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

Dearly Beloved Friends:

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

1. As we approach the latter half of the Nine Year Plan with its em- phasis 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 finan- cial needs will expand, but this should be taken care of by the en- larged 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 extraordi- mary 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 allo- cated to special projects which oth- erwise could not be taken care of.

Therefore, the delegates to the Na- tional Convention unanimously ap- proved 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 As- sembly 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

NATIONAL BAHA’I FUND

Nine Year Plan — Second Year

Budget Message 1966-1967

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 Acqui- sition 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 sev- eral institutions, and so we have spe- cial non-recurring allocations of $25,000 for the World Center Fund of the Universal House of Justice, and $10,000 to the Continental Fund, pay- able when the bequest is received.

The budget for teaching at the in- ternational level remains un- changed, reflecting the good prog- ress that has been made in the financing of the pioneering effort. However, the greater accomplish- ments called for on the home front and the challenging potential of the new national teaching structure with its many State Goals Committees re- quires an increase in the over-all National Goals budget of $18,500.

After taking into account a rear- rangement of the individual items under the general category of na- tional administration, a total in- crease of $60,000 in this area is con- sidered necessary. The principal component is a $25,000 increase, budgeted for the Department of Pub- lic Information. This makes possible a full-fledged organization with two full-time employees, under the direc- tion of Col. Salvatore A. Pelle, re- cently retired from the Air Force after a distinguished career as a public relations officer. This depart- ment will develop stories on the Faith in national and international media, take full advantage of publi- city opportunities from various news developments involving the Faith, greet and offer hospitality to distin- guished visitors to the Temple, offer

guidance to all Baha’is 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 in- crease for national administration is a rise in the budget for the Distribu- tion and Service Center. This depart- ment 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 Baha’i Com- munity, 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 adjust- ment made for several years. With a larger membership and a higher lev- el of prices, such things as BAHA’I 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, partic- ularly in the case of Green Acre, capital expenditures in the past years have sufficiently increased at- tendance and revenues so that cur- rent 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 Spir- itual Assembly felt it would be desir- able 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 deci- sion 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 Ba- ha’i 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 Univer- sal House of Justice had suggested that such a reserve fund would be desirable at this time, but it was impossible until this wonderful op- portunity 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 cen- ter, necessitated by changes re- quired to meet local fire ordinances.

We Can Afford the Budget

To meet the regular budget of $750,000, average monthly contribu- tions 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 contribu- tions received in the four best months last year, November, De- cember, January and March were the monthly average, the total need grow only 25% to make the new budg- et, without having to draw on special gifts and estate bequests.

As in the past, this budget seems well within the capacity of the Amer- ican Baha’i Community. Our mem- bership has been increasing about 10% annually, so that if the rate of giving merely holds even, total con- tributions should increase that much. But it remains clear that a good fraction of the Baha’is 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 ca- pacity. If the load could be fully shared, it would not be an undue burden on anyone. If two-thirds of our adult membership would aver- age $80 a year as gifts to the Nation- al Fund, and three-quarters of our youth would average $50, we would moderately exceed the budget from this giving alone. In view of the av- erage 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 dedi- cation 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 ef- fort?

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 responsi- bility each believer owes to his Faith, and the unique and enlight- ened principles of giving found in the Baha’i teachings. Many older believ- ers still do not grasp these princi- ples. 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 be- cause they think money is an unspir- itual subject (a most un-Baha’i 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 Baha’i 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 connec- tion with this educational process, we hope that the tape on the Fund will be fully utilized by all communi- ties, and that the compilation of Ba- ha’i teachings on giving, still in preparation, will prove of great val- ue.

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 contri- butions might be too small to be consequential. The opposite is true. Entirely apart from the great spirit- ual values gained from regular giv-

ing, 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, objec- tive acceptance of the fact that every Baha’i has assumed a solemn obliga- tion 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 pain- ful 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 Baha’is with whom we come in con- tact, will be of inestimable value to our future success in meeting our financial requirements. In this con- nection, regular prayer for the Funds, both individually and in Ba- ha’i gatherings, will be of great as- sistance.

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

a. The Fund is the bedrock of all the institutions we are la- boring so hard to construct.

b. Contributions to the Fund are completely and totally volun- tary.

c. Contributions are a_ sacred obligation of each Baha’i.

d. Every single Baha’i should participate by giving to the Fund, no matter how small the amount.

e. Regularity of giving is an es- sential consideration.

f. To be truly meritorious, con- tributions to the Fund should involve some element of sacri- fice.

g. The Fund should be a regular subject of consultation at Feasts and assembly meet- ings. �[Page 3]ct

The Importance of Wills

It is particularly urgent to remem- ber the beloved Guardian’s admoni- tion that all Baha’is 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 particu- larly essential if we desire the Baha’i 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 as- sets consist solely of personal prop- erty of small value, it is desirable to consult an attorney when preparing a will. Because of the great varia- tions 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, par- ticularly if one moves to a new state, or if there is a change in family or business circumstances. The Nation- al Spiritual Assembly should be giv- en a copy of all wills in which it is named as a beneficiary. For more details refer to The Baha’i Commu- nity, p. 45.

