Bahá’í News/Inserts/Issue 423/National Baha’i Fund Nine Year Plan Budget Message/Text

National Bahá’í Fund Nine Year Plan Budget Message 1966-1967

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NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND

Nine Year Plan – Second Year

Budget Message 1966-1967

Dearly Beloved Friends:

In planning the budget for the 1966-1967 fiscal year the National Spiritual Assembly faced several new considerations:

1. As we approach the latter half of the Nine Year Plan with its emphasis on proclamation, groundwork must be laid now for an expanded public information program, which requires organization, contacts and momentum. This will involve greatly increased expenses for this activity if it is to be done properly. There are also other areas where the budget must be increased to meet changing conditions. As the Faith grows in scope, it is inevitable that the financial needs will expand, but this should be taken care of by the enlarged membership, as well as by a heightened sense of responsibility to the Fund in many of the existing believers.

2. A forthcoming bequest from the estate of the late Margaret McDaniel made possible the offset of the $39,000 deficit carryover from last year so that the current budget need not be burdened with it. On the other hand, the National Spiritual Assembly feels that the balance of this extraordinary bequest (some $16,000 which was received during the past year and was included in regular income from estates) should be shared with the international institutions or allocated to special projects which otherwise could not be taken care of.

Therefore, the delegates to the National Convention unanimously approved a regular budget of $735,000, up from $715,000 last year, plus the proposed division of the $120,000 yet to be received from the McDaniel estate. After consultation at its next meeting, the National Spiritual Assembly voted to increase the regular budget to $750,000 adding a special allocation of $10,000 for the Panama Temple, $2,500 for the balance due on 2,000 subscriptions to World Order Magazine being purchased at half price and offered free to college and other libraries, and an additional $2,500 to the Contingency Fund. The final budget is outlined on page 4.

Analysis of Budget

Budgets for the World Center Fund, International Deputization Fund, Continental Fund for the Western Hemisphere, and for Acquisition of Property in foreign goals are the same as last year. However, the National Spiritual Assembly felt that we should share the blessing of the McDaniel bequest with these several institutions, and so we have special non-recurring allocations of $25,000 for the World Center Fund of the Universal House of Justice, and $10,000 to the Continental Fund, payable when the bequest is received.

The budget for teaching at the international level remains unchanged, reflecting the good progress that has been made in the financing of the pioneering effort. However, the greater accomplishments called for on the home front and the challenging potential of the new national teaching structure with its many State Goals Committees requires an increase in the over-all National Goals budget of $18,500.

After taking into account a rearrangement of the individual items under the general category of national administration, a total increase of $60,000 in this area is considered necessary. The principal component is a $25,000 increase, budgeted for the Department of Public Information. This makes possible a full-fledged organization with two full-time employees, under the direction of Col. Salvatore A. Pelle, recently retired from the Air Force after a distinguished career as a public relations officer. This department will develop stories on the Faith in national and international media, take full advantage of publicity opportunities from various news developments involving the Faith, greet and offer hospitality to distinguished visitors to the Temple, offer guidance to all Bahá’ís in handling local publicity, and help us to gear up to the full centenary proclamation effort that lies ahead next year.

Another important part of the increase for national administration is a rise in the budget for the Distribution and Service Center. This department is under the new and efficient management of Robert and Eloise Jordan, but finds its inventory of many items too low and its selection limited. In order to be of maximum service to the American Bahá’í Community, it plans to rebuild inventory of useful items and to develop new ones which will prove to be valuable tools in the teaching effort. Also, the treasurer’s office has recently faced a substantial increase in the fees for auditing charged by our certified public accountants, the first adjustment made for several years. With a larger membership and a higher level of prices, such things as BAHÁ’Í NEWS inevitably cost more. For the same reason moderately higher costs in both the secretariat and the treasurer’s office are unavoidable.

The only area of the budget to show a substantial decrease is that of the summer schools where, particularly in the case of Green Acre, capital expenditures in the past years have sufficiently increased attendance and revenues so that current capital needs can be met from income, and the schools need not be subsidized by the Fund to the same degree as in the past. The rest of the items in the regular budget have changed little over the previous year.

In determining a division of the McDaniel bequest, the National Spiritual Assembly felt it would be desirable to use this to pay back the accumulated past deficit of about $40,000. Then, after sharing $35,000 with the Universal House of Justice and the Continental Fund, the decision was made to set aside $40,000 in a special reserve fund for the care of pioneers who have been in the field [Page 2] for the best part of their active Bahá’í lives and to whom we therefore feel a moral obligation when they need assistance after they are no longer able to serve at their pioneer posts. Several years ago the Universal House of Justice had suggested that such a reserve fund would be desirable at this time, but it was impossible until this wonderful opportunity presented itself. Finally, in view of Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel’s long identity with the Washington, D.C. community, and the importance of its location in our nation’s capital, we allocated $5,000 for emergency expenditures at the Washington center, necessitated by changes required to meet local fire ordinances.

