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2024-12-31-accounts

Registered number: 10039687 Charity number: 1203840

THE LOTUS FLOWER

(A CHARITABLE COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

THE LOTUS FLOWER

COMPANY INFORMATION

TRUSTEES Peri-Khan Aqrawi-Whitcomb Sayran Barzani Pegah Manteghi Daniele Mazzone Ruth Szabo Khalastchi (Chair) Hannah Wheatley (Secretary) COMPANY NUMBER 10039687 CHARITY NUMBER 1203840 REGISTERED OFFICE 28 White Rock Hastings TN34 1JY WEBSITE www.thelotusflower.org.uk INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATIONS Kurdistan no. 4054-F; Iraq no. 1O2109035 LEADERSHIP TEAM Taban Shoresh OBE (Founder & CEO) INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Triple Bottom Line Accounting Ltd The Enterprises Centre University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ Bankers HSBC Hastings

Page | 2

THE LOTUS FLOWER

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 4 - 9
CEO’s report 10
Independent Examiner’s Report 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Notes to the financial statements 14 - 27

Page | 3

THE LOTUS FLOWER

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of The Lotus Flower for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Objectives and activities

Provide humanitarian relief to displaced women and girls by offering safe shelter, health and wellbeing support, and education.

Vision: support women and girls build sustainable futures beyond conflict and displacement.

Mission: help vulnerable women and girls to heal, learn and grow.

Grants are governed by a written agreement covering approved purposes, budgets, reporting requirements and oversight. UK trustees retain overall responsibility for ensuring funds are applied for charitable purposes and receive regular financial and narrative reports from the Iraq team.

Public benefit statement

The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in planning the charity’s activities and in reviewing the extent to which those activities further the charity’s purposes for the public benefit.

Page | 4

THE LOTUS FLOWER

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance – The Lotus Flower UK

Overview

During 2024, The Lotus Flower UK continued to raise and manage funds to deliver programmes supporting displaced and conflict-affected women and girls through its partner organisation, The Lotus Flower Iraq. Together, the two entities form the Lotus Flower Network, sharing the same mission, leadership and brand.

The UK charity focuses on fundraising, governance and strategic oversight, while The Lotus Flower Iraq is responsible for programme implementation on the ground across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Throughout 2024, the organisation reached over 14,000 individuals, strengthened partnerships and achieved a key milestone with the opening of its UK Hub and the launch of direct UK-based programming for the first time.

UK-Based Programmes

The Lotus Flower UK began delivering activities directly within the UK in 2024, broadening its mission to include refugee and displaced women rebuilding their lives in the UK.

Key highlights:

These initiatives demonstrate that The Lotus Flower’s mission remains both globally relevant and locally impactful.

Wider Impact – The Lotus Flower Network (Iraq)

Through our sister organisation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, over 14,107 women, girls and young people benefited in 2024 from programmes in protection, education, livelihoods and wellbeing.

£150,242 raised in the UK was granted to The Lotus Flower Iraq to support projects aligned to our charitable objectives, alongside additional local and international grants secured independently by the Iraq team.

Page | 5

THE LOTUS FLOWER

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Headline achievements included enhanced psychosocial support, women’s business incubation, and community-led awareness on GBV and child protection. UK trustees receive reports and monitor due diligence to ensure funds are used responsibly.

These locally funded projects are not included in the UK charity’s financial statements but form a vital part of the Lotus Flower Network’s collective impact.

Global Advocacy and Awareness

Advocacy and public engagement remained central to The Lotus Flower’s mission, with representation at global forums including TEDxMontmartre, UNHCR Consultations, and CSW68, and recognition through multiple awards including an OBE for the CEO and “Charity of the Year” at the IMpower FundForum.

This work strengthened visibility, partnerships and donor engagement, raising awareness of women’s rights in conflict zones.

Regional and Global Context

The year presented significant challenges, including the closure of IDP camps, proposed legal changes affecting women’s rights, and a shifting humanitarian landscape following the withdrawal of major actors. These factors underscore the importance of The Lotus Flower’s locally led model and adaptive approach.

