human aktiv, the aid organisation of the New Apostolic Church Southern Germany, closed 2023 with above-average income—contrary to expectations.
Last year, human aktiv received almost 2.6 million euros in donations, the recently published Annual Report 2023 states. The total is only slightly higher than in the previous year. Already then, though, there was talk of significantly higher-than-expected revenue growth.
Bequests to charity
In fact, the volume of donations had initially declined, which is why a decline was also expected for 2023. But things turned out differently. This is because the relief organisation received two large bequests in the reporting year.
In the end, human aktiv received a good 1.3 million euros in non-restricted donations and just under 730,000 euros in restricted donations. Other income primarily includes interest earnings from short-term investments.
Responding to high demand
More than 850,000 euros were spent on humanitarian aid in Germany. This includes funds for food banks, children’s and youth camps, and larger projects such as the Lebensweg Family Hostel and the Hoffnungsträger Foundation. There is also the spontaneous aid budget of the District Apostle and the Apostles.
The funding priority “Women and children affected by violence” was increased several times. In the end, the members of the board provided 200,000 euros instead of the originally planned 150,000 euros and extended the funding into 2024. A sum of 250,000 euros was then available for this. The reason for the increases is the high demand, which is reflected in a large number of applications for grants.
Short-term and long-term
A good 680,000 euros went towards humanitarian aid for countries that the New Apostolic Church of Southern Germany oversees. There was disaster aid for Turkey and Syria (earthquake), Nigeria (floods), and Ethiopia (civil war) totalling 170,000 euros.
More than 80,000 euros helped war victims in Ukraine. On top of this, the charity supports educational projects and schools, provides water and food supplies, and supports orphanages. The focus is on West and North-East Africa.
A million for later
Administrative costs were well above average at less than 50,000 euros. Normally, administration expenses account for half a per cent at most, but this time it was a full three per cent. The redesign of the website, which was launched at the start of 2024, is to blame.
The bottom line is that around one million euros of the revenue remains. The funds will be put aside to be used for charitable purposes in the coming years.