Where does the money go?
This is a re-published post with updated financial information.
We continue to think and talk about Samunnat’s work and how Samunnat Inc. can communicate with supporters about the crucial issue of money. So, here we go! Samunnat Nepal is proud to say that the bulk of its work has been financed, since 2006, by sales of polymer jewellery - all made by Nepalese women who have come through Samunnat’s programs. Training in jewellery-making was one of Samunnat’s earliest programs and sales of polymer jewellery quickly became its main source of funds. For the first 13 years these sales were almost exclusively in Australia, a few pieces also going to the US and Europe. Since 2021, the involvement of the polymer artist Kathleen Dustin brought a new profile that led to burgeoning sales in the US and Europe.
Jewellery sales make up 90-95% of all income. The exception to this was when donations were made specifically for the building of Samunnat’s current centre in Birtamod, requiring many thousands of dollars. The international polymer community, notably in the USA, responded wonderfully at that time. They also stepped up in 2015 when Nepal was, tragically, struck by a devastating earthquake. Total income peaked, prior to the pandemic, at AUD$60-70,000 p.a. This dropped to $21,000 in 2020-21, as the pandemic hit hard, but is now recovering. In 2022-23 income from sales and donations was $52,700 (current approximation: AUD100 = USD65 = EUR60)
Planning and discussions in the polymer room
Samunnat Inc. handles the jewellery sales and raises some other funds through donations and fund-raising. Everyone working with Samunnat Inc. is a volunteer. All of the funds raised are transferred to Samunnat Nepal or used to purchase clay and equipment, a small amount being used for website support.
The board of Samunnat Nepal manages its finances. It has shared its audited financial statements, showing the following for Nepali financial year 2079-80 (roughly Gregorian 2022-23):
INCOME
1. In 2079-80, total income was AUD$52,880. The income received from Samunnat Inc. is augmented by some bank interest. The ‘Kids’ Centre’, that previously provided some income from childcare for employees, has closed due to lack of demand.
EXPENDITURE
2. The largest item in expenditure is salaries and training support payments AUD$26,583
Only two positions have an administrative component – Kopila (Director) and Lila (Admin officer). Kopila’s work also involves a large amount of vital legal work and liaison with community groups. AUD$4734
The other salaries are paid to women who have come to Samunnat and are in training programs or require support - allocated as follows:
Polymer artists – currently 10 women. AUD$14,463
Sewing women - currently 3 women training. AUD$5155
Women requiring support payments - AUD$970
Other training - AUD$1261
3. Kitchen expenses and medical costs (women in shelter and/or awaiting property settlement) AUD$3592
4. Payment of school fees for children of employees and women in shelter AUD$1917
5. Cost of training materials for sewing, beauty parlour and empowerment AUD$5795
6. Jewellery supplies, postage and courier AUD$4001
7. Court expenses AUD$1029
8. Social work expenses AUD$139
9. Telephone, internet AUD$482
10. Other office and admin expenses AUD$6200
11. Tax and depreciation AUD$3142
The impact of Samunnat Nepal in its community (and surrounding districts) is remarkable, especially given its small budget and human resources. This is a great strength and a vulnerability. The organisation has been extremely successful in generating income for its polymer artists and in providing training in several skills over the years. Crucially, many women have gained financial independence and received invaluable legal help when faced with abusive relationships. As the demand for support and legal help continues to grow we will need to find new ways to expand sales and find additional sources of funding. Life in Birtamod would look very different for some women if Samunnat cannot sustain and grow its programs.