Feast of Qawl/Speech - November 22, 2025
Bahá’í National Fund Update
$20.7M
As of Nov 18, 2025
"Thou hast, verily, revealed Thy Cause, fulfilled Thy Covenant, and opened wide the door of Thy grace to all that dwell in heaven and on earth. Blessing and peace, salutation and glory, rest upon Thy loved ones, whom the changes and chances of the world have not deterred from turning unto Thee, and who have given their all, in the hope of obtaining that which is with Thee. Thou art, in truth, the Ever-Forgiving, the All-Bountiful." - Extracts from the Medium Obligatory Prayer by Bahá’u’lláh
As we prepare to reflect as a community on the Day of the Covenant, may we also reflect on the example of the Master - on how with an unshakable commitment to the long view, the Master navigated the seeming barriers of the time, solidifying a World-Community, laid the foundation of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and transformed a barren mountain into the ‘Precincts of Paradise.’
How are we, the Champion Builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, supporting this vision, both spiritually and materially?
As Bahá’ís, we have the privilege of having a direct relationship with each of the major funds of the Faith, while at the same time, also 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.
Fundraising
Community fundraisers are a wonderful way for the friends to foster the spirit of Universal Participation, to strengthen the bonds of unity and fellowship within the community, and contribute to the vital task of achieving the annual Fund goal.
The Houston, TX Assembly shared a beautiful story about a fundraiser they held following the Fund Education Weekend Workshops they hosted in collaboration with the Office of the Treasurer. In particular, the 'Elements of Spiritual Fundraising Workshop' inspired them to host a unique fundraiser that tapped into the spiritual nature of their community. Each community member was invited to bring a photo of a loved one who had passed away, and together, they prayed for the progress of those precious souls. Then the community was invited to consider contributing to the Fund in memory of these loved ones using the In Honor / In Memory option provided by the Online Contribution System (OCS). Through this heartfelt initiative, the community strengthened its bonds of love while supporting the National Fund.
Planned Giving
Supporting the Faith through an IRA Rollover
Friends who are 70½ or older and have a Traditional IRA can make a direct gift to the National Spiritual Assembly through an IRA Charitable Rollover.
This way of giving can be both spiritually rewarding and financially wise:
The gift is not counted as taxable income
It may help reduce your taxes
It directly supports the sacred work of the Faith
Simply let your IRA custodian know you’d like to make a qualified charitable distribution. The Office of the Treasurer can provide the instructions you need.
Learn more:
Email: plannedgiving@usbnc.org
Call: 847-733-3569
Visit: bahaitreasurer.us/planned-giving
Your Local Spiritual Assembly can also request a Planned Giving presentation for your community.
“ALL MUST SURGE, BUT THE YOUTH MUST SOAR"
The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2024
Youth have played a vital role throughout Bahá’í history. The Báb Himself declared His mission when He was but twenty-five years of age, and so many among the band of His followers were in the prime of their youth when they embraced His revelation. During the ministries of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, young people were at the forefront of efforts to proclaim the message of the new Faith and to share its teachings with others. 1
Following in the path that these and other extraordinary youth have forged, thousands of young Bahá’ís are arising in each generation to respond to the call of Bahá’u’lláh. Their efforts are guided by the Universal House of Justice, which encourages young Bahá’ís to draw on the zeal and enthusiasm characteristic of the period of youth and make decisive contributions to the advancement of spiritual and material civilization.
All the friends of God … should contribute to the extent possible, however modest their offering may be. God doth not burden a soul beyond its capacity. Such contributions must come from all centers and all believers.… - Abdu’l-Baha
"Although your realities are shaped by a broad diversity of circumstances, yet a desire to bring about constructive change and a capacity for meaningful service, both characteristic of your stage of life, are neither limited to any race or nationality, nor dependent upon material means. This bright period of youth you share is experienced by all - but it is brief, and buffeted by numerous social forces. How important it is, then, to strive to be among those who, in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, ‘plucked the fruit of life’." - The Universal House of Justice
How can we as youth connect to the Funds of the Faith in a spiritual way and contribute despite limitations imposed by limited resources?
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.