2023-12-31-accounts

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Annual Report & Accounts Year ended 31 Dec 2023

Charity Number: 1198017

Administrative information
Report of the Trustees
Structure, Governance and Management
Risk Management
Objectives and Activities
Grant Making Policy
Achievements and Performance
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
10.100% Donations Policy
Future Plans
12.Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

1. Administrative information

Trustees

L Patrick - Chair of Trustees

T Patrick

H Humzah

CJ Hackling

D Hannon

Registered Office

The Perch, Charlotte Avenue, Bicester, OX27 8BL

Bankers

Lloyds: Chelmsford Legg St Osc, 1 Legg Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1, 1JS

Operational Record Keeping

The Board of Trustees has collectively approved and implemented Salesforce as the charity’s sole CRM.

2. Report of the Trustees

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 1993 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities published in 2005.

3. Structure, Governance and Management

Mehiel Foundation is a registered charity, number 1198017, and is constituted under a CIO constitution dated 1 Feb 2022. The charity was initially formed in 2010 as an unincorporated charitable organisation by Lawrence Patrick.

Mehiel Foundation only started actively seeking donations in May 2020 once it was recognised by HMRC as a Charitable Organisation, number ZD07895. Prior to that, 100% of the income was donated by the founder.

New Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees and serve for four years, after which they may put themselves forward for re-appointment. The Constitution provides for a minimum of 3 Trustees.

At the quarterly Trustees’ meetings, the Trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activity for the Charity, including consideration of grant-making, investment, reserves and risk management, policies and performance. The day-to-day administration of grants and the processing and handling of applications prior to consideration by the relevant sub-committee is delegated to the Chief Executive.

On appointment, new Trustees go through an induction process, which has been changed to follow the ICSA good practice guide with a formal induction programme for any newly appointed Trustee, which includes an initial meeting with the Chair and the Trustees. The Chief Executive presents the Charity’s approach to investments, the grant-making process, powers and responsibilities, Mehiel Foundations’s brief history, a copy of the governing Constitution and a copy of the Charity Commission’s guidance ‘The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know’ and ‘Charities and Public Benefit’.

All Trustees give of their time freely, and no Trustee remuneration was paid in the year. Trustees are required to disclose all relevant interests and register them with the Chief Executive and, in accordance with the Charity’s policy, withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.

Mehiel Foundation is a member of NCVO, which provides much helpful information on good practice and changes in the law affecting charities and acts as an authoritative lobby on behalf of the charitable foundations with the government and regulators.

4. Risk Management

The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks.

The Trustees consider the lack of regular income as the most significant financial risk. To mitigate this, our 100% donations policy means that all overheads and admin costs are personally covered by the founder. No promises have been made to the beneficiaries as to the level of commitment on Mehiel Foundation’s contributions, and all projects are considered on an individual basis, budget permitting.

5. Objectives and Activities

The object of the Charity is to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice in order to deliver lasting change in the lives of underprivileged and vulnerable people through making grants to appropriate institutions and individuals. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities and setting the grant-making policy for the year.

Mehiel Foundation carries out this objective through empowering grassroots communities around the world by supplying the means, tools and expertise in order to enable them to become self-sufficient.

The Charity focuses on sustainable projects in poverty eradication, sports, clean water and sanitation.

Current projects with significant impact on local communities are:

Annual Youth football tournaments in Uganda and Ghana, attended by hundreds of people, where young, talented players get scouted for national clubs and academies
Organic farming
Reusable sanitary pads sewing workshops which bring back to school hundreds of girls

Water pumps and wells in Pakistan & India which provide thousands of locals in remote villages with clean, drinkable water
Food distribution to hundreds of underprivileged families in the UK and abroad

6. Grant Making Policy

Mehiel Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits both in the United Kingdom and abroad through its grant-making program. The Charity’s aim is to empower organisations that share its vision of creating positive social change and improving the lives of individuals and communities in need. This summary provides an overview of its grant-making policy, outlining its focus areas, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Focus Areas:

Education and Youth Empowerment: The Charity prioritises initiatives that enhance access to quality education, promote skill development, and empower young individuals to reach their full potential.

Health and Well-being: The Charity supports projects that improve healthcare access, promote preventive care, and address key health challenges, ensuring the well-being of communities.

Poverty Alleviation and Economic Empowerment : The Charity seeks initiatives that aim to eradicate poverty, create sustainable livelihoods, and empower individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty.

Eligibility Criteria:

Nonprofit Status: The Charity accepts applications from registered charities, nonprofit organisations, and social enterprises with a track record of delivering impactful programs.

Alignment with Focus Areas: Proposed projects must align with at least one of the Charity’s focus areas and demonstrate clear objectives and outcomes that align with its mission.

Organizational Capacity: Applicants should have strong governance structures, transparent financial management, and a clear plan for project implementation and impact measurement.

Collaborative Approach: The Charity encourages partnerships and collaborations with other organisations and stakeholders to leverage collective resources and expertise.

