Where does the money go?

This is a re-published post with updated financial information from 2024-25 (Nepali 2081-82).

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. After 2021, the involvement of the polymer artist Kathleen Dustin brought a new profile that led to burgeoning sales in the US and Europe.

Samunnat Inc. raises money for Samunnat Nepal by handling the sale of their jewellery and other items, and by sourcing donations. All of this money is either transferred directly to Samunnat Nepal or used for expenses. The expenses are mostly stock purchased for Samunnat Nepal with smaller amounts spent on IT support and postage of purchased items. Samunnat Inc. doesn’t have any paid employees or pay volunteer expenses for airfares and accommodation.

Planning and discussions in the polymer room

Jewellery sales previously funded up to 90-95% of all Samunnat Inc’s expenses, including transfers to Nepal. 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 AU$60-70,000 p.a. This dropped to $21,000 in 2020-21, as the pandemic hit hard, but is now recovering. In 2024-25 income from sales was $53,095, making up 68% of Samunnat Inc’s expenditure (approximation at that time: AUD100 = USD62 = EUR60). Recently, we have been fortunate to receive some generous donations that have filled the shortfall and allowed us, for the first time, to have reserve funds.

The board of Samunnat Nepal manages the transferred money to pay salaries and fund its programs. It has shared its audited financial statements, showing the following for Nepali financial year 2081-82 (roughly Gregorian 2024-25):

INCOME

The income received from Samunnat Inc. was augmented by some bank interest.

In 2081-82, total income was AU$62,270 (using AUD1=Rs84)

EXPENDITURE

1. Salaries and training support paymentsAU$36,820. This is 57.5% of all expenditure, the largest category

Most of these salaries are paid to women who have come to Samunnat and are in training programs - allocated as follows:

Management/Legal– Kopila (Coordinator) and her admin support. Kopila’s work also involves a large amount of vital legal work, counselling and liaison with community groups. AU$5,965

Polymer group – 10 women: leaders and trainees. $25,222

Sewing group – 7 women: local supervisor and trainees $5,634.

2. Community education programs are allocated 17% of budget - AU$10863

3. Other expenses AU$16344 (25.5% of budget)The largest items in this category are outlined below:

Kitchen expenses $2661

Education fees $1215: Kitchen and education expenses fund women and children who are  living, rent-free, in our accommodation.

Courier services $4681

Sewing materials $2079

Asset purchases $2152

Court fees $997

Other $2559 (maintenance, medicine, stationery, electricity, etc)

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. We are searching for more international outlets – and have been fortunate to receive some generous donations. Life in Birtamod would look very different for some women if Samunnat cannot sustain and grow its programs.