Looking Ahead – 2025

In 2025, The Lotus Flower UK will:

Despite global and regional challenges, The Lotus Flower remains deeply committed to its mission — empowering displaced women and girls through local leadership, partnership and innovation.

Page | 6

THE LOTUS FLOWER

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial review

Principal funding sources:

• Grants and donations of £405,525 are broken down as follows; Corporate Organisations £68,208; Trusts and Foundations £322,500; Private Donations £14,817

Reserves policy:

The charity holds reserves to manage income volatility and working-capital needs. “Free reserves” are unrestricted funds excluding designated amounts, the net book value of fixed assets, and other non-liquid items. The board targets three months of core operating costs (approximately £65,000).

At 31 December 2024, free reserves were £18,407 (1 month), below target. This reflects timing differences on income and expenditure and the use of unrestricted funds to support core operations. Unrestricted income due early in 2025 is expected to increase the unrestricted reserves position. The reserves policy is monitored quarterly and reviewed at least annually.

Going concern:

The trustees have reviewed forecasts and liquidity and consider the charity a going concern for at least 12 months from the date of approval. No material uncertainties

Principal risks and uncertainties:

Funding and liquidity. Risk of shortfalls as grants end. Controls: monthly cash-flow, 3–4 months reserves, pipeline reviews.

Operating environment (KRI/Iraq). Access, security, camp changes. Controls: context monitoring, security protocols, flexible community delivery.

Safeguarding and PSEA. Harm to beneficiaries or staff. Controls: policy, vetting, training, reporting pathways, survivor-centred response.

Compliance (sanctions/AML, data protection). Breach risk. Controls: partner due diligence, sanctions/PEP screening, dual approvals, DPIA and retention rules.

Partner delivery and fraud. Mis-spend or weak evidence. Controls: grant agreements, milestone payments, spot checks, segregation of duties.

Key person and capacity. Dependency on small teams. Controls: delegation matrix, succession planning, cross-training.

FX and banking. GBP–USD–IQD volatility and transfer routes. Controls: scheduled conversions, multiple providers, budget buffers.

Page | 7

THE LOTUS FLOWER

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

Page | 8

THE LOTUS FLOWER

TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Plans for future periods

• Next year priorities:

Deliver core protection, wellbeing and livelihoods programmes in KRI and the UK.

Strengthen organisational resilience, safeguarding and compliance.

Improve monitoring, evaluation and learning to evidence impact.

Measures: people reached, sessions delivered, satisfaction, safeguarding incidents, and basic cost per beneficiary.

• Pipeline funding and capacity:

Secured income 2025: £500,000. Targeted: £50,000 in active proposals and renewals.

Scenarios: Base maintain current scale; Upside expand cohorts and grants; Downside protect core services and pause non core pilots within the reserves policy.

Capacity: modest hires and tooling subject to funding.

Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others.

The charity held no funds or assets as custodian trustee for others during the year

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards and for safeguarding the assets of the charity. The trustees are satisfied that they have taken all steps they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s auditor/independent examiner is aware of that information.

Approval

Approved by the trustees on 24 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Ruth Szabo Khalastchi

Chair of trustees

Hannah Wheatley Secretary

Page | 9

THE LOTUS FLOWER

CEO’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Overview

2024 was a year of growth, resilience and reflection for The Lotus Flower. We strengthened our governance, diversified our funding base, and expanded our reach to over 14,000 women and girls through our programmes in Iraq and the UK. Despite operating in an increasingly complex humanitarian environment, our focus on local leadership, women’s empowerment, and communitydriven change remained unwavering.

Programme Delivery

In Iraq, our team continued to provide life-changing support for displaced and conflict-affected women and girls. Our work spanned protection, wellbeing, education, and livelihoods — helping communities to rebuild with dignity and hope. Across all centres, the Lotus Flower model continues to demonstrate that when women are given the tools and space to lead, entire communities benefit.

In the UK, 2024 marked the launch of our first direct delivery programmes. Our new UK Hub in Hastings and the Swimming Sisters UK initiative brought The Lotus Flower’s ethos of empowerment and healing to refugee and asylum-seeking women rebuilding their lives here. These early programmes laid the groundwork for a stronger UK presence, rooted in inclusion, wellbeing, and peacebuilding.

