Abaana Ministries Trustees, Report and Flnanclal Statements 31 December 2024 AE7W4WE3 3010712025 COMPANIES HOUSE A16
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Abaana Ministries Company No.. Nl 33513 Trustees Lynne Gibson Noel Gordon David Manning Cynthia Madziva (appointed 9 Sep-24) Archie McAvoy MBE (resigned g Sep-24) Dr Gillian McBride Martin Piti Sharon Slack Jonathan Young Chair Jonathan Young Secretary Scott Baxter CEO Scott Baxter Audltor8 Johnston Kennedy DFK Chartered Accountants 10 Pilots View Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Bankers First Trust Bank 85 Main Street Bangor BT20 48A Registered Office 78 High Street Bangor Co Down 8T20 5AZ HMRC Charity Registration Number XR 23866 Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Registration Number 102174
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 December 2024 The Trustees present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2024 which have also been prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounls for Companies Act 2006 purposes. The financial statement5 comply with charity and company law, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). Chair's report We were encouraged to see one team from Northern Ireland travelling to Uganda to support and engage in the work. The Abanna Children's choir toured in the first half of 2024 giving 66 performances and signing up 548 new child sponsorships. The choir was very ably led by Rodney and Jacqueline Garnham, supported by Sarah and Tabitha from Uganda and a dedicated number of tour chaperones, all of whom made a superb contribution to the success of the 2024 lour. It is recognised that the lour being safely and successfully fulfilled was down to the providence of God, who used the skills of Scott and the enlire Abaana UK team and the recognition and appreciation of their mammoth efforts is both to be highly commended and greatly appreciated by the Board. The choir tours have been highly instrumental in injecting vital financial support for Abaana Uganda and provides a tangible portal for supporters in the UK and Ireland to view the delivery of money raised in these islands for vital projects and educalional support on the ground in Uganda. During the year we saw the completion of various construction projects in Uganda. In December we celebrated with the local community when we officially opened the new classroom block at Sl Mary's. New Life Homes conlinues to play a vital role in providing Street children with a stable background and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. In November we increased the enrolment to the maximum allowable, Plans to re-locate to new premises in Main Slreel, Bangor have yet to materialise due to protracted boundary and legal issues. However, the momentum and desire to relocate remains and the Board continues to support the clear ne8d for the move. Due to the financial challenges associated with the running of the charity shop in its current format, a decision was taken by the Board to temporarily cease trading in High Street. with the Shop effectively closing in December 2024. Dr Gillian McBride completed her tenure as Chair of Abaana during the year and proved to be an excellent leader during her 4 years in the role and continues to make a valued contribution lo the Board. Gillian has been succeeded by Jon Young, who has been a Board member since 2016. During the year, the Board welcomed Cynthia Madziva who has joined Abaana all the way from London. The Board has now approved the acquisition and implementation of a CRM system designed to provide an information platform that will deliver future stability, donor insights, improved systems integration and scalability for growth and improved communication with our donor base. As a Board. we continue to recognise Ihe enormous contribution to the work of Abaana made by staff. volunteers, and supporters across the UK and wider afield. as together we seek to bring hope to children living in poverty in Uganda. Purposes and activities Abaana Ministries, principal activity, as set out in The Memorandum and Articles of Associalion is the relief of poverty in the African continent, and the relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill health. disability. financial hardship or other disadvantage and to educate the general public regarding povety and the spiritual needs of these people and the advancement of the Christian faith. This is primarily achieved through building schools, sponsoring children to enable them to receive an education, providing food and basic medical care to children living on the streets, rescuing children from the streets. providing clean water supplies by building wells.
