GRASSROOTS - THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST Charity number 803193 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 COMMUNITY Community Accounts Service
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) CONTENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Legal and Admin Information Financial and Director's Report 3-11 Chairman's Report 12 Independent examiner's report 13 Receipts and payments account 14 Statement of assets & liabilities 15 Notes to the financial statements 16-19
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 status The trust was formed as an unincorporated charity on 29th November 1989. In April 2008 the working name of GRASSROOTS was adopted. Trustees D Harris (Chairman) A Brotchie B Ellis C Bennett (Vice Chairman) D Mcleod E Bloomfield J Challinor R Needham l Allen (Resigned) C Liddy Charlty number 803193 Independent Examiner Community360 Winsley's House High Street Colchester C01 1UG Buslnes$ address 17 James Carter Road Colchester C03 9XA Bankers Barclays Bank PLC High Street Colchester Essex Trustees Appointments Trustees, upon appointment, may initially serve for a five-year term. Under the terms of the Trust Deed, Trustee is eligible for re-appointment provided that no trustees shall be appointed for more than consecutive terms.
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Objects of the Charlty The objects of the charity as stated in the Trust Deed dated 29 November 1989 are as follows". {a) the promotion of any charitable purposes for the benefit of the community in the Area in particular (but without limitation) in the advancement of education, the protection of good health both mental and physical and the relief of poverty and sickness Ib) other exclusively charitable purposes which are in the opinion of the trustees beneficial to the community in the Area The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake and have used their powers in particular to assist other charitable organisations both financially and in the provision of information and practical support. Reserves Poll¢y The trustees of the charity believe that reserves are required to ensure the continued smooth running of the charity in the event that there is disruption to any income stream. The charity relies upon grants, bank interest, management fees, donations and sponsorship to contribute towards running costs, all of which are relatively insecure. The trustees believe that the charity needs to hold in reserve funds as detailed below.. An amount approximately equal to 12 months running costs.1£9,353). A contingency fund to support possible staff redundancy costs. (£4,208). In addition, the trustees wish to build a long-term endowment fund to produce secure income, which can be used for the benefit of local groups for years to come. With donor's permission, funds not immediately required for grant making or operating costs, will be applied to the 'Endowment Fund,. The Reserves Policy is reviewed annually in November.
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) TRUSTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Financial and Director's Report Incorne The Charity's total income for the year was £59,719 which includes monies raised by The Colchester Mayor's Appeal Fund Committee. The income is primarily comprised of donations from individuals and businesses. Grassroots is dependent on the generosity of donors plus small amounts of investment and contract income to cover expenses and to support the Charity's grant making activities. According to data provided by Charities Aid Foundation in 2023, 810/0 of charities say that demand for their service5 has increased compared to the the previous year whi15t only 38 Oh felt that they could afford to meet the demand. As ever we are extremely proud and thankful to have been able to support our local sector through these difficult times and we thank all of our donors and supporters who 50 generously provide the funds to help local people. Our operational expense5 are kept to a minimum reflecting the Charity's commitment to prudent financial management and desire to maximise resources for community impact via the grants programme. Investments The charity invests funds which are not needed for immediate grant making in professionally managed portfolios designed for the charity sector. Our multi asset fund is designed to spread risk amongst different categories of investment in order to provide a return in the good times times and limit damage in the bad times. Our Equities fund is designed to provide a good dividend return. In the last financial period both funds have performed adequately providing a quarterly income to supplement grant making and both will be kept under review. Activlties and Fund Management Duties Grassroots once again provided treasurer's services to The Colchester Mayor's Appeal Fund and distributed funds to beneficiary