Feast of ‘Izzat (Might)- September 8, 2026
Bahá’í National Fund Update
‘Abdu’l-Bahá invites us to take the long view—to see our lives and our efforts as opportunities to become a “source of social good.” Even amid the uncertainties of our time, we can look to the future with confidence and remain, as the Universal House of Justice encourages us, “steady…patient and perseverant, pledged to long-term endeavour.”
Many of these efforts are supported through the funds of the Faith. From time to time, we hope to use this space to provide examples of some of the activities, initiatives, and institutions supported by the National Fund. For example, the maintenance and upkeep of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, which has continued to serve as a beacon of light to over 250 thousand visitors each year, is one of the many vital endeavors supported by contributions to the National Fund. In addition, the ongoing work of the Office of Public Affairs in raising awareness of the persecution of the Bahá’ís, as well as in promoting the A Common Endeavor campaign, relies on the National Fund.
As of September 3, contributions to the funds rolling up to the National Bahá’í Fund totaled $13 million. In these important days, let us each ask: How can I arise? What can I offer? Through our prayers, acts of service, sacrifices, and contributions, each of us can help meet the National Bahá’í Fund goal and provide the material means to advance the work of the Nine Year Plan.
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
Contributions to the funds are voluntary and should be made with a sincere heart. The Bahá'í community encourages selfless and joyful giving, regardless of the size of the contribution. The Universal House of Justice reminds us that “although the setting of priorities for contributing is a matter for personal judgment, the individual believer will certainly bear in mind the priorities of the work of the Cause as a whole.”
“To state the matter briefly, the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh advocate voluntary sharing, and this is a greater thing than the equalization of wealth. For equalization must be imposed from without, while sharing is a matter of free choice. Man reacheth perfection through good deeds, voluntarily performed, not through good deeds the doing of which was forced upon him. ...voluntary sharing, the freely chosen expending of one’s substance, leadeth to society’s comfort and peace.”
~ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
For Reflection:
How does understanding contributions to the Fund as a voluntary and joyful expression of love for Bahá'u'lláh and service to humanity transform the way we think about generosity, sacrifice, and our role in building a better world?
Planned Giving
A Way to Make a Non-Cash Contribution: Appreciated Securities
In the previous bulletin, we explored ways to support the Faith through gifts made today, such as a Donor-Advised Fund. Another way to make a contribution is by gifting appreciated securities, such as stocks, that you have owned for over a year and have increased in value.
When you give appreciated securities directly to the National Spiritual Assembly, you may be able to avoid paying capital gains tax on the increase in value, which can increase the amount of your gift.
If this way of giving speaks to your heart and circumstances, the Office of the Treasurer is happy to provide the information needed to make this type of contribution and answer any questions you may have.
bahaitreasurer.us/planned-giving
plannedgiving@usbnc.org | 847-733-3569
Bosch Bahá’í School: WHAT’S TO COME
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
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.