Feast of ‘Azamat/Grandeur-May 16, 2025
Bahá’í National Fund Update
With a heart full of gratitude, the Office of the Treasurer celebrates the spirit of love and generosity demonstrated by the American Bahá’í Community. Despite ongoing economic uncertainties and widespread financial hardships, the National Fund received contributions totaling $49.4 million toward the $50 million National goal for fiscal year 2024-25. This represents an increase of 2.3% over last fiscal year and marks the highest level of unrestricted contributions to the National Fund in any fiscal year by the American Bahá’í Community.
The Universal House of Justice reminds us in the March 1, 2017 letter, that the future order of Bahá’u’lláh is far beyond anything that can be imagined by the present generation. Nevertheless, its eventual emergence will depend on strenuous effort by His followers to put His teachings into effect today. We know there is tremendous work yet to be done and remain encouraged by the sacrificial and generous giving of the believers who have arisen with such love and determination to meet their spiritual duties and contribute towards the betterment of the world.
May Bahá’u’lláh's love and blessings continue to shower upon you in your every effort.
Reminder: a page dedicated to children's resources is now available on the Office of the Treasurer's website. Here's a sample of what you can find on this page:
Coming Soon:
Online Audit System (OAS) Training Webinars
“ALL MUST SURGE, BUT THE YOUTH MUST SOAR"
The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 2024
Below is a short excerpt from an article about the organic growth of Youth Nights in the Seattle area. Look for the full article in an upcoming issue of the American Bahá’í Magazine.
"Youth Nights" have become a beacon of love and light in the Northwest Region and an example of how youth can SOAR. This gathering of youth has been gaining momentum over the past year as youth are inviting friends from school, junior youth groups, and their neighborhoods to learn about Baháʼu'lláh’s vision for humanity. These gatherings have been drawing youth from several clusters as well as the neighboring state, and the attendance has increased from about 15 to 20 youth to now having 40 to 60 attendees per month, including friends of the Faith (ranging 3-14 youth per month). The program is youth-organized and youth-led; it includes a pizza dinner, musical devotions, a brief introduction of the Baha'i Faith presented by a youth, study of the Writings or guidance from the Universal House of Justice on the given theme, and often it also includes the incorporation of the arts. An essential component at every youth night is for all the youth, both the Bahá’í youth and those from the wider community, to have direct access to the study of the Word of God and an opportunity to consider its application in their personal and collective lives. One of the youth shared: "I personally like youth night because it allows me to have meaningful conversations with people my age. In today's society, I don't see many conversations that extend past surface level in my school and other settings, and youth night allows me to actually have those deeper talks with youth my age on relevant topics."
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.
Support the Fund with a Donor-Advised Fund
We must be like the fountain or spring that is continually emptying itself of all that it has and is continually being refilled from an invisible source. To be continually giving out for the good of our fellows undeterred by fear of poverty and reliant on the unfailing bounty of the Source of all wealth and all good—this is the secret of right living.
— Shoghi Effendi
You can contribute to the Fund in a tax-efficient way while making a lasting impact. One effective option is a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF).
A DAF allows you to donate cash or appreciated assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to the Fund over time. Your donation can grow tax-free, potentially increasing your charitable impact. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of a single, simplified tax document for all your giving. DAFs can be established through financial institutions or community foundations.
For more information please email plannedgiving@usbnc.org, or call 847-733-3569, or log in to https://bahaitreasurer.us/planned-giving and click on Donor Advised Funds. Additionally, your Local Spiritual Assembly can request a Planned Giving presentation for your community