Fundraising
Fundraising is something that (almost) all groups have to get involved in. As well as the local activities of race nights, sponsored silences and many, many local run schemes there are also wider opportunities including grants that often are not well publicised.More information is available here.
Property Matters
Does your District or Group own or lease property? Are you aware who the Trustees are? (The Association recommends that the Scout Trust Corporation are best equipped to be Custodial Trustees for Scout Property) Do you know who holds copies of the Deeds and other documents? Is the property and indeed its contents adequately insured at today’s values. (Scout Insurance Services are recognised as good providers by the Scout Trust Corporation!). When is the lease due for renewal and who is going to handle the negotiations for you? Who are the freeholders of the property that you lease?
These questions and many related to them only arise when problems arise or the lease is due for renewal! It is easy to assume that when an official looking letter drops through the door the sender knows what they are talking about. This is not always the case. Part of our duty of care as Counties and Districts is to ensure that Group property, as well as finance, is properly recorded and controlled.
We ask for each Group to send Districts a copy of their annual accounts for review and we ask Districts to send their accounts to County. These should include reference to property and to help the County Finance Sub committee has produced a pro-forma, which will be sent to Districts to be forwarded to Groups to (hopefully) bring records up to date. Help is available from our County Adviser, Ian Chalmers if required.
We have also recently heard of a number of Groups who have received substantial Rate demands from their local authority. It seems that many authorities are now requiring charities to justify claiming a rebate by asking for details of annual accounts and the type of activities held in our premises. We need to challenge these demands as we are providing a worthwhile service to our local communities.
Please ensure that your Executive Committee is made aware of these concerns, and hopefully you will find these comments helpful. Good Luck!