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 December 2024 installing pumps and supporting farming and microfinance projects in partner communities. The focus of our work has continued to be in the country of Uganda in the current year. The overall vision of Abaana is to see the children of Africa have their needs met, their rights upheld and their hopes fulfilled. In shaping the objectives for the year and planning our activities the Trustees have considered a number of key components, namely the financial resources available, prioritised projects in Uganda and the on-going needs of existing key programmes. The work of the charity is undertaken in partnership with locally based charitable organisations in the country of operation. In the past year activities have been undertaken in partnership with Abaana Ministries Uganda Ltd, a separate legal entity registered and operating in Uganda with ils own governance, management and slaffing arrangements although we provide support and advice through the provision of an independent Board member. The strategies employed to achieve the charity's aims and objectives include regular production of management accounting information, oversight by Trustees of key deliverables and progress made, in raising funds for aclivilies, overseeing building and other work on our projects, a detailed Grant Agreement process for funded programmes with specified outcomes and post- project delivery review. Role of v I nteers The financial statements sel out the results for the year but do not reflect the very considerable and vital support given lo Abaana by volunteers. Locally, volunteers help to run our charity shop, fundraise and prepare mail outs. Overseas, they make up the team8 which Iravel to Uganda and carry out work across our projects. Achievements and performance Review of activities: New Life Choir The Abaana New Life Choir arrived into Northern Ireland in January 2024 and after a period of rest, adjuslment and preparation the first concert took place on 2nd February, with the final concert laking place on 9th June. The 20 children plus 10 chaperones participated in 66 concerts which were held throughout the island of Ireland, England and Scotland. The concerts provided the opportunity for audiences to enjoy an eclectic mix of Ugandan culture through music and dance, along with contemporary worship. The audience response to the concerts was tremendously encouraging. through their comments. participation and financial response. 548 additional sponsorships were added, with a number of significant individual donations to the on- going work in Uganda. We are indebted lo the people who at each of our concert venues acted as hosts for the children and chaperones, who opened up their homes and made everyone feel so welcome. 8y all measures Choir 3 was a huge success. Thousands of people frorn various denominations and schools, in different regions were blessed through the ministry of the Choir and as a result more children in Uganda are being given the opportunity of an education. The additional sponsors represent an annualised increase of £175,000 in sponsorship income. Unfortunalely. for several reasons we do see donors unable to continue their financial support, which highlights the importance of running a successful choir. Support of Schools Over 7,000 children attend 17 Abaana-supported primary schools. The main source of income for these schools comes from sponsored kids, wilh an estimated Ihree children paying lower subsidised rates for every one child sponsored at the school. Sponsorship income provides an assured funding stream for the schools to pay teachers and run the school.
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year gnd•d 31 December 2024 Child Sponsorship During 2024, nearly 2.000 children received direct support under the Abaana Child Sponsorship Scheme. The children normally attend the 17 Abaana primary schools or various other secondary or vocational schools. Sponsorship. in addition to paying for a child's school fees, provides exercise books and stationery, as well as both a school uniform and baslc medical care, when required. Christmas Gift Scheme The annual Christmas Gfft Appeal was launched in October 2024 with informed social media posts, e-mails, and postal communication to Child Sponsorship donors. A record £72,683 was raised, an increase of 470/0 on the previous year. This was an exceplional amount of money that allowed Abanna to supply a basic Christmas pack to 1,836 children. The basic pack included a school bag, water bottle, sweets, cooking oil and various basic food items. The children were thrilled and extremely grateful lo receive such a gift as they left school prior to the Christmas holidays. Needless to say, Ihe pack benefited nol only the children but their families. New Life Homes Project and Street Reach Throughout the year the number of boys al New Life Homes varied beeen 26-28, with some boys being re-settled back home and new boys being brought in. Seltling boys into a new and slable environment can lake time. With the slruclure of school, the routines of mealtimes, safe spaces for recreation and the care and support of the staff it is encouraging to see the boys prosper. Choir concerts in 2024 provided the opportunity to increase the donor base and this increase allowed Abaana to completely close the funding gap we had al New Lrfe Homes. We continue to work with outside partners and government agencies to identify children who can benefit from a life away from the streets. Our aim is always to resettle the boys back into a supportive family environment where their needs are best m8t. In November 2024 we announced the temporary closure of the Shop on High Slreet, Bangor. After a number of years of reducing revenue and increasing costs it was decided lo re-consider our approach to the Abaana shop. The search for new premises will conlinue with the expectation of also finding suitable retail capability to re-launch the Abaana shop. Pmjects A number of projects and initiatives were completed across our various school sites in 2024- Water harvesting facilities at Lweza and Coo-Rom schools were upgraded to improve the availability of water, A weeklong camp in December for Choir 1 and Choir 2 proved to be a huge success and is somethlng that may be repeated in future years. The school at Ayila was re-painted and necessary building repairs carried out. The 2nd year of the Northern Schools Farming project had allowed communities to plant. harrfest and mill local crops and provided meals for the children at 4 schools. Zuri Girls project expanded its reach into 9 schools. extending health education and practical training in making sanitary products available to 500 chlldren. This was the 3rd year of the project.
