Feast of ‘Ilm (Knowledge) October 16, 2026
As of October 12, contributions to the funds rolling up to the National Bahá’í Fund totaled $17.4 million. To stay on track to reach the $54 million goal by the end of April, contributions should reach $25.6 million by the start of the month of ‘Ilm.
So many vital endeavors rely on the Institution of the Bahá’í Fund. One such example is the Wilmette Institute, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, whose work is supported in large part by the Fund. Through its distinctive programs, grounded in an evolving Bahá’í framework for collective learning, the Institute equips learners with the knowledge and capacity to contribute to social transformation and public discourse.
Recently, the Wilmette Institute achieved an exciting milestone by earning accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), opening new possibilities for its growth and impact. These developments include the appointment of an accomplished educator, scholar, and academic leader as its new executive director, as well as outreach to universities across the country to explore potential partnerships. These exciting advancements are but one example of how contributions to the Bahá’í Fund help advance the work of the Cause, build capacity, and open new avenues for contributing to the betterment of society.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for your continued support. We are confident that we can once again arise, together through our prayers, our service, and our material contributions, to meet the needs of the Faith.
As Bahá’ís, we have the privilege of having a direct relationship with each of the senior funds of the Faith, while maintaining a direct focus on continually supporting the National Fund. Unrestricted (not earmarked) contributions towards the National Fund goal allow for flexibility in supporting the many activities of the Faith.
Moments of Reflection
“The unity of the believers, rich and poor alike, in their support of the Fund will be a source of spiritual confirmations far beyond our capacity to envisage.”
~The Universal House of Justice
Voluntary Giving
Determining priorities requires consideration of many factors, including the current needs of the Cause and the unique circumstances of each individual. Yet, the work of the Cause must continue without delay. While Bahá’í institutions also provide support for this vital work, such support does not replace the contributions of individual believers, which remain the central source of the lifeblood of the Cause.
“...There are mighty agencies in this world, governments, foundations, institutions of many kinds with tremendous financial resources which are working to improve the material lot of human beings. Anything we Bahá’ís could add to such resources in the way of special funds or contributions would be a negligible drop in the ocean. However, alone among men we have the Divinely-given remedy for the real ills of mankind; no one else is doing or can do this most important work, and if we divert our energy and our funds into fields in which others are already doing more than we can hope to do, we shall be delaying the diffusion of the Divine Message which is the most important task of all.”
~ The Universal House of Justice, November 19, 1974
Reflection Question:
The Universal House of Justice explains that the Bahá'í community has been entrusted with a work that no others can accomplish. How does this understanding influence the way you think about your own role in ensuring that Bahá'u'lláh's message continues to reach hearts and transform communities?
Planned Giving
Keeping Your Plans Up to Date
In a previous issue of the Bahá’í Fund Bulletin, we explored the spiritual importance of writing a will and including the Faith in our plans. Here are a few simple ways to keep those plans current:
Review your will.
Make sure it continues to reflect your wishes and circumstances.
Check your beneficiary designations.
Review the beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance, and other financial accounts to ensure they reflect your intentions.
Keep important documents accessible.
Know where your will and other important documents are kept, and make sure someone you trust knows how to locate them.
Taking a little time to review our plans can provide peace of mind and help ensure our wishes are carried out as intended.
Learn more
For more information, visit bahaitreasurer.us/planned-giving, email plannedgiving@usbnc.org, or call 847-733-3569.
Your Local Spiritual Assembly can also request a Writing of a Will/Planned Giving presentation for your community.
Share Your Memories of Bosch Bahá’í School
"I had the bounty of living, serving and working at Bosch for two years -- from January 2010 to January 2012. As so many of us know, the location and grounds of this beautiful spot are unparalleled. From the majestic redwood trees, to the peace, calm, and hushed serenity of the forest, to Inspiration Point and all the special spots in between, it is an absolute joy to host Bahá’ís and their friends in a place that is so soothing and nourishing to the soul. I treasure these years with great appreciation and my friends, neighbors, coworkers and colleagues -- all who contributed to the upkeep and proliferation of the programs and services there."
Share your stories and memories of Bosch by submitting them through our website here: https://bahaitreasurer.us/submit or send them via email to bahaitreasurersoffice@usbnc.org.
Youth Corner
“ALL MUST SURGE, BUT THE YOUTH MUST SOAR"
The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2024
Below is from a wonderful letter we received from one of the youth in Texas after attending a fund education workshop:
“Earlier this year, I watched our national Bahá’í community meet the yearly Fund goal at what felt like the final minute, and recently the National Spiritual Assembly noted that 70% of the contributions made to the Fund come from the baby boomer generation. Both the Fund goal and the breakdown of contributions have led me, a 35-year-old, to wonder how I could do more for the Fund. What is considered enough? What is too much? I already regularly give through the Online Contribution System (OCS) to various Bahá’í-related funds, and I've increased that amount as I've earned more. I attend Bahá’í fundraisers in my community, and Huqúqu'lláh, the Right of God, is a sacred method by which a believer gives to the Fund after necessary spending is taken into account.
To quote the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, in Citadel of Faith: "Let them resolve, instantly and unhesitatingly, to place, each according to his circumstances, his share on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice." Sacrifice is a powerful word, but even with what I noted above, I still didn't feel like I was sacrificing or giving my share, not like Ella Bailey or any other believers whose stories continue to move us.
I decided, on top of what I was already doing, to begin taking a percentage of the total cost of whatever I spent on "unnecessary" items and experiences (such as trips, concerts, and conventions) and give that to the Fund. It's not a large percentage, but it adds up over time (especially with my spending habits).
I've experienced a greater feeling of gratitude doing this. Each donation is not only another way to contribute to the Fund (for which I am grateful) but also a way of giving thanks to God for the bounties I've received in my life, for being in a place where I can buy things I like and contribute further to meeting the Fund goal. This sacrifice is nothing like what Ella Bailey did, but I like to think that this exercise is the beginning of a path towards true sacrifice and detachment (so that I one day won't give extra only after buying something I like) and hopefully inspire others my age to find ways to give more.”
We are looking for more submissions from YOUth! Please send us your reflections and stories about the Institution of the Fund or recent youth activities/events. Stories, pictures, and or videos can be sent to bahaitreasurersoffice@usbnc.org.
Share with your community
Download the Bahá’í Fund Bulletin