Partnerships and Advocacy

Partnerships continued to be central to our impact — from long-standing collaborations with UN agencies and INGOs in Iraq to new UK-based community and corporate partners. Advocacy remained a defining thread, with The Lotus Flower contributing to global discussions at UNHCR Consultations, CSW68, and TEDx events, while our CEO was honoured with an OBE for services to refugees.

Challenges and Context

We navigated significant challenges in 2024: the closure of IDP camps in Iraq, uncertainty in the humanitarian funding landscape, and the growing polarisation seen both regionally and in the UK. These realities reinforced the need for locally led, flexible approaches and ongoing investment in women’s leadership and resilience.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, The Lotus Flower will focus on strengthening peacebuilding and fundraising within the UK, sustaining delivery in Iraq, and deepening partnerships that protect and empower displaced women and girls. We will continue to manage risks proactively, diversify funding streams, and uphold strong governance and accountability across the organisation.

I am deeply proud of what our teams, trustees and partners have achieved together. Our work continues to prove that when women lead recovery, communities thrive. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our donors and supporters — from foundations and corporate partners to individual contributors — whose belief in our mission makes this possible. Your continued generosity and trust enable The Lotus Flower to empower women and girls to rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose and hope for the future.

Taban Shoresh

Chief Executive Officer The Lotus Flower

Page | 10

THE LOTUS FLOWER

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

I report to the Directors on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiners statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

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.

Peter Ellington FAIA

Triple Bottom Line Accounting Limited

The Enterprise Centre

Norwich

NR4 7TJ

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THE LOTUS FLOWER

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Income from:
Grants and donations
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable objectives
5
Governance costs
6
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
before tax for the year
Taxation
Net income / (expenditure)
after tax for the year
Transfers between funds
11
Net income / (expenditure)
and net movement in funds
for the year
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Fund
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023R
£
£
£
£
75,800
329,725
405,525
405,074
75,800
329,725
405,525
405,074
(64,561)
(357,883)
(422,444)
(327,501)
(2,666)
-
(2,666)
(10,086)
(67,227)
(357,883)
(425,110)
(337,587)
8,573
(28,158)
(19,585)
67,487
-
-
-
-
8,573
(28,158)
(19,585)
67,487
-
-
-
-
8,573
(28,158)
(19,585)
67,487
9,834
92,686
102,520
35,033
18,407
64,528
82,935
102,520

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended relate to continuing activities. The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

Page | 12

THE LOTUS FLOWER

(REGISTERED NUMBER: 10039687) BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Total Fixed Assets
8
Current Assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Total Current Assets
Liabilities
Creditors falling due within one year
10
Net Current Assets/(Liabilities)
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Net (Liabilities)/Assets
Charity Funds
Restricted Income Funds
11
Unrestricted Funds – General Funds
11
Total Charity Funds		 2024
£
£
2,375
177
97,747
97,924
(17,364)
80,560
82,935
82,935
64,528
18,407
82,935		 2024
£
£
2,375
177
97,747
97,924
(17,364)
80,560
82,935
82,935
64,528
18,407
82,935		 2023R
£
£
3,166
1,311
115,452
116,763
(17,409)
99,354
102,520
102,520
53,644
48,876
102,520		 2023R
£
£
3,166
1,311
115,452
116,763
(17,409)
99,354
102,520
102,520
53,644
48,876
102,520
80,560



99,354
97,924
(17,364)		 116,763
(17,409)
82,935 102,520
82,935 102,520
64,528
18,407		 53,644
48,876
82,935 102,520

For the year ending 31 December 2024, the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 24 October 2025.

Ruth Szabo Khalastchi

Hannah Wheatley

Chair of trustees

Secretary

The notes on pages 14 to 27 form part of these financial statements.

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THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

CHANGE OF ACCOUNTING POLICY

TRANSITION TO FRS 102 AND THE CHARITIES SORP (FRS 102)

This is the first year that the charity has presented its financial statements under FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). The date of transition was 1 January 2024. The prior year comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been restated where necessary to comply with the requirements of FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Transition adjustments

In the prior year, certain grant income was recognised on a deferred basis and credited to income in line with related expenditure. Under FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102), income is recognised when the charity is entitled to the income, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably. Restrictions on the purposes for which income may be applied do not affect the timing of income recognition, but are instead presented as part of restricted funds within reserves.

