Financial Stewardship

Financial Stewardship is comprised of receiving and recording of funds from contributors, budgeting of funds that will be needed for the year. The actual policies governing the expenditure of funds and their proper record keeping, certain principles of investment within the Baha’i context and the audit process and its significance in protecting those involved with the custodianship of the Baha’i Funds.

At this point it should be pointed out that our Baha’i communities are not necessarily immune from habits considered contrary to the spirit of our Faith. Especially in matters of the funds of the Faith, those in custodianship have to be particularly vigilant lest even a perception of misuse of the funds be entertained. This excerpt below by The Universal House of Justice assists to elaborate this point:

“It should hold regular meetings and ensure that all its members are currently informed of the activities of the Assembly, that its Secretary carries out his duties, and its Treasurer holds and disburses the funds of the Faith to its satisfaction, keeping proper accounts and issuing receipts for all contributions.”

—The Universal House of Justice, letter dated 30 July 1972, Lights of Guidance, no. 167