organisations. We also assisted the Colchester Medical Charitable Trust with administrative support for their AGM and charitable activities. Small Grants Programme During the financial year 25 deserving organisations were selected for financial awards under the Grassroots Small Grant Programme. These are detailed later in this report. Grassroots has continued to prioritise financial assistance towards the delivery of services which help to alleviate loneliness and isolation and to support causes which are important to local people. In the hands of committed volunteers and community organisations each award delivers more than simple financial assistance: It represents a community effort to address pressing social needs. Our awards have once again provided a huge range of opportunity for young and old alike. The awards covered a diverse range of needs, from supporting operational expenses like
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 running costs and core activities to funding specific projects such as cladding for a meeting hall HQ and production costs for a village magazine. The awards also facilitated community initiatives such as cancer education programs, respite clubs, and emotional wellbeing workshops. Additionally, grants aided in acquiring essentials like sturdy shelving, tools for woodworkin& and kitchen equipment, enhancing organisational capabilities. Our beneficiary organisations continue to deliver steadfast care and social welfare services, often operating with minimal resources through volunteer committees, Their dedication ensures that local communities flourish and we extend our gratitude to all involved for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment. As alway5, my personal thanks go to our volunteer, Bonnie Hill, and to all the trustee5 who so generously give their time and expertise to helping local good causes. Sue Hawes Director Clacton Mental Wellbeing Choir
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Small Grant Awards 2023124 Organlsatlon NamelLocation Grant Purpose Amount 2nd Walton on the Naze Brownles Running Costs and camp £961 Great Bentley Scout & Guide Group Cladding for meeting hall H Q £1,000 1 st Holland on Sea Brownles & Guides Pack holiday 2023 £1,000 Upmarket Magazine Production Costs of village magazine £588 Harwlch Hlve Sturdy shelving and storage boxes £899 Bridgeway Mission CIC Tools for woodworking skills £1,000 The Robin Cancer Trust Cancer education programme in North East Essex £1,000 Stepping Stones Play & Learn Group Towards running costs £1,000 Mistley Kids Club Activities at Saturday respite club £1,000 TCVS Towards costs of Windrush event £1,000 Berechurch Ladies Fellowship Hall hire £880
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Small Grant Awards 2023124 Organisation NamelLocation Grant Purpose Amount Jaywlck Revival CIC Foodbank Parcels £500 Colchester Retired Rail Association Fish & Chip meal for retired members £350 Arlesford PTA Swimming pool refurbishments £1,000 Jaywlck Community Resource Centre Childrens, Christmas pantomime £500 Heads2Minds Emotional wellbeing programme £1.000 Blrch Hall Adventures Climbing harnesses and ropes £1.000 Acorn Villages Ltd Christmas tree and lights £500 The Ark Family Resource Centre Stay & play group running costs and uniforms £1,000 Stsrr In the Communlty Winter performance for children £500 Clacton Coast Mental Wellbeing Community Choir costs £1,000 Disability Advice and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) Benefits workshops £870
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Small Grant Awards 2023124 Qrganisation NamelLocation Grant Purpose Amount Dumont Luncheon Club Kitchen equipment £1,000 St Osyth Hlstorical Society Display stands and data logger £780 Colchester Chinese Culture Society CIC 20th anniversary variety show £1,000
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 'The fund was used to create a workshop for the refugee5 and asylum seekers. This workshop benefited the community, as they learned skills about how to create shelves, how to fix wooden items, create friendships, meet each other, improve mental health and bulld confidence. I want to thank you agaln to let this dream happen for the community., Souzan Youslf Bridgeway Mlsslon he grant has enabled the Luncheon Club to purchase a commercial grade meat slicer that they desperately needed, and a new microwave. They have also bought new knives and scissors for the kitchen. All of this was needed to replace worn out equipment. The ladies serve up 90 dinners to elderly local residents, each week on a Thursday lunchtime. Ken Belcher Dumont Lunch Club
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ain Ylii¥.., It means so so to us. es ecia one oro emo ra vi so yon roup w suppoltl W. ami ies wi Claire Bridges The Ark Centre. Harwlch
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 011 Iw Knitted,, S Teeny ifj Tiny_ TeenY•O nths In amongst new shelving provided to Harwlch Hive Baby Bank. 10