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 December 2024 Financial review Income and expenditure Income for the year increased to £1.550,508 (2023: £1,173.964). Total expenditure decreased to £1,171,652 (2023: £1,176,462) and gr05s expenditure on Charitable Activities increased to £1,092,527 (2023.. £1,077,779). The amount of money spent on charitable activities represented 93.2 % (2023- 91.6Q/o) of total expenditure. Expenditure £1,171,652 Ralslng funds £79,125 Charitable actTr4ities'. £1,092.527 Expenditure on charitable activities includes governance costs of £5,560 (2023-. £7,920). Overall, there was a net increase in funds of £378,856 for Ihe year (2023.. nel reduction in funds of £2,498). All restricted funds held by Abaana are spent on charitable activities to benefit children in Africa and where the funding is collected over more than one accounting year-, individual funds will often show a surplus al the year end and the subsequent year show a deficit. The net position for each specific fund across multiple accounting periods will be zero. {i.e.. any deficit is met from accumulated fund balances). Detailed day lo day management of the charity endeavours to keep the costs as low as possible without compromising the output and quality of the activities. Inveslment powers and policy The Trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of the chafity have kept available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account and seek to achieve a rale on deposit, which matches or exceeds inflation as measured by the retail price index. Steps were also taken to maximise the protection of funds as covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Reserves The Board of Trustees reviews the reserves annually. There are Iwo categories of reserves: restricted and unrestricted funds. Restricted funds are funds subject to specific conditions imposed by donors. Al the end of the year the total restricted funds were £871,954 (2023.. £602,529). Unreslricted funds at year end were £709,590 (2023: £600,159). 11 is the policy of the Board to ensure thal the Charily has sufficient funds to cope with unexpected events. In particular. il aims to have an earmarked amount in designated funds to cover 6 months (2023: 6 months) running costs. In 2024 thls 15 £150,000 (2023.. £130,000). There is also a designated property fund of £97.800 (2023: £105,000) representing the net book value of land and building (funds which are not readily available as cash), and a designated infrastructure fund of £350.000 {2023'. £200,000) representing monies earmarked for premises and software development.
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 December 2024 In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020121 has underlined the need to be able to respond to unprecedented crises and the Board believe the current level of unreslricted general funds is both prudent and reasonable. Plans for future periods System Replacement Board approval to replace the current CRMIFinance system was received in the last quarter of 2024. Engagement with potential implementation partners will commence with a view to selecting a partner on the basis of "best fil" and cost. Such an implementation will present a significant learning curve as we transition from the existing Omega system to a new system. Placing Abaana's processes on a new Platform will provide reliability. best practice, efficiencies and de-complex some of our current processes. This inveslment will future proof Abaana for the next 10 years. New Premises 2024 was yet another year of frustralion as we sought to navigate a path through the legalities and complexities of achieving mutual agreement on the purchase of new premises. Re-locating to Main Street, Bangor remains our preference, as it remains an excellent fit for both our Ofiice and Retail requirements. However, we are actively looking at other potenllal sites located in the North Down area. Choir 4 Normally Abaana aim to have a choir touring every 2 years. Due to the additional staff demands that are anticipated with the implementation of a replacement CRMIFinance system the decision was made lo plan for the next choir in 2027. A choir arranged for 2026 would require significant planning in 2025. Africa Teams In 2024 we had 1 team travelling out to Uganda. In 2025 we plan to have 6 Teams going out to Uganda. commencing in April, through to August. Approximately 150 team members will travel and be involved in the various Team financed building and painting projects. Organisalional development It is planned to review staffing levels in 2025 to ensure that staff levels approprialely match the increasing level of activity within Abaana. Also, opportunities to increase fundraising levels and improve engagement with new and current partners has been identified. along with a need lo adequately resource the start of Choir 4 planning at the end of 2025. Going Concern The Trustees have a reasonable expectallon that the Organisation has adequate resources to continue for the foreseeable future as a going concern. Tru8t•es The Trustees who served during the year and since the year end are listed on page 1. Structure, Governance and Management Governing Documenl Abaana Ministries is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 16 January 1998 and updated on 17 June 2015. Appointment of Trustees Abaana has a policy of developing its Board membership to ensure a wide range of professional expertise. Where potential candidates for Board membership are identified, informal discussions are held with the Chairperson, followed by attendance in an observer capacity at several Board meetings. If appointment is subsequenlly recommended by the existing Trustees, the candidate is formally invited to join the Board.