Accordingly, deferred income balances that did not meet the definition of a liability have been reclassified as restricted funds. This has resulted in an increase in total funds at both the opening and closing balance sheet dates.

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds previously reported
Reclassification of deferred income to restricted funds
Total funds restated		 1 Jan
2023R
31 Dec
2023R
£
£
47,426
47,209
(12,393)
55,311
35,033
102,520

Page | 14

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income previously reported
Release of deferred income recognised under SORP
Net income restated		 2023R
£
55,094
12,393
67,487

INCOME RECOGNITION

Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income, receipt is probable, and the amount can be measured reliably.

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations are recognised when the charity has confirmation of the donation, the amount can be reliably measured, and there is probability of receipt. Legacies are recognised when probate has been granted, the executors have established that sufficient assets exist to settle all liabilities, and the amount can be reliably measured.

GRANTS RECEIVABLE

Income from grants is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, receipt is probable, and the amount can be reliably measured. Where a grant is subject to performance conditions, income is recognised only as those conditions are satisfied. Where a grant is received in advance of entitlement, it is carried forward as a liability (deferred income) until such time as the conditions are met. Where a grant has restrictions as to its use but no performance conditions, the income is recognised on entitlement and presented within restricted funds.

CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Income from charitable activities is recognised as earned as the related goods are provided or services delivered.

OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Income from fundraising events and trading activities is recognised when earned.

INVESTMENT INCOME

Investment income is recognised when receivable and is allocated to restricted and unrestricted funds as appropriate.

Page | 15

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

TAX RECLAIMS ON DONATIONS AND GIFTS

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

DONATED GOODS

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.

The cost of any stock of goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries is deemed to be the fair value of those gifts at the time of their receipt and they are recognised on receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised as an expense at the carrying amount of the stocks at distribution.

Donated goods for resale are measured at fair value on initial recognition, which is the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale and recognised in 'Income from other trading activities' with the corresponding stock recognised in the balance sheet. On its sale the value of stock is charged against 'Income from other trading activities' and the proceeds from sale are also recognised as 'Income from other trading activities'.

Goods donated for on-going use by the charity are recognised as tangible fixed assets and included in the Statement of Financial Activities as incoming resources when receivable.

Gifts in kind use by the charity are included in the Statement of Financial Activities as income from donations when receivable.

DONATED SERVICES AND FACILITIES

Donated services and facilities are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when received at the value of the gift to the charity provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.

Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the Statement of Financial Activities.

INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES

This includes any realised or unrealised gains or losses on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES

LIABILITY RECOGNITION

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Page | 16

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS

Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

VOLUNTEER HELP

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

REDUNDANCY COST

The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.

DEFERRED INCOME

No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.

CREDITORS

The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

FUND ACCOUNTING

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

These are funds available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the charitable objectives and which have not been designated for other purposes. The trustees may designate part of the unrestricted funds to be used for particular purposes where this is considered to be helpful in furthering the charitable objects.

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Restricted funds are funds subject to specific trusts or restrictions imposed by the donor or grantor, or by the nature of the appeal through which they were raised. Expenditure that meets these restrictions is charged to the relevant fund. Where a grant has restrictions as to its purpose but does not impose performance conditions, the income is recognised on entitlement, and the balance is held within restricted funds until spent in accordance with the restriction.

Page | 17

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 LEGAL STATUS OF THE CHARITY

The Lotus Flower is a private charitable company limited by guarantee in England. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information page of these financial statements. The nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are explained in the Directors’ Report.

