide scholarships to at least 20 indigent children.  Support vulnerable families with healthcare assistance.  Strengthen partnerships with grassroots organisations. Against these objectives, the charity successfully awarded scholarships, covered hospital bills for several families, and expanded its outreach through collaboration with local schools and healthcare providers. These achievements demonstrate progress in line with the charity’s stated purposes
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	.The charity aimed to raise sufficient funds to cover its scholarship and healthcare commitments.  Total income raised: £1882  Total expenditure: £1793 Although fundraising activities were modest in scale, they met the immediate objectives of sustaining scholarship awards and healthcare support. The trustees continue to explore opportunities to expand fundraising capacity to increase impact in future years.
		The trustees confirm that the charity does

Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	not hold investments and therefore has no investment performance to report. All funds received during the year were applied directly to charitable purposes — primarily scholarships, healthcare support, and welfare assistance — to maximise immediate public benefit.
Other		The trustees confirm that safeguarding policies are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults. Key risks, such as limited funding and reliance on volunteers, are regularly reviewed and managed. The charity continues to build partnerships with grassroots organisations and international supporters to strengthen its impact. The trustees also acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of donors, volunteers, and partner institutions whose support has been vital to achieving the charity’s objectives.

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	At the end of the reporting period (31 March 2025),BESTBUDDY SCHOLARSHIP & HOPE FOUNDATION recorded total income of£1,882and total expenditure of£1,793,resulting in a modest surplus of£89. The charity’s financial position remains stable, with funds applied directly to charitable activities including scholarships, healthcare support, and welfare assistance.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The trustees’ policy is to maintain reserves at a level sufficient to ensure the charity can continue its core activities in the event of unforeseen reductions in income or unexpected increases in expenditure. Reserves are held to provide financial stability and to safeguard the charity’s ability to meet its commitments to beneficiaries.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	As at 31 March 2025, the charity held £89 in reserves.
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	The trustees acknowledge that reserves are currently minimal. This is due to the charity’s policy of applying the majority of funds directly to charitable purposes to maximise immediate public benefit. The trustees are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen fundraising capacity and build reserves in future years.
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	The charity had no funds materially in deficit during the reporting period.
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	The trustees have reviewed the charity’s financial position and future plans. While income levels remain modest, there are no material uncertainties that cast doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees are confident that

with continued volunteer support and fundraising efforts, the charity will be able to sustain its activities in the coming year.

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The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The charity’s principal sources of funds during the year were:  Donations from individual supporters and well-wishers.  Fundraising activities carried out by trustees and volunteers, including community appeals. All funds raised were applied directly to the charity’s purposes — scholarships, healthcare support, and welfare assistance —ensuring maximum public benefit.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	The trustees confirm that the charity does not hold investments and has not adopted a social investment policy. The charity’s policy is to apply all available funds directly to charitable activities rather than investing them. Should circumstances change in future, the trustees will review the need for an investment policy to ensure compliance with Charity Commission guidance.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	The trustees have identified the following principal risks:  Funding Risk: Reliance on modest donations and fundraising activities may limit the charity’s ability to expand its work.  Operational Risk: Dependence on a small number of volunteers could affect continuity if volunteer capacity decreases.  External Risk: Economic pressures and rising costs may reduce donor contributions and increase demand for support.  Safeguarding Risk: As the charity works with children and vulnerable families, safeguarding remains a priority. Mitigation measures include regular monitoring of finances, active fundraising efforts, recruitment of volunteers, and maintaining safeguarding policies.
Other		The trustees confirm that safeguarding policies are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults. Compliance with statutory obligations, including timely submission of accounts and reports, has been maintained. The trustees acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of donors, volunteers, and partner organisations whose support has been vital to achieving the charity’s objectives

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	The charity is governed by its constitution, which sets out its charitable purposes, governance arrangements, and trustee responsibilities.
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This structure provides the charity with legal personality and limited liability for its trustees.
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	 Trustees are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the governing document.  New trustees may be nominated and elected by the existing board, subject to approval under the constitution.  The governing document allows for trustees to be appointed based on their skills, experience, and commitment to the charity’s objectives.  Trustees serve for renewable terms, with periodic review to ensure effective governance.  No external body or individual has automatic rights to appoint trustees; appointments are made internally by the board in line with constitutional provisions.
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Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	The charity has adopted procedures to ensure new trustees are properly inducted into their role. This includes:  Providing a copy of the governing document and key Charity Commission guidance.  Orientation on the charity’s objectives, activities, and safeguarding responsibilities.  Ongoing access to training resources and updates on governance best practice. Trustees are encouraged to attend external training sessions where relevant to strengthen governance capacity.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	The charity is governed by its board of trustees, who are collectively responsible for strategic direction and oversight. Day-to-day operations are supported by volunteers. The charity works in collaboration with grassroots organisations,

		schools, and healthcare providers to deliver its objectives. It also engages with international supporters to strengthen its reach and impact.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	The charity has no formal related party transactions. Trustees and volunteers may occasionally contribute personal donations or fundraising support, but these are declared and managed transparently in line with Charity Commission requirements.
Other		The trustees confirm that safeguarding policies are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults. Risks such as limited funding and reliance on volunteers are regularly reviewed and managed. The trustees acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of donors, volunteers, and partner organisations whose support has been vital to achieving the charity’s objectives.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	BESTBUDDY SCHOLARSHIP & HOPE FOUNDATION
Other name the charity uses	BESH FOUNDATION
Registered charity number	1197722
Charity’s principal address	1 Top Street, Middleton, Manchester M24 4BR

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Abimbola Fasanu		01/04/2024-31/03/2025	Abimbola Fasanu
	Oyindamola Sosanya		01/04/2024-31/03/2025	Oyindamola Sosanya

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name The charity does not have corporate trustees.

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
The charity does not hold property in the name of individual trustees.

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity	The charity does not hold any assets in a custodian capacity on behalf of other charities.
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects	Not applicable. The charity does not act as a custodian charity and therefore does not hold assets for any other organisation
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets	Not applicable. As no assets are held in a custodian capacity, there are no arrangements required for segregation or safe custody beyond the charity’s own financial controls.

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address	Type of adviser Name Address
		The charity did not engage external advisers during the reporting period.

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

The charity does not employ a chief executive or senior staff. All activities are overseen directly by the trustees with volunteer support.

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Not applicable, as the charity has no paid staff or key personnel requiring disclosure.

Other optional information

T he trustees confirm that safeguarding policies are in place, risks are regularly reviewed, and compliance with statutory obligations has been maintained. The trustees acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of donors, volunteers, and partner organisations.

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) A O Fasanu Full name(s) Abimbola Fasanu

Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc)

Date 24/01/2026