REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 271373
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
for Middle East Media (Registered in England)
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA, FIPA, DChA, FRSA 3 Wey Court Mary Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4QU
Middle East Media
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 14 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 15 to 16 |
REPORT 2022
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Middle East Media exists to make a strategic contribution to moving the people of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) towards life-transforming faith in Jesus Christ through the creative and culturally relevant use of media. We produce indigenous Christian media content and holistically empower other content creators where it is challenging to be a Christian. We walk with them on their journey of faith so that they, too, can reach out to the unreached in their communities.
Activities
We were able to do more face-to-face events than in the years prior. Through the Global Connections Network, we had an opportunity to speak to students at five UK universities for the first time. We attended two summer festivals and visited a few churches and trusts. MEM Week in June was hosted in-person by three different churches in Hove, Buxton and London, with an online Day of Prayer.
In addition, we achieved two major milestones to help us grow. We rebranded ourselves to reflect a new strand added to MEM's existing strategy - which is to equip new media teams across the Arab world. Secondly, our new database streamlined our data processing, especially for the projects that we fund, and has made both our internal and cross-office communication more effective.
Middle East Media has continued informing and envisioning individuals and grant-making bodies in the UK and Europe on the needs of the population in the MENA. In deciding what to do in the year, the trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Through our partners in the MENA, we served a wide range of people, as in the years before - refugees, traumatised children, suffering women and men, young people, and new believers. Over 200 young people and 100 women were trained in filmmaking to increase their employability and give them a voice through the creation of media. A new YouTube channel for children celebrated one year, and exceeded our original plans. It reached children beyond the Middle East, and even attracted their parents too, for whom a new Facebook page has been set up.
Last year, we mentioned six new media teams that we started supporting in various MENA countries. Four of these teams have since been active in producing media for their own people. One of these teams has gained an hour each week on their national TV to broadcast their Christian material. Another team is running a successful digital initiative to reach women in the Gulf. A third group continues to work on a simplified Bible audio recording in a popular colloquial Arabic dialect, in which no Bible translation exists. Our aim is not to dictate or produce media for them, but to walk alongside - encouraging and supporting wherever possible. At least two new prospect media teams have been added to our list, and we hope to have more contact with them in 2023.
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Middle East Media, registered in England, cooperates with a charity using the same name, registered in the USA. Both work with the Middle East Media International Board, which provides oversight of and reports on the projects throughout the MENA. Middle East Media has representation on the Middle East Media International Board, where annual performance reports of all partners are presented.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
We received positive responses to our appeals and applications for funds in the year. We only account income as that received, and some substantial gifts that were confirmed towards the end of 2022 were not received until the start of 2023. Together with sending undesignated funds to Field Projects, our General Reserve at the 31 December 2022 was lower than we would like, but has now improved. We also have the Large Legacy Fund which is restricted at the discretion of the trustees.
The gross income for the year was £300,221 (2021: £380,838), with funds sent to the Field £289,041 (2021: £287,345).
Though we were able to complete more applications and reports than planned, growing our individual support has been slower than hoped. Promotional events alone do not provide immediate financial support; many more activities are needed to cultivate the interest and commitment of new supporters. Last year in particular, much of our time was also focused on rebranding and implementing the new database, helping us long-term, but not in the short-term, to increase our funds.
Therefore, one-off, regular or multi-year support from trusts has been vital to our ministry. We are very thankful to a few family trusts supporting us each year. The trustees would like to place on record their thanks to the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Württemberg, Germany, and Trinity Church Buxton (UK) for their long-term support with substantial annual gifts and prayers. We were also pleased that the Bishop Radford Trust committed to a three-year funding.
The financial statements give a fair representation of the assets of the charity.
STAFF and VOLUNTEERS
We give a special thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers, who continue to give above and beyond, to promote the work of the charity.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, the constitution, and constitutes an unincorporated charity. Members of the charity are admitted by the Board from among persons whose inspiration to membership is authenticated by the Board's satisfaction, and who have also indicated in writing their acceptance of the principles set out in the Charity's Statement of Values. Membership of the charity shall terminate if the member resigns by written notice to the Board, or if the member should be removed by the Board after due process.
The affairs of the charity are managed by a Board of no less than four and no more than ten persons acting as trustees of the charity. The Board invites eligible individuals to become trustees of the charity. In 2022, the Board invited two new trustees to join us. The Board may remove any member from the Board, but any resolution to remove such a member shall require approval by at least 75% of the Board members.
The Board provides strategic oversight of Middle East Media which delegates as appropriate to the UK Administration.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
271373
Principal address
Unit 142 23 King Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire
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Trustees
F Holmer J Morris B Taylor H-R Perkin R Summerfield D Hodgson J C Hooker (appointed 22.3.22) C S Large (appointed 16.9.22)
Independent Examiner
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA, FIPA, DChA, FRSA Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales 3 Wey Court Mary Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4QU Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 March 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
J Morris - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Middle East Media
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Middle East Media
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Middle East Media (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA, FIPA, DChA, FRSA Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales 3 Wey Court Mary Road Guildford Surrey GU1 4QU
Date: .............................................
