Village Projects Foundation
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 5 April 2025
Reference and Administrative Details
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Charity name: Village Projects Foundation
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Registered charity number: 1202332
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Principal office address: 34 Foxhurst Road, Ash Vale, GU12 5DY
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Trustees: Christopher Jones, Shelina Jones, Eddie Caviezel-Cox
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Bankers: The Co-operative Bank
Structure, Governance and Management
Village Projects Foundation is a UK registered charity governed by its constitution adopted on incorporation. The trustees are responsible for the governance of the charity, setting its strategy, and ensuring that funds are used effectively to achieve the charitable purposes. The trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration for their work.
Objectives and Activities
The charity’s purpose is to advance education, relieve poverty, and promote community development, both in the UK and internationally. We focus on:
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Supporting children’s access to quality education through sponsorship programmes.
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Funding grassroots projects in East Africa (e.g. Project Lisha, Seacat, Agbe, Kenya).
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Running community initiatives in the UK such as conservation, rewilding exploration, and fundraising through events.
In setting our objectives and planning activities, the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance (2024–25)
During the year we have:
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Sponsored education: Provided regular funding for children in Kenya and Ghana to access schooling, uniforms, and materials.
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Project Lisha: Continued support for Project Lisha, ensuring monthly financial commitments were met to cover essential needs.
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Community engagement: Organised fundraising activities such as sponsored runs, raffles, and charity days.
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Partnerships: Received generous support from organisations including Cirrus Events Management, Streamlined Analytics, Fielding and Nicholson and Trained By Jones.
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New initiatives: Began planning a UK-based conservation programme exploring rewilding opportunities in East Sussex.
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Gift Aid and Grants: Successfully reclaimed Gift Aid, strengthening the sustainability of our projects.
Financial Review
The charity’s total income for the year was £22,760.73 , derived from donations, fundraising events, grants, and Gift Aid.
Expenditure totalled £15,903.90 , with the majority directed to overseas project support (Project Lisha and Kenya programmes) and bank/admin costs.
This resulted in a net surplus of £6,856.83 , strengthening our reserves.
The trustees are satisfied that the charity remains financially stable and that sufficient funds are available to meet existing commitments.
Reserves Policy
The trustees aim to maintain a level of free reserves equivalent to at least three months’ project support costs to ensure sustainability. Surplus funds beyond this will be directed into expanding education sponsorship and conservation initiatives.
Plans for Future Periods
In 2025–26, the charity will focus on:
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Expanding child education sponsorship opportunities.
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Developing Project Fursa, a new initiative to increase access to secondary and vocational education.
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Progressing UK conservation plans, with the aim of acquiring land for rewilding and biodiversity recovery.
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Building new partnerships with organisations such as Forestry England and Rewilding Britain.
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Strengthening digital fundraising and supporter engagement through social media and campaigns.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and the charity’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and ensuring that funds are applied only to the purposes set out in the governing document.
Signed on behalf of the trustees,
Christopher Jones Chair of Trustees Date: 26[th] September 2025