A Challenge and a Bounty

The Universal House of Justice has continually stressed the vital impor- tance of the various Funds as essen- tial Baha’i objectives. In its magnifi- cent Ridvan message this year, it said: ‘‘The onward march of the Faith requires, and is indeed de- pendent 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 consoli- dation now to be intensified must be sustained by a greatly increased and

uninterrupted flow of funds. The In- ternational 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 Baha’u’llah are permitted to con- tribute financially to the establish- ment of His world order, it is appar- ent that more, much more is re- quired from the few now so privi- leged. 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 Baha’i community is particularly favored. Materially we are the strongest nation on earth, and with fran we are looked to for financial leadership by the entire Baha’i world. By doing one of the things we do best, we are able to furnish the resources which will as- sure the progress of our beloved Faith in all parts of the globe. We can make a vital and indispensable contribution toward the establish- ment of the foundation of the World Order of Baha’u’llah. We cannot fail!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING CONTRIBUTIONS

INTERNATIONAL BAHA’{ 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 Baha’i Fund.’ It should be addressed as follows: The Uni-

versal House of Justice, Baha’i World Center, P.O. Box 155, Haifa, Israel.

NATIONAL BAHA’I FUND: Contributions should be made directly by every individual, assembly and group in the United States, payable to: National Baha’i 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 Baha’i

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 Baha’i Fund, Zikhru’ll4h Khadem, 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

Wi Teles © OTL Cees H UIT eect a og Senet chan gota iecorayarh-eit: eas Sic postmen International Deputization Fund ......................5: Continental Fund: Western Hemisphere ................ POM ATI a PMCID OR 9 cr, lieve sie ue ste vias auk yo eielncs) Hakese tives Acquisition of Property: Nine Year Plan Goals ........ International Goals:

INIT pee Cel Tom EAT ree atevenit wotviaie sare cos oo genge um a sansa beets Viena poe eee

WiorldiGnuisaae wien. e parca ate ctw es a6 seen

Baha’i International Community ....................5.

National Goals: National Goals*Commnittee: 222.64) acl sees ss oe cee sce Department of National Teaching ..................... Department of Community Development ............. American Indian Service Committee ................. NiOuth PLojleCts ces cots coe nee Fa iiees ba cee

National Administration: OfmiCerOMSeCretany) sce. a aja seb sees Reape om vw 401 oan BEY Department of Distribution & Service ................. Department of Public Information .................... (including World Order subscriptions to libraries) State -& National Conventions ...2.64..5...2d..08s2 00% State Service Representatives NSA Meetings, Printing Office’of Treasurer os: 020... .4.0.5- Saas pro ere or Aero Crm aA

Baha’i News, Legal Services, Insurance: Baha’i News and U.S. Supplement ................5.:. PE PAIMSOTVACES ean sere e cakes eicietess <5 Seva iece sie eyes) + mee </aae erecere Instimancei—wAllPLrOPErtieS i... -s--0. sero cere cere eeu s

National Committees: Advisory Committee on Education .................... Wiisie@s Gormmritt@er mn. sis. 0 3 ser sie: see teigpercis re eos ee ars) soe ReterencerlibraysSCLVICE nse oe aye See 6 seine Service tosthes lindas a, 945 o6 cme > cess en cei cere Ghee = SummeriocnoolmetOCrams fru. ete sepia eoseeeenze ve erence United Nations: TWiS. UN Committee) sic. dene gen «ere aie ser $600.00 DESMUINT@ODSCEVER {ace os ance cs cede se cies Gere sere 100.00

Trusteeships: Temple Trustees Nat’l Center Properties Dept. ........... $80,000.00 Dept. of Temple Activities: Worship Services, Music,

Guides, Public Meetings ............... 26,000.00 Schools & Properties Davison SchoolsGounell (eaccans ose we oes 3,500.00 Walhelim Properties! 22 gjss. soe ae rule < 1,500.00 IBAA HHIGIINGs =. lattes acs cits Sis e a Pest ohemaiem oie eee oes Gombe enya Binders sere fo ae coe siecene oe rises oo eee

WPotalwkver lar SUG Sete cece ioe «ree vere erseire sere

40,000.00 115,000.00

3,500.00

3,500.00 60,000.00 25,000.00 10,000.00

1,500.00

60,000.00 25,000.00 32,500.00

17,500.00

22,500.00

30,000.00 10,000.00

8,500.00

100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00 1,200.00

700.00

106,000.00

5,000.00

2,900.00

$100,000.00 15,000.00 12,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00

158,500.00

100,000.00

157,500.00

48,500.00

2,500.00

113,500.00 7,500.00

$750,000.00

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