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Middle East Media
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Investment income Total EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds Charitable activities Grants & Costs re MENA projects Project Co-ordination and Support Costs Total NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2022 Unrestricted Restricted fund funds Notes £ £ 2 147,241 152,602 3 378 - 147,619 152,602 92,545 165 18,403 270,638 90,707 - 201,655 270,803 (54,036) (118,201) 12 17,359 (17,359) (36,677) (135,560) 44,868 371,238 8,191 235,678 |
31.12.22 31.12.21 Total Total funds funds £ £ 299,843 380,826 378 12 300,221 380,838 92,710 87,038 289,041 287,345 90,707 100,430 472,458 474,813 (172,237) (93,975) - - (172,237) (93,975) 416,106 510,081 243,869 416,106 |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ 2 147,241 3 378 147,619 92,545 18,403 90,707 201,655 (54,036) 12 17,359 (36,677) 44,868 8,191 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Middle East Media
Balance Sheet 31 December 2022
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 2,049 Cash at bank and in hand 12,501 14,550 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 11 (6,359) NET CURRENT ASSETS 8,191 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 8,191 NET ASSETS 8,191 FUNDS 12 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ - 235,798 235,798 (120) 235,678 235,678 235,678 |
31.12.22 Total funds £ 2,049 248,299 250,348 (6,479) 243,869 243,869 243,869 8,191 235,678 243,869 |
31.12.21 Total funds £ 1,806 420,093 421,899 (5,793) 416,106 416,106 416,106 44,868 371,238 416,106 |
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:
J Morris - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Computer equipment - Straight line over 3 years
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
All grant applications include an administration levy for the UK office support costs and are represented in the accounts as a transfer between funds.
Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Donations to General Funds comprise a number of regular and irregular donations from many supporters, as well as some donations from Trusts and other entities. Donations to Restricted Funds are largely grants received from Trusts and Foundations. The Trustees are grateful to all their UK donors for their continued support throughout the year.
Included in donations and legacies is a legacy of £1,000 (2021: two legacies totalling £62,883).
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
4.
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.22 | 31.12.21 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Deposit account interest | 378 | 12 | |
| SUPPORT COSTS | |||
| Governance | |||
| Management | costs | Totals | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Project Co-ordination and Support Costs | 86,627 | 4,080 | 90,707 |
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2022 nor for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Trustees' expenses
Trustee expenses of £1,266 were paid in respect of travel and subsistence to one trustee. (2021: no trustee expenses).
6. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Fundraising & publicity Project co-ordination and support |
31.12.22 £ 132,144 6,848 3,930 142,922 31.12.22 2 4 6 |
31.12.21 £ 127,390 6,516 3,815 |
|---|---|---|
| 137,721 | ||
| 31.12.21 2 4 6 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
6. STAFF COSTS - continued
The average number of full-time equivalent employees was 4.4 (2021: 4.3).
7. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 207,644 Investment income 12 Total 207,656 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 83,966 Charitable activities Grants & Costs re MENA projects 87,908 Project Co-ordination and Support Costs 95,630 Total 267,504 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (59,848) Transfers between funds 13,470 Net movement in funds (46,378) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 91,246 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 44,868 |
Restricted funds £ 173,182 - 173,182 3,072 199,437 4,800 207,309 (34,127) (13,470) (47,597) 418,835 371,238 |
Total funds £ 380,826 12 380,838 87,038 287,345 100,430 474,813 (93,975) - (93,975) 510,081 416,106 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
| 8. NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS The net movement in funds is stated after charging the following: Independent Examiner's Remuneration 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1 January 2022 Disposals At 31 December 2022 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2022 Eliminated on disposal At 31 December 2022 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2022 At 31 December 2021 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors Prepayments |
31.12.22 £ 3,960 31.12.22 £ 290 1,759 2,049 |
31.12.21 £ 3,720 Computer equipment £ 1,149 (1,149) - 1,149 (1,149) - - - 31.12.21 £ 1,106 700 1,806 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Other creditors 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund for MENA Projects Large Legacy Fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are a Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund for MENA Projects Large Legacy Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement At 1.1.22 in funds £ £ 44,868 (54,036) 131 16,086 371,107 (134,287) 371,238 (118,201) 416,106 (172,237) s follows: Incoming resources £ 147,619 152,602 - 152,602 300,221 |
31.12.22 31.12.21 £ £ 6,479 5,793 Transfers between At funds 31.12.22 £ £ 17,359 8,191 (17,359) (1,142) - 236,820 (17,359) 235,678 - 243,869 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (201,655) (54,036) (136,516) 16,086 (134,287) (134,287) (270,803) (118,201) (472,458) (172,237) |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund for MENA Projects Large Legacy Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement At 1.1.21 in funds £ £ 91,246 (59,848) 4,578 9,023 414,257 (43,150) 418,835 (34,127) 510,081 (93,975) |
Transfers between funds £ 13,470 (13,470) - (13,470) - |
At 31.12.21 £ 44,868 131 371,107 371,238 416,106 |
|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund for MENA Projects Large Legacy Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 207,656 173,182 - 173,182 380,838 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (267,504) (59,848) (164,159) 9,023 (43,150) (43,150) (207,309) (34,127) (474,813) (93,975) |
|---|---|---|
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund for MENA Projects Large Legacy Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement At 1.1.21 in funds £ £ 91,246 (113,884) 4,578 25,109 414,257 (177,437) 418,835 (152,328) 510,081 (266,212) |
Transfers between funds £ 30,829 (30,829) - (30,829) - |
At 31.12.22 £ 8,191 (1,142) 236,820 235,678 243,869 |
|---|---|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund for MENA Projects Large Legacy Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 355,275 325,784 - 325,784 681,059 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (469,159) (113,884) (300,675) 25,109 (177,437) (177,437) (478,112) (152,328) (947,271) (266,212) |
|---|---|---|
The Restricted Fund for Middle East Projects includes all restricted income and expenditure for projects in the Middle East set up in accordance with the charity's objectives.
The Large Legacy Fund relates to a generous legacy gift which will be used mainly for development, marketing and capacity building in the UK and with our partners in MENA.
continued...
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Middle East Media
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2022
13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2022.
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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