3 NET INCOME / EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR

Net income / (expenditure) is stated after charging / (crediting):
Depreciation
Independent Examiner’s Fee		 2024
2023R
£
£
792 1,087
750
750

4 INCOME FROM GRANTS AND DONATIONS

During the period the trust received grants from the following:

Choose Love
Clarksons
Joffe Trust
Elleros
Migrate Art
TK Foundation
If Foundation
Big Give
Ancient & Brave
Zarok
CAF
Charities Trust
Private Donors
Other Donations
Total income from grants and donations		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
2024
Total
2023R
£
£
£
£
-
109,473
109,473
145,728
-
95,000
95,000
45,000
-
-
-
33,000
-
-
-
601
-
-
-
10,000
-
-
-
30,884
-
1,670
1,670
-
4,957
5000
9,957
-
-
60,000
60,000
-
-
1,670
-
-
10,880
-
10,880
-
1,024
-
1,024
-
2,000
-
2,000
20,572
56,939
56,912
175,521
119,289
75,800
329,725
405,525
405,074

Page | 18

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 DIRECT CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

Project Costs
Project Running Costs
Overhead Costs
Overheads
Other costs
Support costs
Salaries
Finance costs
Allocated as follows:
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
6
GOVERNANCE COSTS
Financial and administration
Legal and professional
Independent Examiner’s Fee
Allocated as follows:
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds		 2024
2023R
£
£
150,242
153,627
16,718
8,426
123,807
109,051
131,677
56,397
-
-
422,444
327,501
64,561
115,932
357,883
211,569
422,444
327,501
2024
2023R
£
£
1,916
9,336
-
-
750
750
2,666
10,086
2,666
10,086
-
-
2,666
10,086

Page | 19

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 STAFF COSTS

The cost of employing staff was:
Wages and salaries
Employers’ Social security costs
Employers’ contribution to defined contribution pension scheme
he average number of employees during the year was 3 (2023: 2).
he parts of the charity in which the employees work:
Fundraising
Charitable Activities
Governance
Other
Total		 2024
2023R
£
£
122,557
55,167
7,018
1,230
2,102
-
131,677
56,397
2024
2023R
-
-
3
2
-
-
-
-
3
2

The average number of employees during the year was 3 (2023: 2).

The parts of the charity in which the employees work:

One employee received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000

The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the current or previous year.

The trustees did not have any expenses reimbursed during the current or previous year.

The charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the year was £2,102 (2023: £Nil).

Allocated as follows:
Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds		 2024
2023R
£
£
1,770
-
332
-
2,102
-

Page | 20

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 FIXED ASSETS

Cost
As of 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
As of 31 December 2024
Depreciation
As of 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
As of 31 December 2024
Net book value
As of 31 December 2024
As of 31 December 2023		 Fixtures &
Fittings
£
3,958
-
-
3,958
792
791
1,583
2,375
3,166		 Computer
Equipment
£
526
-
-
526
526
-
526
-
-		 Total
£
4,484
-
-
4,484
1,318
791
2,109
2,375
3,166

9 DEBTORS

Trade debtors
Other debtors		 2024
2023R
£
£
-
200
177
1,111
177
1,311

10 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors
Other creditors
Taxation and social security		 2024
2023R
£
£
1,929
12,250
-
364
15,435
4,795
17,364
17,409

Page | 21

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11 FUND RECONCILIATION 2024:

Fund balance as at
31 December 2023
Movements in year
Transfer between funds
Fund balance as at
31 December 2024
2023:
Fund balance as at
31 December 2022
Movements in year
Transfer between funds
Fund balance as at
31 December 2023		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2023R
£
£
£
£
9,834
92,686
102,520
35,033
8,573
(28,158)
(19,585)
67,487
-
-
-
-
18,407
64,528
82,935
102,520
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2023R
Total
2022R
£
£
£
£
35.033
-
35,033
-
13,843
53,644
67,487
-
-
-
48,876
53,644
102,520
35,033

Page | 22

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

2024:

Tangible fixed assets
Current asset less creditor		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2023R
£
£
£
£
2,375
-
2,375
3,166
16,032
64,528
80,560
99,354
18,407
64,528
82,935
102,520

2023:

Tangible fixed assets
Current asset less creditor		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
2023R
Total
2022R
£
£
£
£
3,166
-
3,166
295
45,710
53,644
99,354
44,738
48,876
53,644
102,520
45,033

Page | 23

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

2024:

Restricted
Choose Love 2023-24
TK Foundation
Ancient & Brave
Choose Love 2024
Clarksons £50k
Clarksons £45k
Big Give
If Foundation
Zarok
Unrestricted
Donations
Reserves		 Fund
balance
1
January
2024R
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
in/(out)
general fund
Fund
balance
31 December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
22,760
-
(22,760)
-
-
30,884
-
(30,884)
-
-
-
60,000
(12,000)
-
48,000
-
109,473
(109,476)
-
-
-
50,000
(50,000)
-
-
-
45,000
(45,000)
-
-
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
-
-
58,582
(42,054)
-
16,528
-
1,670
(1,670)
-
-
53,644
329,725
(318,844)
-
64,528
48,876
75,800
(106,266)
-
18,407
-
-
-
-
-
102,520
405,525
(425,110)
-
82,935

Page | 24

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (CONTINUED)

Details of Restricted Funds

Choose Love Choose Love is funding to support core staff. The funding will continue to support key salaries for its CEO, Finance and Operations Manager, and Fundraising and Comms Manager. TK Foundation The TK Foundation Grant is to support the Swimming Sisters project for women and girls aged 18-25 from refugee and IDP communities to learn to swim for the first time. Ancient & Brave The project goal is to empower marginalised women and girls by teaching them essential swimming skills, ensuring their safety around water, enhancing their physical and mental well-being, and promoting social integration. Clarksons The Clarksons fund (£50k) 90% is to fund the running costs of the two centres in Kurdistan (two women’s camp-based centres in Rwanga and Essyan) and 10% to go towards the salary costs of the UK based Lotus Flower team. The Clarksons fund (£45k) is to provide funding for the Rise and Thrive project, Hastings Hub sustainability, and for the Women’s Business incubator programme in Kudistan. Big Give Rise and Thrive accelerates local economic growth by equipping undersupported community members with essential job-ready skills and empowering small businesses to expand their market reach, fostering sustainable economic stability and supporting an empowered Hastings community to grow and thrive. If Foundation Funding provided for the recruitment of the Partnership and Development Manager and delivery of external evaluation report Zarok Grant funding provided for funding Domiz Empowerment Center for Girls and Women

Page | 25

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (CONTINUED)

2023:

Restricted
Choose Love 2023-24
Clarksons
Choose Love 2023
Choose Love 2023
Joffe Trust
Elleros
Migrate Art
TK Foundation
Unrestricted
Donations
Reserves		 Fund
balance
January
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
to/(from)
general fund
Fund
balance
December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
-
75,000
(52,240)
-
22,760
-
45,000
(45,000)
-
-
-
20,758
(20,758)
-
-
-
49,970
(49,970)
-
-
-
33,000
(33,000)
-
-
-
601
(601)
-
-
-
10,000
(10,000)
-
-
-
30,884
-
-
30,884
-
265,213
(211,569)
-
53,644
35,033
139,861
(126,018)
-
48,876
-
-
-
-
-
35,033
405,074
(337,587)
-
102,520

14 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Lotus Flower Iraq is a non-governmental organisation registered in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It shares the same mission, leadership, and brand identity as The Lotus Flower UK but operates as a separate legal entity responsible for programme delivery in Iraq.

During the year, The Lotus Flower UK made grants totalling £150,242 to The Lotus Flower Iraq to support charitable programmes in protection, wellbeing, education, and livelihoods. These transfers were made under a formal grant agreement and in furtherance of the charity’s objectives.

At the year end, there were no funds held by The Lotus Flower UK pending transfer to The Lotus Flower Iraq.

No other related party transactions took place during the year. No trustee received remuneration or expenses from the charity.

Page | 26

THE LOTUS FLOWER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES – 2023 COMPARATIVES

Income from:
Grants and donations
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable objectives
Governance costs
Total expenditure
Net income / (expenditure)
before tax for the year
Taxation
Net income / (expenditure)
after tax for the year
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Fund
Restricted
Fund
Total
Funds
2023R
£
£
£
139,861
265,213
405,074
139,861
265,213
405,074
(115,932)
(211,569)
(327,501)
(10,086)
-
(10,086)
(126,018)
(211,569)
(337,587)
13,843
53,644
67,487
-
-
-
13,843
53,644
67,487
-
-
-
13,843
53,644
67,487
35,033
-
35,033
48,876
53,644
102,520

Page | 27