TRUSTEES’ REPORT For the Year Ended 30 April 2025 Bernhoffman Foundation (Charity Number: 1208085)
1. Introduction
The trustees of the Bernhoffman Foundation present their annual report for the period 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2025. This is the charity’s first reporting period since registration with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
2. Objectives and Activities
The Bernhoffman Foundation was established to advance charitable purposes for the public benefit in the following areas:
The relief of those in need by reason of financial Hardship and the relief of poverty in Africa, particularly in Ghana, Gambia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Zimbabwe through the provision of:
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Free school meals.
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Grants for school fees, educational materials.
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Empowerment programmes for youth and women.
The Promotion of social inclusion among people who are migrants in the United Kingdom, particularly but not limited to migrants, who are socially excluded on the grounds of their social, economic and cultural background by providing community support for social integration and guidance in navigating the United Kingdom.
The charity intends to achieve these aims through the provision of support services, grantgiving programmes, and partnerships with community organisations working within these focus areas.
3. Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that they have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when planning the Foundation’s activities. The intended work of the charity is designed to provide clear benefit to individuals living with disabilities, families experiencing poverty, and young people requiring additional support.
4. Achievements and Performance
During the reporting period ending 30 April 2025, the charity did not commence operational activities.
Key reasons include:
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The Foundation focused on establishing governance structures
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Preliminary planning and scoping of programmes
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No fundraising or charitable delivery activities were undertaken
The trustees intend for operational activity to begin in the next financial year, subject to the completion of appropriate planning, resourcing, and safeguards.
5. Financial Review
As the charity did not begin operating during the financial year, there was no income or expenditure.
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No grants were made
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No fundraising activities took place
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No assets or liabilities were recorded at year end
The Foundation remains financially dormant and will begin financial activity only once programme delivery is ready to commence.
6. Reserves Policy
The charity currently holds no reserves. The trustees aim to establish a reserves policy once income-generation activities begin and early operational commitments are assessed.
7. Risk Management
The trustees have considered key risks associated with a new charity, including governance, financial controls, safeguarding, and compliance.
During the year, the trustees focused on:
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Ensuring compliance with Charity Commission registration requirements
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Developing future operational policies (e.g., safeguarding, data protection, financial oversight)
Full risk-management procedures will be implemented once the charity begins its active programme work.
8. Structure, Governance, and Management
The Bernhoffman Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), and is governed by its constitution adopted upon registration.
The trustees are responsible for strategic oversight, compliance, and ensuring that the charity operates in line with its charitable objectives.
9. Trustees
During the reporting period, the charity had three trustees:
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Dr. Bernardette Naa Hoffman
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Rosemond Ama Gyasiwaa Amofa
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Jennifer Forson
No trustee received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses during the year.
10. Plans for the Coming Year
In the year ahead, the charity intends to:
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Begin fundraising and establishing partnerships with local organisations
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Develop and launch an initial programme supporting children and young adults
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Explore small-scale grant provision for individuals living with disabilities or in poverty
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Create operational policies to guide safe and effective service delivery
The trustees aim to ensure that all future activities are delivered responsibly, sustainably, and in alignment with the Foundation’s charitable objectives.
11. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing this report and the accompanying financial statements in accordance with applicable law and guidance. They confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of their knowledge.