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) LEGAL & ADMIN INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 r7 Bringlng Christmas cheer for the residents and visitors at Acorn Village, Mistley. 11
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) CHAIRMAN'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Chairman's Report It is with pleasure I write the Chairperson's report for this year's annual general meeting. Grassroots charity is a well-established organistation that has the same ethos today a5 when it was first set up by the pioneers all those years ago. Using sound financial management over the years, the idea of using investments to pump prime local community group5 With small grants to empower well-being, inclusion, combating loneliness and encouraging healthy living, both mental health and physical health, is a5 much needed today as it was on the inaugural meetin8 of Grassroots. I have personally always been impressed with the simple application process on a single page, coupled with fact finding and advice by our Director, and then the deliberations by Gra55roots' trustees, using past history, local knowledge and pragmatic debate on every application. Thank you sincerely to Sue for always going the extra mile in managing Grassroot5, and to all trustee5 both past and present and especially to Alice Brotchie, who has served for the past 10 years and will now be taking a well-earned break. Our communities in Tendring and Colchester are the better for this work and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to our success this year- your hard work and support make all the difference. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community. Dave Harris Chairman 12
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I report on the accounts of Grassroots (Colchester & Tendring Community Trust) for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 14 to 19. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The Act) but that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act., To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charaties Act). and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's Statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the., Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or I 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. David Courtier FMAAT AATQB for and on behalf of: Community360, Winsley's House High Street, Colchester, Essex Date Ix/o61eo 13
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Notes Receipts Donations, legacies and other similar receipts Operating activities to further Charity's objects Operating activities to generate funds Investment income Total recelpts 26,401 24,655 51,056 59,023 3,512 3,512 130 130 124 3,390 33,433 1,631 26,286 5,021 59,719 4,913 64,060 Payments Payments for generating funds 22 22 Charitable payments Grants paid 16,566 58,097 74,663 17,198 Charitable activities 1,252 3,736 4,988 12,431 Support costs 7,996 7,996 7,444 Management & administration Total payments 10 1,260 27,096 1,260 88,930 808 37,881 61,833 N6t of receiptsl(payments} 6,337 (35,547) (29,211) 26,179 Transfer between funds (1,500) 1,500 Cash funds as at 1 Aprll 2023 4,916 48,664 53,580 27,401 Cash funds as at 31 March 2024 9,753 14,617 24,369 53,580 Notes on pages 16 to 19 form part of these accounts 14
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) STATEMENT OF ASSET AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Moneta asset8 Cash at bank and in hand.. 11 24,369 53,580 Total monetary assets 24,369 53,580 Unrestricted Restricted 9,753 14,616 4,916 48,664 Total Funds 24,369 53,580 Other moneta assets Investment assets CCLA Charities investment fund Schroders Charity multi-asset fund M&G Investments Total Investment assets 5,781 78,031 29,782 113,594 5,295 73,438 30,337 109,070 Liabiliti•s Independent examiner fee 12 340 340 310 310 These accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by ". Signed: Date.. 11 JJie 2J2+ 15
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1. Basis of the preparation of the accounts These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and applicable accounting standards. The accounts are prepared on a cash basis. Incoming resources All material incoming resources have been included on a receivable basis i.e. they are included if the date receivable falls within the period covered by these accounts. Resources expended These have been analysed using a natural classification. Going Concern The charity is operating on a 90ing concern basis. 2. Donatlons, lega¢i•s and other similar receipts Unr•stricted Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Individual donations Colchester Mayor's Appeal fund 23124 Colchester Mayor's Appeal fund 22123 Colchester Mayols Appeal fund 20121 Returned grant 26,401 3,772 4,441 13,980 2,462 30,173 4,441 13,980 2,462 13,318 41,869 3,336 500 26,401 24,655 51,056 59,023 Total 2023 11,913 47,110 59,023 3. Operating activltlas to further Charlty's objects Unrastrlcted Restrlcted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Contract income 3,512 3,512 3,512 3,512 Total 2023 4. Operating activltios to generate funds Unrestrictad Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Totsl Fundraising 130 30 130 130 124 124 Total 2023 124 124 5. Investment income Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Interest 3,390 3.390 1,631 1,631 5,021 5,021 4,913 4,913 Total 2023 3,299 1,614 4,913 16