We Can Afford the Budget

To meet the regular budget of $750,000, average monthly contributions of $62,500 are required. To achieve this goal, actual donations received last year from all sources would have to increase 26%. Regular contributions alone would need a 68% gain. However, if regular contributions received in the four best months last year, November, December, January and March were the monthly average, the total need grow only 25% to make the new budget, without having to draw on special gifts and estate bequests.

As in the past, this budget seems well within the capacity of the American Bahá’í Community. Our membership has been increasing about 10% annually, so that if the rate of giving merely holds even, total contributions should increase that much. But it remains clear that a good fraction of the Bahá’ís still have not developed an awareness of the great joy and bounty that awaits those who accept their responsibility to the Fund and support it up to their capacity. If the load could be fully shared, it would not be an undue burden on anyone. If two-thirds of our adult membership would average $80 a year as gifts to the National Fund, and three-quarters of our youth would average $50, we would moderately exceed the budget from this giving alone. In view of the average family income in excess of $7,000 in the United States, and the average gifts of over $200 per capita achieved by certain of the Christian denominations, our goal does not seem unreasonable for a Faith which represents such a challenge to dedication and sacrifice, and which offers such limitless potentials for the transformation of society in the years ahead. In what other way can a human being accomplish such good for mankind with so little effort?

Points to Remember

A few factors concerning the Fund deserve mention at this time:

1. The importance of continuing education. Failure to achieve a broader base for giving is due to a lack of motivation, which in turn stems from a failure to understand the nature of the financial responsibility each believer owes to his Faith, and the unique and enlightened principles of giving found in the Bahá’í teachings. Many older believers still do not grasp these principles. However, particular emphasis should be placed on the education of contacts and new believers. Some teachers hesitate to mention the Fund to their students, either because they think money is an unspiritual subject (a most un-Bahá’í point of view) or because they are afraid the topic will scare away the contact. This tendency, plus the fact that the seeker never sees a collection being taken at a Bahá’í gathering, leads him to assume that somehow the Faith runs on its own momentum and that nothing financial will ever be asked of him. Our whole attitude toward giving is so mature that it can be presented in a very favorable light. Whatever his response, it is vital that the new believer knows at the start what our principles are and what is expected of him. In connection with this educational process, we hope that the tape on the Fund will be fully utilized by all communities, and that the compilation of Bahá’í teachings on giving, still in preparation, will prove of great value.

2. The role of youth. This has proved to be our area of greatest growth in recent years. The young people are certainly most dynamic in their response to the challenges of the Faith. Yet possibly they have not fully related themselves to the Fund, thinking that their individual contributions might be too small to be consequential. The opposite is true. Entirely apart from the great spiritual values gained from regular giving, cumulatively the youth could make a vital impact upon the Fund and in the process develop habits of sustained contributing which would stand them in good stead in later life. If all of the youth now registered gave $5 a month (about the cost of one record album and one movie), the total received would be $104,000, almost one seventh of the budget. Something to ponder.

3. Obligation to give. Essentially, the basic problems of the Fund will be solved only by a mature, objective acceptance of the fact that every Bahá’í has assumed a solemn obligation to support his Faith financially as well as with his prayers, time and energy. Such an obligation should be given top priority in one’s financial planning, for it is just as specific a covenant, and involves just as painful consequences when it is not met, as a mortgage on a home. Any effort made to intensify this awareness in ourselves, as well as with all the Bahá’ís with whom we come in contact, will be of inestimable value to our future success in meeting our financial requirements. In this connection, regular prayer for the Funds, both individually and in Bahá’í gatherings, will be of great assistance.

4. Basic principles of giving. We must never lose sight of those basic principles given to us by Shoghi Effendi, which are eternally applicable:

a. The Fund is the bedrock of all the institutions we are laboring so hard to construct. b. Contributions to the Fund are completely and totally voluntary. c. Contributions are a sacred obligation of each Bahá’í. d. Every single Bahá’í should participate by giving to the Fund, no matter how small the amount. e. Regularity of giving is an essential consideration. f. To be truly meritorious, contributions to the Fund should involve some element of sacrifice. g. The Fund should be a regular subject of consultation at Feasts and assembly meetings. [Page 3]

The Importance of Wills

It is particularly urgent to remember the beloved Guardian’s admonition that all Bahá’ís should make wills, so that their property may be disposed of in accordance with their wishes after their passing. We take great care of our assets while we are alive, but are sometimes careless or indifferent when it comes to the equally important protection of this property at death. A will is particularly essential if we desire the Bahá’í Faith to share in our capital as it has in our income. Without a will the disposition of our estate is handled under state laws based on principles of inheritance which in no case would permit the carrying out of our wishes regarding bequests to the Faith.

Except in instances when one’s assets consist solely of personal property of small value, it is desirable to consult an attorney when preparing a will. Because of the great variations in state laws, the help of an attorney is the only way to be sure that, under one’s particular set of circumstances, personal intentions will be realized. This can be done at a modest cost. Wills, once made, should be reviewed periodically, particularly if one moves to a new state, or if there is a change in family or business circumstances. The National Spiritual Assembly should be given a copy of all wills in which it is named as a beneficiary. For more details refer to The Bahá’í Community, p. 45.