Ethical and Non-Discriminatory Practices: The Charity expects applicants to adhere to ethical standards, promote inclusivity, and demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity.

Application Process:

Expression of Interest: Organizations interested in applying for a grant should submit an initial expression of interest outlining their project's objectives, expected outcomes, and budgetary requirements.

Due Diligence: Shortlisted applicants will undergo a due diligence process, including assessment of their organizational capacity, financial viability, and alignment with the Charity’s eligibility criteria.

Proposal Submission: Successful candidates will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal, including a comprehensive budget, implementation plan, and evaluation framework.

Review and Decision: The Charity’s Grants Committee will review all proposals and make funding decisions based on the project's alignment with its focus areas, potential impact, and available resources.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide regular progress reports, financial updates, and impact assessments to ensure accountability and transparency.

Mehiel Foundation is dedicated to making a meaningful and sustainable difference in partnership with nonprofits. By supporting organizations that share its values and goals, it aims to create a lasting impact and contribute to a more equitable and thriving society.

7. Achievements and Performance (Jan-Dec 2023)

Uganda

❖ Reusable Sanitary Pads Workshop
❖ Organic farming workshop and donation of thousands of seeds
❖ Youth football tournament attended by over 600 people, 32 teams
❖ Started a girls' netball team

Ghana

❖ Youth football tournament for girls and boys
❖ Opening of a youth training institute teaching locals tailoring, sewing and fashion design
❖ Inauguration of the ‘Bright Boards’ project, supplying local schools with whiteboards

Pakistan

❖ Installation of seven water wells in Toba Teh region
❖ Support for the victims of the devastating floods (regular food distribution)

Malawi

❖ Renovation of a dilapidated school
❖ Supply of over 200 pairs of shoes

UK

❖ Appointment of CJ Hackling and D Hannon as Trustees
❖ Voted Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits
❖ Winner of the South England Prestige Award for Best Poverty NPO

Sacks of Hope

❖ The ‘Sacks of Hope’ initiative has delivered 220 sacks of groceries in the UK and over 800 in Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Pakistan.

Financial Review Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Total 2023 2022 Recei Donation5, legacies Jnd grants 13,637 11.031 24.668 6,054 Total receipts 13.637 11.031 24,668 6,054 Pa ments Grants and donations paid Operating costs 5,657 1.646 10,625 16,282 1,646 6,059 488 Totalpoyments 7,303 10.625 17,928 6.547 Net of receipts/(paymentsJ 6,334 406 6,740 -493.00 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this yeor end 647 6.981 647 7,387 1,140 406 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Cash funds Cash at bank and in hand 6.981 406 7,387 Total cashfvnds 6,981 406 7,387

Notes to the accounts

1. Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005) issued in March 2005 and applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Charities Act 1993.

(b) Incoming resources

All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received, and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability.

(c) Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objects of the Charity. Single or multi-year grants are accounted for when either the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant and the Trustees have agreed to pay the grant without condition, or the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant and any condition attaching to the grant is outside of the control of the Charity.

Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient, but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.

(d) Allocation of overhead and support costs

As per the Charity’s ‘100% Donations Policy’, overheads and support costs are covered solely by the funds received from the founder.

(e) Costs of generating funds

The costs of generating funds consist of investment management, banking and certain legal fees.

(f) Charitable activities

Costs of charitable activities include grants made and apportionment of overheads and support costs.

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ascertain to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of CIO Constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The

trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and the financial information included on the charity’s website.

Approved by the Trustees on 28 Mar 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Lawrence Patrick Chair of Trustees

29 Mar 2024

9. Reserves Policy

The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to approximately 5% of the yearly income. The trustees consider that this level will provide sufficient funds to respond to unexpected market conditions even though the Charity’s ‘100% donations policy’ provides that all overheads are covered by the founder.

10. 100% Donations Policy

Mehiel Foundation is committed to transparency, integrity, and ensuring that every donation received has the maximum impact on the projects it supports. The Charity proudly operates under a "100% donations policy," which guarantees that all contributions received go directly towards funding the initiatives. It accomplishes this by covering all overhead and administrative costs through the personal commitment of its founder.

The Charity’s ‘100% donations policy’ has the following key principles:

Maximum Impact: The Charity understands the importance of ensuring that every penny donated has a direct and tangible impact on the communities and individuals it

serves. By covering all operational costs separately, it can guarantee that all donations received go directly towards supporting the projects.

Transparency and Accountability: The Charity is fully committed to maintaining transparency in all financial operations. As part of this commitment, it provides regular reports and updates to its donors, outlining how their contributions are being utilised and the progress made in the projects. This transparency helps build trust and confidence in its donors, enabling them to witness the positive change they are helping to create.

Founder's Support: The founder of Mehiel Foundation is personally dedicated to supporting the organisation's administrative and operational costs. By taking this responsibility upon themselves, the founder ensures that all donated funds are utilised exclusively for the intended purposes, without any deductions for overhead expenses.