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 December 2024 Trustee induction and training Through membership of the Board, Trustees have oversight and develop their knowledge of all of Abaana's key activities. Trustees also meet several times a year with Abaana staff. Training for Truslees is sourced as required. Organisation The Board of Trustees is continuing to enhance its ways of working, to best fit the charity as il continues to operate in a challenging economy. The overall range of key skills available to the Charity through its Trustees will help to further develop the overall governance and management of the charity. Relationship with other charities A separate company exists in Uganda - 'Abaana Ministries, Uganda,. This company. registered in Uganda is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is made up of local professionals. Scotl Baxter (Abaana Ministries Northern Ireland CEO and Company Secretary) also sits on the Board as an independent director. Abaana Ministries Uganda receives funding from Abaana Ministries, Northern Ireland and carrles out the various project activities and expenditure in line with formal grant agreements authorised by Abaana Ministries, Northern Ireland lo support its charitable objeclives. The Board of Directors and management of Abaana Ministries, Uganda continue to report on the outcomes of supported projects regularly lo ensure grant funding is being properly spent in line with the funding agreements and in accordance with our charitable objectives. The CEO aims to Vls11 the Ugandan operations al least twice each year, lo review the physical projects which have been funded by Northern Ireland, as well as meeting wilh the Board of Directors of Abaana Uganda to monitor and review agreed local aclivily. In accordance wilh good governance arrangements a new Memorandum of Understanding between Abaana Ministries UK and Abaana Ministries Uganda was signed in 2021 which sets out the operation of the partnership and the responsibililies of each in accordance with local legislative requirements. Abaana Ministries also has a close working relationship with Fields of Life, a charily which shares Abaana Ministries. passion for Africa some of Abaana Ministries, earllest child sponsorships continue to be administered by Fields of Life. The charity is also seeking to agree a Memorandum of Underslanding with this partner organisalion although this work is still at the preliminary stage. Pay policy for senlor st8ff The Board of Direclors, who are the Charity's Trustees, have overall oversight of the activities of the charity. This includes responsibility for considering, and where relevant, approving slaff terms and conditions of employment. Senior staff comprises the key managernenl personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-tO- day basis. All staff posts are based on NJC pay scales. All directors give of their time freèly and no director received remuneration during the year. Details of directors. expenses and related party transactions are disclosed In nole 9 to the accounts. Risk Management The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for Abaana Minislries, system of internal control. Such a system can provide only reasonable and not absolute assurance against errors or fraud. The key controls used by the charity include; Formal agendas for Board meetings and Minutes taken.. Regular Board meetings: Strategic planning, budgeting and management accounling. Established organisational structure and lines of reporting.,
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 December 2024 Formal written policies.. Clear authorisation and approval levels,. Formal grant agreements. Abaana maintains a detailed Risk Register, which outlines the key risks to the organisalion and specific actions identified to mitigate those risks. The risk register is subject to annual review by the Board of Trustees and more frequently, if required. Key risks identrfied (together with mitigation measures) include- Reputational damage due to project failure (full technicallfinancial assessments pre-project; full posl-completion review)- Loss of income due to economic climate (focus on key fundraising activities): Interruption of activities (data backed up using Cloud technology- adequate insurance provision,. building security): Deathlserious injury of team member in Africa (risk assessments for teams- training of staff. team leaderslmembers,. adequate insurance provision). Public benefit reporting The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit reporting on the Charity's benefits and achievements. Trustees, responslbllltles In relatlon to the flnancial statements The charily Trustees (who are also the directors of Abaana Ministries for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a Trustees, annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stan(lards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company and charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial stalemenls for each financial perlod which give a Irue and fair view of the stale of affairs of the charity and of ils financial position at the end of that period. In preparing ihese financial slalements. the Trustees are required to.. (l) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistenlly; (2) make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., (3) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject lo any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and (4} prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate lo presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees have overall responslbility for ènsuring that the charity has an appropriate syst8m of controls. financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Abaana Ministries Trustees, report For year ended 31 08cember 2024 statement as to disclosure lo our audilors In so far as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustees, Annual Report.. there is no relevanl information, being information needed by the auditor in connection wllh preparing their report, ofwhich the organisation's auditor is unaware. and the Trustees, having made enquiries of fellow directors and the organisation's auditor Ihat they ought to have individually made, have each taken all steps that helshe is obliged lo take as a direclof in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish Ihat the auditor is aware of that information. Audltors Johnston Kennedy DFK Ltd have expressed their willingness to continue In offlce as auditors. Approval This report was approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf. Jonathan Chairperson Date. 0 1
