Feast of Asmá’/Names- August 19, 2025
Bahá’í National Fund Update
$9.5M
As of August 13, 2025
As we speed ahead past the initial months of the Bahá’í year, to be on track to meet the $52 million National Fund goal, contributions to the National Fund should total approximately $13.7 million by the beginning of the Feast of Asmá'; however, as of August 13, we have received about $9.5 million in contributions. While the demands on various Funds of the Faith increase during the summer months due to an increase in youth activities, summer schools, and other programs of learning, etc., there is a drop in the level of contributions during these months, causing a deficit.
How can we come together, as Champion Builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, and arise to address this?
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.
A Beacon of Family Life and Generosity
From July 3–7, 2025, the Southern Flame Bahá’í Summer School brought together families from across Florida for five days of learning, joy, and collective service. Guided by the Regional Bahá’í Council of Florida and centered on the theme “Building Bridges Through Service,” the gathering became a powerful example of what’s possible when love, unity in diversity, and generosity converge. With over 400 participants in attendance, the spirit of community was vibrant and intergenerational.
What made this summer school exceptional was not just its inspiring programming or vibrant music jam sessions—it was the self-sustaining model of support. Before the event, friends were invited to contribute to a scholarship fund and help cover the initial costs. Thanks to this spirit of generosity, over twenty individuals and families were able to attend who might otherwise not have been able to do so.
Every attendee was also invited to serve—from meal prep to youth activities—creating a shared sense of ownership and reinforcing that giving is not only financial, but deeply spiritual.
“Giving to the Fund… is both a responsibility and a source of bounty.”
— The Universal House of Justice
As communities nationwide explore how to integrate family life, fund education, and spiritual growth into regional gatherings, the Southern Flame Bahá’í Summer School offers both a model and a vision: gatherings that uplift and nourish the soul, and flourish through mutual service. Let its success inspire us all to build spaces grounded in joy, learning, and the sacred privilege of giving.
Planned Giving
Tax-Free Giving for Friends Age 70½ and Older
Friends who are 70½ or older and have a Traditional IRA may make a charitable gift directly to the National Spiritual Assembly through an IRA Charitable Rollover.
This form of giving can be both spiritually enriching and financially wise. Such gifts:
Are not counted as taxable income
May help reduce your income tax
Directly support the sacred work of the Faith
Simply notify your IRA custodian that you’d like to make a qualified charitable distribution to the National Spiritual Assembly. The Office of the Treasurer can provide the instructions your custodian will need.
To learn more about the IRA charitable rollover, planned giving, or to arrange a presentation through your Local Spiritual Assembly, visit bahaitreasurer.us/planned-giving, email plannedgiving@usbnc.org, or call 847-733-3569.
IRA Charitable Rollover
For a printable pdf version of more information on the IRA charitable rollover, please scan the QR code.
“ALL MUST SURGE, BUT THE YOUTH MUST SOAR"
The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2024
CA–SE Youth Conference 2025: Lighting the Way Forward
Recently, more than 100 youth gathered at the California–Southeast Youth Conference, each at a different stage of service—some beginning to explore their path, others guiding those who are starting out. “All are on this exciting journey of their spiritual path, kindling their inner light to shine out through the Word of God and the Cause. I really needed a space like this,” reflected one of the volunteers at the conference.
For one of the participants, the gathering mirrored his own journey. Once hesitant to work with youth, he discovered that by setting aside his own shortcomings to serve others in the community, he also grew into the best version of himself. He added, “and when I say ‘community,’ I don’t just mean my family—I mean our neighbors, our city, and ultimately, the world. If we want to unite the world, we start by teaching the next generation to learn from our mistakes.”
Every transformative moment at the conference was made possible by the Bahá’í Fund. One of the attendees emphasized, “All of these youth conferences and core activities are made possible by the Fund.” Through the friends’ sacrificial contributions, spaces like this can nurture the next generation, strengthen bonds of unity, and build the foundation for a better world.
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.