Sustainable Growth: The Charity’s ‘100% donations policy’ allows it to prioritise the long-term sustainability and growth of its projects. By securing alternative means to cover the operational costs, it can allocate a greater portion of the donations received towards expanding and improving its initiatives. This approach enables it to create a lasting impact and drive positive change in the lives of those it serves.

11. Future Plans

As Mehiel Foundation reflects on its achievements over the past year, it also looks ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. In the coming year, it has outlined ambitious future plans to further drive its mission of creating positive social change and improving the lives of individuals and communities in need. This statement outlines its key focus areas for the future, including fundraising, creating collaborations and strategic alliances, and enhancing its organizational structure.

Fundraising:

Diversifying Funding Streams: The Charity recognises the importance of financial sustainability and will proactively explore new avenues for funding, including corporate partnerships, philanthropic grants, and individual donations. By diversifying its funding sources, it aims to secure stable and long-term support for its projects and initiatives.

Engaging with Supporters: The Charity will deepen its engagement with existing donors and supporters while also expanding its network by connecting with new individuals and organizations who share its vision. By nurturing these relationships and communicating the impact of its work, the Charity aims to build a community of committed stakeholders who are invested in its mission.

Creating Collaborations and Strategic Alliances:

Strengthening Partnerships: The Charity will actively seek out and foster strategic alliances with organizations and individuals who complement its strengths and share its values. By cultivating these partnerships, it can leverage combined resources, expertise, and networks to maximize their collective impact.

Collaboration for Greater Impact: The Charity will prioritise collaborative efforts that address complex social challenges. By working in synergy with other nonprofits, government entities, and local communities, it can pool knowledge, share best practices, and implement more comprehensive and sustainable solutions.

Building Cross-Sector Collaborations: The Charity will actively explore opportunities for collaboration with the private sector, academia, and other sectors to leverage their expertise, resources, and innovative approaches. By forging these cross-sector partnerships, it can drive systemic change and create more inclusive and resilient communities.

Enhancing Organizational Structure:

Capacity Building: The Charity is committed to investing in its team's professional development, providing training opportunities, and fostering a culture of learning and growth. By equipping its staff and volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge, it can strengthen its operational capacity and enhance the quality of its programs.

Streamlining Processes: The Charity will review and optimize its internal processes and systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. This includes implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track its impact and ensure effective resource allocation.

Governance and Strategy: Following the appointment of two new Trustees in 2023, the Charity will continue to strengthen its governance structures, ensuring compliance

with legal and regulatory requirements. Additionally, it will regularly review and update its strategic plans, ensuring they remain aligned with its mission and adaptable to the evolving social landscape.

Through these future plans, Mehiel Foundation seeks to elevate its impact, extend its reach, and create sustainable change. By embracing new fundraising strategies, fostering collaborations, and enhancing its organizational structure, The Charity is confident in its ability to make a greater difference in the lives of those it serves.

The Charity extends its gratitude to its dedicated Trustees, staff, volunteers, and supporters who share its vision and contribute to its continued success.

12. Partnerships and Strategic Alliances

The Charity recognises the significance of collaboration and the power of partnerships in creating lasting change. Over the past year, it has actively pursued and successfully forged partnerships and strategic alliances with various organisations, both within the United Kingdom and internationally. These collaborations have significantly enhanced its ability to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact in its charitable projects.

In its efforts to address pressing social issues, the Charity has sought partnerships with like-minded nonprofits, government agencies, local communities, and businesses that share its vision and values. These alliances have enabled it to leverage complementary strengths, resources, and expertise, resulting in a greater collective impact than it could achieve alone.

Through these partnerships, Mehiel Foundation has expanded its reach and deepened its understanding of the communities it serves. By actively engaging with local stakeholders, it has gained valuable insights and established trust, enabling it to design and implement projects that are responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of the communities it works with.

The Charity’s strategic alliances have also allowed it to pool resources and share knowledge, enabling it to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of its initiatives. By collaborating on fundraising efforts, capacity-building activities, and program

implementation, it has been able to achieve greater economies of scale, reduce duplication of efforts, and amplify the overall impact of its projects.

Looking ahead, Mehiel Foundation is committed to further strengthening its partnerships and strategic alliances to drive sustainable development and social change. It will actively seek out new collaborations with organisations and individuals who share its commitment to improving lives and creating a more equitable society.

In its pursuit of these alliances, the Charity will prioritise transparency, mutual respect, and shared accountability. It believes in building long-term relationships that are grounded in trust, integrity, and a shared sense of purpose. By fostering open lines of communication, it will continuously learn from its partners, adapt its strategies, and ensure that its collaborative efforts remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Mehiel Foundation is grateful to all its partners and allies who have joined it on this journey. Together, they are forging a path towards positive social impact, creating a better future for those in need. It remains committed to fostering and nurturing these partnerships as it works collectively to create lasting change and transform lives.

It is worth mentioning that the Charity has received considerable support from The Clare Foundation, Sal’s Shoes, Bicester FoodBank, Bicester Toy Bank, The Foyle Foundation, and several corporations, amongst which the Trustees feel obliged to acknowledge Capital Group for 2 unrestricted grants.

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