Abaana Ministries Independent auditors, report To the members of Abaana Minlstries For the year ended 31 Decémber 2024 Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Christian Fellowship Church (the charity,) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the slatement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes lo the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and Uniled Kingdom Accounting Slandards, including Financlal Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the accounts.. give a true and fair view of the slate of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended,. have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audlt in accordance with Internatlonal Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the accounts seclion of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with Ihese requirements. We believe that the audit evldence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons r•latlng to golng conc?rn In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial stalements is appropriale. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identtfied any material uncertainties relaling lo events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are aulhorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extenl otherwise explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with (r audit of the financial statements. our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistenl with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent malerial misslatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstalement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required lo report Ihat fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 10
Abaana Ministries Independent auditors, report To the members of Abaana Ministries For the year ended 31 December 2024 Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit.. the information given in the directors, report, which includes the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements-, and • the directors, report included within the Strategic report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are requir•d to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of Ihe company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received,. or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and relurns., or certain disclosures of directors, remuneration specified by law are not made,. or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audlt. Responsibilities of Trustees As explained more fully in the statement of directors, responsibilities, the directors, who are also the trustees of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as Ihe directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financlal statements that are free from material misstalement. whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquldate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative bul to do ' so. Auditorfs responslbilities for the audlt of the flnanclal statements Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due lo fraud or error. and to issue an auditor's report Ihat includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatemenl when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Abaana Ministries Independent auditors, report To the members of Abaana Ministriès For the year ended 31 Decembar 2024 Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extenl to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.. the nature of the industry and sector. control environment and performance., • results of our enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities,. any matters we identified having obtained and reviewed the charitable company's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to.. identifying. evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance. detecting and responding lo the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud- the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations., the matters discussed among the audit engagement team and relevant intemal specialists where necessary regarding how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud. As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist wilhin the organisation for fraud. In common with all audits under ISAS (UK), we are also required lo perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the charitable company operates in. focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included Ihe Companies Acl 2006, Ihe Charlties Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and Taxation Legislation. In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the charitable company's ability to operate or lo avoid a material penalty. As a result of performing the above our procedures to respond lo risks identified included the following.. reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant rav and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements-, enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicale risks of material misstatement due to fraud., reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance and reviewing correspondence with HMRC,. and in addressing th8 risk of fraud through management override of controls, lesling the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustmenls,. assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimales are indicative of a potential bias- and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. We also communicated relevant idenlified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members, including internal specialists, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. A further description of our responsibililies is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website al: https.'IlvMw.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. 12
Abaana Ministries Independent auditors, report To the members of Abaana Ministries For the year ended 310ecember 2024 This report is made solely to the charity members. as a body, in accordan with Chapler 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other Ihan the charity and the charity members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. mes Gage (Senior Statutory Audltor) for and on behalf of Johnston Kennedy DFK Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants Registered Auditors 10 Pllots Vlew Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE Date:..... z•Z 13
