Charity registration number 1204810 (England and Wales)
COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Ms RY A Phillips |
|---|---|
| Ms C Weeks | |
| E Yuan | |
| R Kumar | |
| D Caunce | |
| M Trebol | |
| AT Phillips | |
| GL Ledesma | |
| R Friedberger | |
| JA Carandang | |
| Charity number (England and Wales) | 1204810 |
| Principal address | 39 The Avenue |
| Chiswick | |
| London | |
| W4 1HB | |
| Accountants | Cottons Accountants LLP |
| 1 Billing Road | |
| Northampton | |
| United Kingdom | |
| NN1 5AL |
(Appointed 25 October 2023) (Appointed 25 October 2023) (Appointed 25 October 2023)
COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Accountants' report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 10 |
COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".
Objectives and activities
The objectives of the CIO are:
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To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment by promoting biological diversity, in particular but not exclusively in the Philippines.
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To promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public, in particular but not exclusively in the Philippines, by:
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a - the preservation, conservation and the protection of the environment and the prudent use of resources.
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b - the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
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c - the promotion of sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration.
Sustainable development means “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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To advance the education of the public in:
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a -The conservation (including wildlife conservation), protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment and biodiversity;
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b - Subjects relating to sustainable development and the protection, enhancement and rehabilitation of the environment; and
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c - To promote study and research in such subjects provided that the useful results of such study are disseminated to the public at large.
To deliver the purposes the CIO will use such means as determined by it’s Trustees including the following:
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Providing or assisting in the provision of goods, services, resources and grants
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Developing or assisting in the development of infrastructure and the education of communities
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Providing or assisting people with the means to live and support themselves or their community for the present and the future.”
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
In our inaugural year of operation as a new charity, our primary focus was to establish robust governance documents and policies, especially in the realm of partnerships. We also dedicated efforts to define a clear vision outlining short, mid, and long-term objectives for the charity, alongside the task of recruiting suitable trustees for Communities for Nature. We are pleased to report that these crucial foundations are now firmly in place.
Throughout the year, we concentrated on forging partnerships with corporates and communities worldwide. This endeavour resulted in the successful onboarding of new partners, culminating in our first tripartite partnership with Project ACE (Actions for Communities and Environment) in the Philippines.
The inaugural year of the Actions for Communities and Environment (ACE) Project has yielded significant success, contributing to positive outcomes for Danjugan Island and its surrounding communities. Project ACE has played a vital role in supporting the crucial conservation and biodiversity work of PRRCFI, while also nurturing a new generation of conservationists and citizen scientists. Furthermore, the project has facilitated opportunities for sustainable community development through education and livelihood initiatives. We are proud to have enhanced the expertise and capabilities of both PRRCFI and LMAX staff through comprehensive training and engaging initiatives.
For a detailed breakdown of the accomplishments and impact achieved during the ACE 1 Project, please refer to the ACE 1 End of Project Report.
Financial review
As we conclude the reporting period, Communities for Nature is pleased to announce that we have received initial donations that are substantial enough to kick start our activities and begin working towards our objectives. These donations have provided us with a solid foundation to initiate our programs and projects. While we are grateful for the support received thus far, we are also eagerly looking forward to receiving additional donations to further expand our reach and impact within the community.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure, governance and management
Communities for Nature operates under a well-defined governing document that outlines the guidelines for the charity's operation and management. The constitution of the charity aligns closely with the recommendations of the Charity Commission, ensuring a robust framework for governance. This governing document serves as the foundation for all activities carried out by the charity, providing a clear roadmap for decision-making and accountability.
The constitution of Communities for Nature specifies the methods for recruiting and appointing trustees, ensuring that the board is constituted with individuals possessing the necessary skills and expertise to further the charity's objectives. The appointment process is designed to be transparent and objective, with a focus on selecting trustees who can contribute significantly to the fulfilment of the charity's mission. The constitution clearly outlines the responsibilities and duties of trustees, establishing a framework for effective governance and management.
The recruitment and appointment procedures for trustees are clearly defined within the charity's constitution, emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and expertise within the board. Prospective trustees are assessed based on their skills, experience, and alignment with the values of Communities for Nature. The appointment process ensures that the board comprises individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives, enabling comprehensive decision-making and strategic planning. The charity's commitment to following these structured procedures highlights its dedication to effective governance and responsible management.
In conclusion, the structured governance and management practices outlined in the constitution of Communities for Nature demonstrate the charity's commitment to operating with transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. By adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Charity Commission and implementing robust recruitment and appointment procedures for trustees, the charity ensures that its board is well-equipped to lead the organization towards achieving its mission and objectives.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Ms RY A Phillips
Ms C Weeks E Yuan R Kumar D Caunce M Trebol AT Phillips GL Ledesma R Friedberger JA Carandang
(Appointed 25 October 2023) (Appointed 25 October 2023) (Appointed 25 October 2023)
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
.............................. Ms RY A Phillips Trustee Date: ..... ~~.~~ .......................................
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
In order to assist you to fulfil your duties under the Charities Act 2011, we have prepared for your approval the financial statements of Communities for Nature for the year ended 31 March 2024, which comprise the statement of financial activities and the related notes from the charity’s accounting records and from information and explanations you have given us.
As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at https://www.icaew.com/regulation.
This report is made to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 7 November 2024. Our work has been undertaken solely to prepare for your approval the financial statements of Communities for Nature and state those matters that we have agreed to state to the charity's trustees, as a body, in this report in accordance with ICAEW Technical Release 07/16 AAF. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Communities for Nature and the charity's trustees as a body, for our work or for this report.
It is your duty to ensure that Communities for Nature has kept adequate accounting records and to prepare statutory financial statements that give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and surplus of Communities for Nature. You consider that Communities for Nature is exempt from the statutory audit requirement for the year, and is not required to obtain an independent examiner's report.
We have not been instructed to carry out an audit or a review of the financial statements of Communities for Nature. For this reason, we have not verified the accuracy or completeness of the accounting records or information and explanations you have given to us and we do not, therefore, express any opinion on the statutory financial statements.
Cottons Accountants LLP
Chartered Accountants 1 Billing Road Northampton NN1 5AL United Kingdom Date: ............................16 January 2025
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | |
| Income from: | ||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 11,117 |
| Total income | 11,117 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||
| Charitable activities | 3 | 837 |
| Total expenditure | 837 | |
| Net income and movement in funds | 10,280 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||
| Fund balances at 20 September 2023 | - | |
| Fund balances at 31 March 2024 | 10,280 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 8 Net current assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 9 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... .............................. Ms RY A Phillips Trustee 15 January 2025 |
2024 £ 11,000 (720) |
£ 10,280 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,280 | ||
| 10,280 | ||
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Communities for Nature is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2024 | |
| £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 11,117 |
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
3 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Charitable | ||
|---|---|---|
| activities | ||
| 2024 | ||
| £ | ||
| Direct costs | ||
| Bank charges | 45 | |
| Subscriptions | 72 | |
| 117 | ||
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 4) | ||
| Governance | 720 | |
| 837 | ||
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 837 | |
| 4 | Support costs allocated to activities | |
| 2024 | ||
| £ | ||
| Governance costs | 720 | |
| Analysed between: | ||
| Charitable activities | 720 |
5 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
6 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Number | |
| Total | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
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COMMUNITIES FOR NATURE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | |
|---|---|
| 2024 | |
| £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 720 |
9 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 20 | Incoming | Resources | At | 31 March | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | resources | expended | 2024 | ||
| 2023 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | - | 11,117 | (837) | 10,280 |
10 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year ( - none).
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