Feast of Mashíyyat/Will- September 26, 2025
As the Friends are gathering for the Unit Convention in a couple of weeks, the Office of the Treasurer is pleased to share a special edition of the Bahá’í Fund Bulletin, highlighting some of the announcements and updates related to the Fund that will be shared at those gatherings.
Beyond the important responsibility of electing delegates, the unit conventions offer a cherished opportunity to come together in consultation, reflecting on the tasks and possibilities that lie ahead. As the National Treasurer shared in his recent letter to the Unit Convention,
“As we move past the summer months, we are encouraged to continue building on the momentum of giving and to fill the gap created during this summer period due to lower contributions and increased activity. Each contribution, offered sacrificially, becomes a ray of light -strengthening the National Spiritual Assembly’s ability to support the many activities and programs that empower communities, nurture unity, and uplift souls across the country.
We must avail every opportunity to be a beacon of light—illuminating the way, offering assurance to the anxious, and inspiring hope in the hearts of the despairing. By deepening our participation and generosity now, we ensure that the plans for the coming months are fully supported and that the Fund is sustained steadily throughout the year, bringing us closer to our goal of $52 million."
A copy of the full Unit Convention Fund communication, which also includes this letter in its entirety as well as updates on the Funds of the Faith, is available below for download.
Fundraising to Support Uplifting and Educational Programming
The annual Persian Bahá’í Media Service Fundraiser was conducted on August 30, 2025, in Schaumburg, Illinois. Opening remarks were offered by Dr. Muin Afnani, Treasurer, and Ms. Saphira Rameshfar, Assistant Secretary, followed by a short presentation from Ms. Sana Rouhani, Director of Persian BMS. The gathering welcomed over 100 participants, and contributions totaled more than $480,000 toward the $1.7 million annual budget for this vital initiative, a path of service lovingly entrusted to the American Bahá’í community by the Universal House of Justice. The Persian BMS provides uplifting and educational programs that nurture understanding, foster engagement, and promote the society-building efforts of the Bahá’í Faith in Persian speaking areas of the world, promoting public discourse that contributes to social and moral transformation, offers hope and brings joy to many hearts.
Youth Corner
“ALL MUST SURGE, BUT THE YOUTH MUST SOAR"
The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2024
Recently, one of the facilitators of the Next Generation Dawnbreakers Conference, held in Danville, California in September, shared this thoughtful overview with our office:
“The mission of the Next Generation Dawnbreakers Weekend Camp is to kindle in young Bahá’ís a lifelong dedication to service, foster deep bonds of friendship within their local communities, and strengthen their connection to the history of the Faith. The camp also seeks to help them align their service with the aims of the current Nine Year Plan. This is achieved through the study of texts, engagement in service projects, creative expression in the arts, and fellowship.”
Some of the participants at the conference sent us the following wonderful notes:
"Dawn Breakers was absolutely a fun-filled experience, with a combination of study and social activity. The conversations were deep but also personal. I look forward to it every year and can’t wait to become a facilitator!!!"
“I like how it was organized and I felt included.”
"This was my third year, and I look forward to it every time. It’s all about learning to build community together through spiritual growth & service and learning together… and it’s FUN!"
The Bahá’í Funds provide the resources for training, study materials, and opportunities for fellowship, making such gatherings as the one above possible. Every contribution—large or small—helps nurture the next generation of Bahá’ís and ensures that activities like this can flourish. Supporting the Fund is not only a sacred responsibility, it is also an investment in the future of the Faith.
YOUTH CORNER
Do you have a story you like to share? Please send us your reflections and stories about the Institution of the Fund or related activities. Stories, pictures, and or videos can be sent to bahaitreasurersoffice@usbnc.org.
Planned Giving
Bahá’u’lláh advises in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas: “Unto everyone hath been enjoined the writing of a will.” This is not only a practical act but a spiritual one—an expression of our love for God and devotion to His Revelation.
Writing a will strengthens our connection to the Blessed Beauty, fosters unity among our loved ones, and can provide an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy to support the progress of the Faith. It can be a simple yet profound way to turn our earthly plans into acts of service that bless generations to come.
The Office of the Treasurer offers a Writing of a Will booklet as a resource to guide the friends: https://bahaitreasurer.us/bequests-and-wills.
For personalized assistance, please email plannedgiving@usbnc.org or call 847-733-3569. Local Spiritual Assemblies can also request a Writing of a Will presentation.