Abaana Ministries Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2024 Unrestncled Rtsslrlcled Tot81 Unrestricted Reslricled Total Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 Note Income.. Donallons and legack 497.232 1,005,595 1,5Q2,827 251.901 827,879 1.079.780 Income Irom other tr8ding activities.. Shop Ineknme 15.526 15,S26 17,248 17,248 Invéslment income Other Income 32,155 32,155 22.987 22,987 53.949 53.949 Tolal Income 544,913 1,005,595 1.550.508 292.136 881.828 1.173.964 ExndItUf•.' Costs of raigng funds 77,389 1,738 79,125 95.4 2,779 98,683 Expendllure on charitablè activltles 208.529 883,998 1.092,S27 164.568 913,211 1.077,779 Toeal expenditure 285.918 885,734 1,171,652 260,472 915,990 1.176,462 Net Income fexpendieure) for ehe year before tronsfers 2S8.995 119,861 378,858 31.664 (34,1621 {2,4981 Tran$f•rs bolwe•n lund$ 15 {149,564) 149.564 123.2231 23.223 N•t mov•m•nt In lunds 109.431 269,425 378,856 8.441 {10.9391 {2,4981 Reconclllatlon of funds T.Olal funds brought lorward 600,159 602,529 1,202,688 591,718 613,468 1,205,186 Total fvnds G•rrl•d fornard 15 709,590 871,954 1,581,544 600,159 602,529 1,202,688 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities The notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral part of these financial stalemenls. 14
Abaana Ministries Balance sheet at 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 109,470 115,866 Current assets Debtors Invesiments and cash al bank and in hand 13 122,821 1,464,198 208,516 989,877 1,587,019 1.198,393 Creditors., amounts falling due within one year Net current assets 14 (114,945) {111,571) 1,472,074 1,086,822 Total assels less current liabilities 1,581,544 1,202,688 Net assets 1,581,544 1,202,688 Th¢ funds ol the charlly." Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 15 15 709,590 871,954 600,159 602,529 Total charity funds 1,581,$44 1,202,688 These financial statement5 have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companles Act 2006 relating lo small companles. The notes on pages 17 to 24 form an integral parl of these financial statements. The financial statements were approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.. Director on behalfof the Tru Company No.. Nl 33513 Date: 07 15
Abaana Ministries Statement of cashflows for the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Notes Cash recelved In operating actlvltles 18 442,166 (77.055) Cash flows from Investing activltles Interest received Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets Net cash Ilow fmm investlng actlvltles 32.155 22.987 (16,000) 6,987 32,155 Net c•sh flow fmm Ilnanclng actlvltl•s (Decrease) l increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year 474,321 (70,068) Cash and cash equivalents at beginnlng of year Cash •nd cash equlval•nts •¢ •nd of yaar 989,877 1,059,945 1,464.198 989.877 16
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 1. Accounting policies The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty In the preparation of the financial statemenls are a5 follows: (IJ Basls of A¢¢ountlng The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The charity meets the deflnition of a public benefit enlity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise slated in the relevant accounting policy nole(s). {11) Pr•p•ration of the accounts on the golng conc•m basls The trustees have assessed the reserNes and the post year end performance of Ihe charlty and are content that it continues to be a going concern. (111) Income Ilems of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following crileria are met: The charity has entitlement to the funds., Any performance conditions attached to the ilem{s) of income have been met or are fully wlthin the control of the charity., There is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable,. and The amount can be measured reliably. (Iv) Donated goods and seThices Clothing and other Items donated for resale through the charity's shop or for distribution as part of a charitable activity are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with Ihe Charities SORP (FRS 102). gen8ral volunteer time Is not recognised. Refer to the Trustees, annual report for more information about their contribution. (v) Int•rnst rncelvobl• Inleresl on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity,. this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. (vl) Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Truste8s in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Designaled funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. General funds may be transferred to designated funds where Trustees wish to use these funds for a specific purpose. Such funds may be transferred back to general funds once the criteria for the designation have been met or are no longer applicable. Restricled funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure Imposed by the donor or through the terms of the appeal. 17
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 (vii) Expenditure and irrecoverable VA T Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party. it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings- Costs of raising funds comprise the costs of operating the charity's shop, promolional and event costs along with the associated support costs., Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activilies and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Irrecoverable VAT is Charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. (viii) Allocatlon of support costs Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity's aclivilles. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 8. (Ix) Tanglblo Ilx•d assots and depreclaflon Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their eslimaled residual value, over their expected useful livès on the following basis: Land and buildings Equipment, furniture and fittings Motor Vehicles 20/0 Straight line 250/0 Straight line 250/0 Straight line The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. (x) Debtors Other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discounts due. (xl) Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid inveslments with a short maturity of three months or less from Ihe date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. (xii) Credltors Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle Ihe obligation can be measured or estimaled reliably. (xlll) Financial instrum•nts The charity only has financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instrumenls. Basic financial instruments are normally initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at the carrying value plus accrued interesl less repayments. The financing charge to expenditure is at a constant rate calculated using the effective interest method. (xlv) Penslons The company enrols slaff into a defined contribution pension scheme (National Employment Savings Trust)- Contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. 18
