Our 2010/11 accounts have been finalised by our accountant Crump Pearce & Co. Ltd and have passed independent examination.
These accounts have now been submitted to HM Revenue & Customs, Charity Commission and Companies House.
For anyone interested, the final accounts (which include the accounts for 2009/10) can be downloaded for free via the Charity Commission web site here.
Friday, 23 December 2011
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Defending the charity, its employees and volunteers
There comes a time when any charity has to take unwelcome steps to defend either its reputation, or that of its employees or volunteers.
Unfortunately we have once again been the source of totally unfounded and malicious gossip which was inadvertently spread by a member of the public directly to one of volunteers.
Fortunately because we found out we were able to respond quickly by writing to the person concerned - a person with a high position within another animal rescue organisation. Unfortunately we also had to obtain some legal advice regarding defamation and slander.
The charity has been aware of the subject of these lies previously, and recognises the likely source. If someone repeats them again, because they are absolutely without any foundation whatsoever the charity will instruct its solicitor to take those necessary steps to obtain compensation from the individual or organisation concerned.
Unfortunately we have once again been the source of totally unfounded and malicious gossip which was inadvertently spread by a member of the public directly to one of volunteers.
Fortunately because we found out we were able to respond quickly by writing to the person concerned - a person with a high position within another animal rescue organisation. Unfortunately we also had to obtain some legal advice regarding defamation and slander.
The charity has been aware of the subject of these lies previously, and recognises the likely source. If someone repeats them again, because they are absolutely without any foundation whatsoever the charity will instruct its solicitor to take those necessary steps to obtain compensation from the individual or organisation concerned.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
New charity shop - Bridgnorth
Our third charity should will shortly be opening in Bridgnorth.
You can find us at Waterloo House, Castle Terrace, Bridgnorth.
Friday, 9 September 2011
Protecting our identity - trademark application successful
The charity has successfully obtained its trademark to protect the name of the organisation.
We have used the name for over two years and have noticed some other unofficial organisations using names very similar to ours in the last few months. This has led to concerned contact from supporters that people may be posing as our charity.
The charity took the reluctant step to apply for its trademark in June and following the required due process, obtained confirmation of its trademark today.
The charity will defend its identity forcefully when required, initially by writing directly to those who may in the future take our name.
We have used the name for over two years and have noticed some other unofficial organisations using names very similar to ours in the last few months. This has led to concerned contact from supporters that people may be posing as our charity.
The charity took the reluctant step to apply for its trademark in June and following the required due process, obtained confirmation of its trademark today.
The charity will defend its identity forcefully when required, initially by writing directly to those who may in the future take our name.
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
BARK Appeal Restricted Fund terms
In the interests of transparency and openness this, possibly rather bland entry is to let everyone know what the BARK Appeal means and how the money will be used.
The BARK Appeal is a Restricted Fund.
This means that the money raised from whatever means that is designated by the fundraiser or donor is put into a separate bank account solely for the purposes of the BARK Appeal.
Now, the little tricky bit - what fundraisers and donors need to know
Fundraisers and donors need to advise the charity prior to funds being received of their intention that the money should be used for the BARK Appeal.
For fundraisers, that is people or groups who plan an event of any description in order to obtain donations, sponsorship or other forms of income need to inform the charity at the time they advise us of their intention to do an event (of any kind) that the funds must go to the BARK Appeal. If this is not done at this time it will result in the funds being assigned to the general charitable funds (see below)- and once this happens it is difficult if not impossible for those funds to be reassigned. Therefore it is vital that fundraisers inform the charity at the time they advise us of their event that they intend the funds to go to the BARK Appeal. Additionally any and all publicity, including Just Giving pages must clearly advise potential supporters that the funds are going to the BARK Appeal and not to the general charitable activities of the charity.
Likewise donors who donate a sum of money to the charity must clearly state if their intention is for the donation is to go to the BARK Appeal at the time of the donation. Again, if this is not done at this time the donation will be assigned to the general charitable funds (see below) of the charity.
General charitable funds
This means the funds to cover the day to day costs of kennels, veterinary expenses, and other charitable costs which could include (though not necessarily right now) advertising, community-based neutering scheme, telephone and internet charges, stationary, wages, vehicles, etc.
Now what will the fund actually spend the money on?
The BARK Appeal is to be used for all the necessary associated costs of acquiring, developing, building or whatever manner appropriate to obtain a rescue centre. This may include but is not limited to
Finally, there may be the opportunity to engage a professional fundraiser in the future who may be paid either by salary or by performance in raising large sums of money, possibly via complex trust applications, and in this case again these costs would be deducted from the fund. The charity has no current plans to employ a professional fundraiser for this purpose.
Any funds remaining after the rescue centre is completed will be used to cover the substantial costs of managing the day to day costs of the centre until they are extinguished, though we would expect that this balance would be small as we would look to move quickly once the necessary budget total is reached.
When will the fund be complete?
The original target of £500,000 was on the basis of some basic calculations of an amount required to obtain a rescue. This was undertaken in spring 2011. With inflation and increased commodity prices it is logical to assume this figure will be considerably higher by the time the charity is in a position to build a centre.
