Feast of Núr/Light - June 5, 2026
Bahá’í National Fund Update
The Office of the Treasurer is excited to announce that, as noted in the Letter for the Feast of Núr, "Mindful of the friends’ determined and sacrificial efforts in meeting last year’s goal, and considering economic inflation, the National Spiritual Assembly has set a goal of $54 million for the current year." The Feast Letter also reminds us of the role that each of us can play in fulfilling the goals of the Nine Year Plan, citing this quote from the December 31, 2025 message of the Universal House of Justice:
"Whatever form a person’s service takes, it emerges from the unique interaction between, on the one hand, the needs of the Faith and, on the other, the possibilities afforded by the circumstances of each individual and the sacrifices that he or she chooses to make."
As of June 1, $2.9 million in contributions have been received toward the $54 million goal. Together as Champion Builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, we can once again arise and accomplish the remaining $51.1 million over the next 11 Gregorian months.
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
The Office of the Treasurer is excited to launch "Moments of Reflection." In each issue of the Bulletin, we hope to share insights into the Institution of the Fund so that, together, we may reflect on this sacred obligation and connect our hearts to the blessings and bounty it represents. We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
Understanding Our Sacred Obligation
Our relationship with the Bahá’í Fund is a sacred and intimate one, connected to our relationship with the Faith itself. As Bahá’ís, we are not subjected to any pressure to contribute or directed on how to designate our contributions. It is our individual responsibility to keep abreast of the needs of the Faith. Building a relationship with the various Bahá'í funds involves understanding their purpose, the principles guiding their operation, and the importance of voluntary giving.
The Institution of the Fund is an avenue that can facilitate the binding of the heart of each individual to the Covenant. Bahá’u’lláh has written that God “hath made the fulfillment of every undertaking on earth dependent on material means.” So integral is the Fund to the work of the community that the Guardian regarded it as an institution of the Faith in its own right. And as the Universal House of Justice reminds us:
“...there is, we believe, a worldwide need for appreciation of this basic principle of our Faith: that contributing to the Fund should constitute an integral part of the spiritual life of every Bahá’í and be regarded as the fulfillment of a fundamental spiritual obligation. In too many countries we have encountered a reluctance among the teachers of the Cause to include, in their presentation of the Teachings, support of the Fund as a natural part of Bahá’í life. In the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, Bahá’u’lláh more than once refers to the necessity for combining spiritual and material means in achieving the purposes of the Faith. Shoghi Effendi, for his part, referred to the Fund as the lifeblood of the Cause.”
~ The Universal House of Justice, A Wider Horizon, pp. 94-95
For Reflection:
How do we nurture the collective life emerging among us and recognize the vital role the Bahá’í Funds play in shaping the world we are striving to build?
Planned Giving
“To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him that adorneth himself with My virtues.”
– Baha'u'llah
Additional Ways of Supporting the Bahá’í Funds
Planned Giving is simply another way of aligning our material means with our spiritual aspirations. Through a contribution made today or through thoughtful provisions for the future, we can help advance the Cause and ensure that the light of the Teachings continues to illuminate hearts and contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God on earth for generations to come.
Options such as gifts of appreciated assets, donor-advised fund grants, retirement-related giving, or provisions made through a will or estate plan can often support both personal financial goals and the long-term advancement of the Faith.
The Office of the Treasurer is happy to accompany those who feel inspired to learn more and explore these opportunities:
plannedgiving@usbnc.org
847-733-3569
Online Contribution System
All contributions to the Funds of the Faith through any of the available forms are always welcome and appreciated. The Office of the Treasurer does highly recommend using the online contribution system (OCS), the most secure way to contribute to the Funds of the Faith, and the one that requires fewer resources at both the local and national levels.
When credit cards are used to make a contribution, the National Assembly, as any other entity, pays, depending on the credit card type, about 2 – 4% transaction and processing fee to the credit card processing company. However, as a general rule, an ACH-type contribution through OCS, which entails providing bank account information electronically for a direct transfer, is the most economical method of contribution as far as processing costs, as it does not carry any fee and in general does not require additional resources.
Youth Corner
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.