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 (xv) Taxatlon The company is a registered charity and the charitable tax exemptions are therefore being claimed to the extent that income andlor gains are applicable and applied to charitable purposes only. These exemplions will remain in place as long as income and expenditure are applied to charitable purposes only. (xvl) Crltlcal accountlng estimates andludgements In the application of the company's accounting policies. the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimales and associated assumptions are base¢J on hislorical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimales and underlying assumptlons are reviewed on an ongoing basls. Revlsions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. The trustees consider that there are no material areas of judgement or estimalion uncertainty. 2. Status The company has obtained charitable status with HMRC, reference number XR 23866 and is limited by guarantee not having a share capital. The company is also registered wilh the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. reference number 102174. 3. Net income (expendlture) for the year 2024 2023 This is stated after charging.. Depreciation Auditors, remuneration 6,396 3,360 2,734 3,432 and after crediting.. Interest re1vable 32,155 22.987 4. Income from donations and legacies rolal 2024 Total 2023 Unr6slncted Restrlcted Child sponsorship Africa teams Africa team projects Choir Groups and corporate funding Donations and appeals Other fundraising events Other income 65,501 3,151 1,422 172,555 5,536 242,611 5,055 1.401 710,626 97,284 27,070 22,396 813 132,824 12,650 1,932 776,127 100,435 28.492 194.951 6,349 375,435 17,705 3,333 637.191 97,086 48,947 10.762 9.724 266.222 8.126 1.722 Total InMe from donations and legacies 497,232 1.005,595 1.502,827 1,079.780 Of the £1,079,780 received by the charity in 2023. £251,901 was unrestricted funds and £827,879 was restricted funds. 19
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 The charity benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its many volunteers, details of which are given in our annual report. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). the economic contribution of general volunteers is not measured in the accounts. 5. Investment Income All of the charity's investment income arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounls. 6. Costs of raising funds Total 2024 Tot81 2023 Note Unrestrlc16d ReslriGled Advertising and promotional material Events Other fundraising costs Shop costs Support costs allocated to shop Support costs allocated to raising funds 3,012 1.010 4,022 5,005 1,815 22,030 10,565 39,967 102 1,917 22,030 10,862 40,294 2,540 18,923 9,895 62,320 297 327 Total costs of raising funds Of the £98,683 paid by the charity in 2023, £95,904 was unrestricted funds and £2,779 was restricted funds. 77,389 1,736 79.125 98,683 7. Analysls of expendlturo on charltable activities Total 2024 Tolal 2023 Nole Unreslricted R8slrict8d Child sponsorship Educational projects Africa leams Children at risk Medical projects Choir Other projects Support costs allocated to activlties 631,576 19,669 62.296 90,877 631,576 19,669 63,289 90,877 535,992 131,942 96,389 72.561 330 72,696 1,510 166,359 993 66,160 66,160 207,536 13,420 220,956 Total expenditure on charitable activities 208,529 883,998 1,092,527 1.077,779 Of the £1,077.779 paid by the charity in 2023. £164,568 was unrestricled funds and £913.211 was restricted funds. 8. Analy515 of governance and support costs The charity initially identifies the costs of its support functions. It then identifies those costs which relate to the governance function. Having identified its governance costs, the remaining support costs together with the governance costs are apportioned beeen the costs of raising funds and charilable activities undertaken (see notes 6 and 7) in the year. Refer to the table below for the basis for apportionment and the analysis of support and governance costs. 20
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Rai&ng Charitable Funds AGliwties Total 2024 Total 2023 Basis of allocation Shop Premises costs Staff lime Staff costs Staff cost General offic8 costs Staff lime Audit fees Governance Accountancy fees Governance Legal and other professional lees Total 311 4,250 6.301 343 33,009 6,942 1,742 178,392 35,262 4.432 1,080 2,396 215,651 48.505 4.432 1.080 2,007 183,319 45.328 3,432 4,320 GOrnanCe 48 48 168 10,862 40,294 220.956 272.112 238.574 9. Analysis of staff costs. Trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of koy management personnel 2024 2023 Salary costs Social security costs Pension cosls 209,050 12,586 10,035 180,112 9.652 8.157 231,671 197.921 Pension costs are allocated to activities in proportion lo the related staffing costs incurred and are wholly charged to unrestricted funds. The charity Trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charily in the year12023'. £nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year {2023'. £nil). No charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied lo the charity (2023: £nil). The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees, the Chair, the CEO and the Assistant Directors. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £75.638 (2023: £74.037). No employee received emoluments exceeding £60,000. 10. Staff numbers 2024 Number 2023 Number Average monthly number of full-time equivalents employed by the company during the year.. 11. Related party transactions None of the Truste8s receive remuneration from the charity. A company of which one of the Trustees is a Director received £16,218 <2023.. £9,677) for the supply of mailing and postage services to Abaana during the year. No olher Trustee received any other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a Trustee or senior manager of the charity wilh organisations the charity works with must be disclosed to the full Board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. A separate company exists in Uganda - 'Abaana Ministrles, Uganda, This company, registered in Uganda is governed by a Committee of Management consisting of local professionals. Scott Baxter (Abaana Ministries Northern Ireland CEO and Company Secretary) also sits on the Committee as the 'lnternational Director,. 21