Likewise the charity needs sufficient stable day to day funds to manage the costs of operating a rescue centre and this will likely require a number of additional charity shops. Therefore both the BARK Appeal fundraising and our ability to open additional charity shops work hand in hand, and when are in place the charity will be ready to commence the work of developing a rescue centre.
Finally, in the event that the fund raises more money that the final cost of acquiring a rescue centre, the balance remaining shall be used for the day to day running costs of the rescue centre, which itself will become the single largest charitable expense, until such time as those funds are extinguished.
If you have any questions about the BARK Appeal please contact me at jonathan@happystaffierescue.org.uk
The BARK Appeal is a Restricted Fund.
This means that the money raised from whatever means that is designated by the fundraiser or donor is put into a separate bank account solely for the purposes of the BARK Appeal.
Now, the little tricky bit - what fundraisers and donors need to know
Fundraisers and donors need to advise the charity prior to funds being received of their intention that the money should be used for the BARK Appeal.
For fundraisers, that is people or groups who plan an event of any description in order to obtain donations, sponsorship or other forms of income need to inform the charity at the time they advise us of their intention to do an event (of any kind) that the funds must go to the BARK Appeal. If this is not done at this time it will result in the funds being assigned to the general charitable funds (see below)- and once this happens it is difficult if not impossible for those funds to be reassigned. Therefore it is vital that fundraisers inform the charity at the time they advise us of their event that they intend the funds to go to the BARK Appeal. Additionally any and all publicity, including Just Giving pages must clearly advise potential supporters that the funds are going to the BARK Appeal and not to the general charitable activities of the charity.
Likewise donors who donate a sum of money to the charity must clearly state if their intention is for the donation is to go to the BARK Appeal at the time of the donation. Again, if this is not done at this time the donation will be assigned to the general charitable funds (see below) of the charity.
General charitable funds
This means the funds to cover the day to day costs of kennels, veterinary expenses, and other charitable costs which could include (though not necessarily right now) advertising, community-based neutering scheme, telephone and internet charges, stationary, wages, vehicles, etc.
Now what will the fund actually spend the money on?
The BARK Appeal is to be used for all the necessary associated costs of acquiring, developing, building or whatever manner appropriate to obtain a rescue centre. This may include but is not limited to
- purchase of land
- surveying fees
- architect fees
- all construction materials
- all related construction labour
- landscaping
- kennels
- reception and support buildings
- installation of utility services
- opening day event including publicity
Finally, there may be the opportunity to engage a professional fundraiser in the future who may be paid either by salary or by performance in raising large sums of money, possibly via complex trust applications, and in this case again these costs would be deducted from the fund. The charity has no current plans to employ a professional fundraiser for this purpose.
Any funds remaining after the rescue centre is completed will be used to cover the substantial costs of managing the day to day costs of the centre until they are extinguished, though we would expect that this balance would be small as we would look to move quickly once the necessary budget total is reached.
When will the fund be complete?
The original target of £500,000 was on the basis of some basic calculations of an amount required to obtain a rescue. This was undertaken in spring 2011. With inflation and increased commodity prices it is logical to assume this figure will be considerably higher by the time the charity is in a position to build a centre.
Likewise the charity needs sufficient stable day to day funds to manage the costs of operating a rescue centre and this will likely require a number of additional charity shops. Therefore both the BARK Appeal fundraising and our ability to open additional charity shops work hand in hand, and when are in place the charity will be ready to commence the work of developing a rescue centre.
Finally, in the event that the fund raises more money that the final cost of acquiring a rescue centre, the balance remaining shall be used for the day to day running costs of the rescue centre, which itself will become the single largest charitable expense, until such time as those funds are extinguished.
If you have any questions about the BARK Appeal please contact me at jonathan@happystaffierescue.org.uk
Monday, 10 January 2011
Gearing up for 2011
After a welcome break for the silly season it is taking time to get right back in to the stride of things for me. While I went back to work last week, my activities with the charity have been limited to only those essential. Therefore tomorrow I have quite a bit of accounts work to do, and that particularly enjoyable task of bank reconciliation (yawn)! Hopefully tomorrow will also see us look at our third shop location in Worcester.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Worcester for the 3rd?
Tuesday Mark and I will travel to Worcester for a quick scout of vacant retail properties with a view to opening our third charity shop in the town.
Location is key - on the road, in an area with a number of other charity shops at an affordable rent.
Online thus far there seems to be a number of interesting properties but it will be better to go see what is where and then make contact with the agents for a viewing at another time.
With the pace of economical recovery likely to be slow in 2011 the retail property market will continue to offer a number of potentially lucrative opportunities for those looking to open a shop.
Location is key - on the road, in an area with a number of other charity shops at an affordable rent.
Online thus far there seems to be a number of interesting properties but it will be better to go see what is where and then make contact with the agents for a viewing at another time.
With the pace of economical recovery likely to be slow in 2011 the retail property market will continue to offer a number of potentially lucrative opportunities for those looking to open a shop.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Farewell to Mac
Though I only knew him briefly in the latter weeks of his work with us I have heard so much about his engaging personality, willingness to help and desire to go that extra mile.
While he will be sadly missed by Happy Staffie Rescue he has we hope a brilliant, challenging and rewarding career ahead of him.
While he will be sadly missed by Happy Staffie Rescue he has we hope a brilliant, challenging and rewarding career ahead of him.
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