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 6. Payments for generating funds Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total other 22 22 22 22 Total 2023 7. Grants paid Unrestrlcted Restrlctad Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Unrestrlcted 1 st Ardleigh Scouts 1 st Class Brass 1 st Holland on Sea Brownies & Guides 2nd Walton on the Naze Brownies Basics Birch Hall Adventures Blossome CIC Bridgeway Mission Challenging MND Coffin Club Colchester Chinese Culture Colchester Retired Rail assoc Disability Advice Welfare Network Dumont Luncheon Club Frinton Wl Great Bentley Scout & guide Group Harwich Hive Harwich International Shanty Festival Heads2Minds Horserangers Association Harwich Jaywick Community Resource Centre Jaywick Revival Mistley Kids Club Parish of Newtown & Hyihe {St Stephen's) Point Clear Community Association Ramsey Crusaders St Osyth Historical Soc Starr in the Community Stepping Stones TCVS The Ark Family Resource Centre The Halch Festival The Reanella Trust The Robin Cancer Trust Thorpe Le Soken Sports Club Trinity Methodist Church Upmarket Magazine Walton on the Naze Cadets West Bergholt pcc 750 466 1,000 961 1,000 961 1,000 1,000 1,000 423 1,000 1,000 1,000 500 1,000 350 870 1,000 1,000 350 870 1,000 500 1,000 899 1,000 899 980 1,000 1,000 1,000 706 618 500 1,000 618 500 1,000 500 1,000 1,000 1,000 780 780 500 500 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 500 500 500 1,000 1,000 500 1,000 588 588 623 250 17
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 7. Grants pald (continued) Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Restricted funds Acorn Villages Ltd African Families in the UK Berechurch Ladies Fellowship Berechurch Youth Club Colchester Arts Centre Colchester Galeway Clubs Colchesler Korban Projecl Jaywick Community Resource Centre Outhouse East Starr in the Community stepping Stones Play & Learn Group The Next Chapter East Appeal Other 500 8,167 880 500 8,167 880 1,000 8,167 8,167 500 8,167 382 8,167 500 1,000 8,167 14,000 58,097 8,167 382 8,167 500 1,000 8,167 14,000 74,663 16,566 17,198 7.1 General grant-making is made to a variety of local community and voluntary organisalions. 8. Charltable activlties Unrastrlcted Rèstricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Mayorfs Appeal Fund Insurance PPS & telephone & web Subscriptions 3,736 3,736 234 568 450 4,988 11,330 214 426 461 12,431 234 568 450 1,252 3,736 9. Support costs Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund 2024 Total 2023 Total Staffing Expenses 7,732 264 7,996 7,732 264 7,996 7,218 226 10. Management and Administratlon Unrestricted Restricted Fund Fund Total 2024 Total 2023 Professional fees Equipment Support costs 310 780 170 1,260 310 780 170 564 244 1,260 808 10.1 Staff costs include consultancy work undertaken by the Director 2nd the administration of the Mayor's Appeal Funds and Colchester Medical Charitable Trust. 18
GRASSROOTS (THE COLCHESTER & TENDRING COMMUNITY TRUST) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11. Cash Funds Balance at 01104123 Incoming Outgoing Transfers Balance at 31103124 Unrestricted General fund 4,916 4,916 33,433 33,433 (27,096) 27,096 1,500} 1,500 9,753 9,753 Restricted Funds Clacton Needs Berechurch and Blackheath Simon Jaggard Fund AIPS Joe Sly Fund Mayor's Appeal Fund 23124 Mayor's Appeal Fund 22123 Mayor's Appeal Fund 20121 Totals 305 4,727 1,555 154 1,477 1,704 13821 (8801 (2,000) 77 5,324 1,259 1,500 2,068 4,388 1,500 2,068 4,441 13,980 2,462 26,286 {53} (44,519> {14,000 61,834 30,539 11,538 48,664 1,500 14,616 11.1 General fund Consists of fund raising and income to enable grant making. 11.2 Restrlcted fund Consists of managed fund balances, including funds managed on behalf of the Colchester Mayor's appeal, and restricted donations etc for restricted grant making. 12 The Independent Examiners Fee will be £340.00. 13 Staff The Charity employs 1 permanent part-time staff member. No member of staff earned over £60,000. 14 Trustee remun•rat5ons No remuneration was paid to any Trustee or to any person(s) known to be connected with any of them. 15 Related party During the year ended 31st March 2024 donations totalling £25,000 (2023.'£10,000) were received from the Colin Bennett charitable trust. 19