A Challenge and a Bounty

The Universal House of Justice has continually stressed the vital importance of the various Funds as essential Bahá’í objectives. In its magnificent Riḍván message this year, it said: “The onward march of the Faith requires, and is indeed dependent upon, a very great increase in contributions to the various funds. All the goals assigned to the World Center of the Faith, and particularly those dealing with the development and beautification of the properties surrounding the Holy Shrines and the extension of the gardens on Mt. Carmel entail heavy expenditures. The building of the two Temples called for in the Plan will require further large sums, and the world-wide process of teaching and consolidation now to be intensified must be sustained by a greatly increased and uninterrupted flow of funds. The International Deputization Fund must be maintained and expanded, not only for further pioneering needs, but in order to assist and develop the travelling teacher program now called for. Since only those who have openly proclaimed their recognition of Bahá’u’lláh are permitted to contribute financially to the establishment of His world order, it is apparent that more, much more is required from the few now so privileged. Our responsibilities in this field are very great, commensurate indeed with the bounty of being the bearers of the Name of God in this day.”

The American Bahá’í community is particularly favored. Materially we are the strongest nation on earth, and with Írán we are looked to for financial leadership by the entire Bahá’í world. By doing one of the things we do best, we are able to furnish the resources which will assure the progress of our beloved Faith in all parts of the globe. We can make a vital and indispensable contribution toward the establishment of the foundation of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. We cannot fail!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING CONTRIBUTIONS

INTERNATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND: Every believer is privileged to send a contribution directly to the Universal House of Justice for the support of the World Center. Such a contribution may be in the form of a regular bank check or draft payable to “International Bahá’í Fund.” It should be addressed as follows: The Universal House of Justice, Bahá’í World Center, P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel.

NATIONAL BAHÁ’Í FUND: Contributions should be made directly by every individual, assembly and group in the United States, payable to: National Bahá’í Fund, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091. The amount of such contributions should be related to the size of our national budget which is reported regularly in Bahá’í News.

CONTINENTAL FUND FOR THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE: Contributions to this fund are encouraged from all believers and local funds. They should be made payable to: Continental Bahá’í Fund, Zikhru’lláh Khádem, Trustee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.

LOCAL FUND: Believers under the jurisdiction of a local spiritual assembly or group should contribute to the LOCAL FUND through the local treasurer. Such contributions should be added to and not take the place of contributions made directly to the NATIONAL FUND. A portion of local funds should also be sent to the NATIONAL FUND, the INTERNATIONAL FUND and the CONTINENTAL FUND.

PLEASE KEEP THIS MESSAGE AND STATEMENT AND STUDY IT FREQUENTLY DURING THE YEAR! [Page 4]

BUDGET FOR 1966-1967

World Center Fund ........................................			$100,000.00
International Deputization Fund ..........................			15,000.00
Continental Fund: Western Hemisphere .....................			12,000.00
Panama Temple ............................................			10,000.00
Acquisition of Property: Nine Year Plan Goals ............			25,000.00
International Goals:
Nine Year Plan ...............................	40,000.00
World Crusade ................................	115,000.00
Bahá’í International Community ................	3,500.00	158,500.00
National Goals:
National Goals Committee ......................	3,500.00
Department of National Teaching ...............	60,000.00
Department of Community Development ...........	25,000.00
American Indian Service Committee .............	10,000.00
Youth Projects ................................	1,500.00	100,000.00
National Administration:
Office of Secretary ...........................	60,000.00
Department of Distribution & Service ...........	25,000.00
Department of Public Information ...............	32,500.00
(including World Order subscriptions to libraries)
State & National Conventions ...................	17,500.00
State Service Representatives
NSA Meetings, Printing
Office of Treasurer ...........................	22,500.00	157,500.00
Bahá’í News, Legal Services, Insurance:
Bahá’í News and U.S. Supplement ...............	30,000.00
Legal Services ................................	10,000.00
Insurance — All properties ....................	8,500.00	48,500.00
National Committees:
Advisory Committee on Education ...............	100.00
Music Committee ...............................	100.00
Reference Library Service .....................	100.00
Service to the Blind ..........................	300.00
Summer School Programs ........................	1,200.00
United Nations:
U.S. UN Committee ...........................	.$600.00
U.S. UN Observer ............................	100.00	700.00	2,500.00
Trusteeships:
Temple Trustees
Nat’l Center Properties Dept. ...............	.$80,000.00
Dept. of Temple Activities:
Worship Services, Music,
Guides, Public Meetings ...................	26,000.00	106,000.00
Schools & Properties
Davison School Council ......................	3,500.00
Wilhelm Properties ..........................	1,500.00	5,000.00
Bahá’í Home ...................................		2,500.00	113,500.00
Contingency Fund ........................................			7,500.00
Total Regular Budget ....................................			$750,000.00