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Abaana Ministries Uganda receives funding from Abaana Ministries, Northern Ireland and carries out the various projecls, activities and expenditure in line with formal agreements authorised by Scott Baxter as the CEO of Abaana Ministries, Northern Ireland. Funding for projects is forwarded to Abaana Uganda throughout the financial year. Total funding transferred to Abaana Ministries Uganda was £744,000 (2023.. £855,000). Abaana Ministries also has a close relationship wilh Fields of Life, a charity which shares Abaana Ministries, passion for Africa some of Abaana Ministries, earliest child sponsorships continue to be administered by Fields of Lrfe. Payments to Fields of Life for these sponsorships amounted to £2.904 (2023. £3,420) 12. Tangible fixed assets Equipment Land and Furniture and Buildings Fittings Motor Vehicles Total Cost 8alance at 1 January 2024 Additions Disposals Balance at 31 December 2024 120,000 16.205. 20.400 156,605 (4.400) 16.000 (4.400) 152,205 120,000 16,205 Accumulated Depreciation Balance at 1 January 2024 Charge for the year Disposals Balance at 31 December 2024 19,800 2.400 16,205 4,734 3,996 (4,400} 4,330 40.739 6.396 (4,400) 42.735 22,200 16,205 Nel book value at 31 December 2024 97,800 11,670 109,470 Net book value ai 31 December 2023 100,200 15,666 115,866 The property at 78 High Street, Bangor, Co Down, BT20 SAZ. was most recently revalued on 22 May 2023 by Independent Property Estates, 98-100 High Street, Bangor, BT20 4AG al £99,950. 13. Debtors and prepayments 2024 2023 Gift aid receivable Income receivable Prepayments 76,552 924 45,345 130,917 29,672 47,927 122,821 208,516 14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Other accruals 114,945 111.571 114,945 111,571 22
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year anded 31 Oecemb•r 2024 15. Analysis of charitable funds Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds Ba13nce at 31112r23 Incon?ing Funds Amounts Expernled Nèt Balance al Transfers 31/72/24 General fund Major donor Choir 3 tour income Shop Partners Cards Anniversary fund Designated funds 124.828 323,655 (263,324) (96,560) 13,500 170,167 15,526 21,037 973 55 88,599 13,500 9.257 434 (160,910) 6,435 (21,037) {963) {55) 123.526 1.057 (22,584) (10) 474,274 597.800 600,159 544,913 (285,918) {149,564) 709,590 Nam• of unrestrlcted Fund Dejcrlptlon, nature and purpose? of fund General fund Other unrestricted funds Designated fund Free reserves after allowing for all designated funds Funds available for use al the discretion of the Tru51ees Funds earmarked by the Trustees for the following specific purposes: Balance at 31/12f23 InGoming Funds Amounls Expernlgd Net Balance at Transfers 31/12r24 Desi naled funds Running costs {1) Oesignated Africa Development Designated Choir 3 Designated Property Designated Infrastructure 130.000 20,000 150.000 14.274 25,000 105,000 200,000 474,274 (14,274) (25,000) (7.200) 150,000 97,800 350,000 123,526 597.800 11) Rumlng costs.. Earmathed amount bthich covern approxwnalely 6 months runnlrvj 81512023.. 6 months) Analysls of movements in restricted funds Balance at 31/12r23 Incoming Funds Amounts Expended Nel Balance at Transfers 31/12/24 Africa leam funds Africa team projects Child sponsorship Choir funds Health funds School funds Street children funds Other funds 16,486 2,997 531,019 (47.998) 7,247 24,277 37.412 31,089 97,284 27,070 709,977 22,218 2,963 53,418 69.627 23,038 (52,252) {10.044) (632,688) {77,920) (2,794) (7,023) (75,328) (27,685) 602,529 1,005,595 (885,734) (1.089) (75) 13,080 123.146 113 1,859 (2,236) 14,766 60,429 19,948 621,388 19,446 7.529 72,531 29,475 41,208 871,954 149.564 23
Abaana Ministries Notes to the financial statements For the year endod 31 December 2024 Restricted funds have been grouped in accordance with the expenditure category to which they relate. All restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of the appeal. 16. Income attributed to unrestricted funds. Child S onsorshi Fund: Abaana maintains a commitment to each donor that at least 950/0 of their child sponsorship donation is used d1CtlY in Uganda for Child Sponsorship Activities. In cases when child sponsorship donors contribute an additional volunlary amount towards the administration and running costs of Abaana, these additional voluntary donations are recorded as unrestricted income upon receipt. Where Gift Aid is applicable. it is attributed to UK Support Africa teams.. Direct team payments are recorded within the appropriate restricted team fund. Preagreed team support costs are recorded as unrestricted income. For all th r restri t d funds: In order to cover project monitoring and administrative support cosls, beeen OYO and 100/0 of receipts on all other restricted funds is recognised as unrestricted income on the date of receipt. The following principles are applied when calculating the income altributed to unrestricted funds- A rate of O-SYty is applied if project is undersubscribed., A rate of 5/0 is applied to large funding projects: In all other cases a rale of 1 O0/c+ is applled as standard. 17. Summary of net assets by fund Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Fixed assets Current assels Creditors: arnounls falling due within one year Net assets 109,470 109,470 605,946 981.073 1.587,019 (5,826) (109,119) (114,945} 709,590 871,954 1.581,544 18. Reconciliation of net cash movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities 2024 2023 Net (deficit) 1 surplus in funds Depreciation charge Interest income shown in investing activities Decrease l {increase) in debtors (Decrease) l increase in creditors Net cash (expenditure on) I received from operating activities 378,856 {2,498) 6,396 2,734 {32,155) (22,987) 85,695 (63,915) 3,374 9,611 442,166 (77,055) 24