A small NZ Bahá’í community's inspiring generosity
In February 2025 Auxiliary Board members were reflecting with their Assistants in ... when one of the Assistants... shared how the community there had been raising consciousness about the Fund and had been able to send significant amounts to the National Fund over and above their usual donations. The article below was written by the friends involved as a way to capture and share what was learned by this community about raising this consciousness.
In a small community where diversity in life circumstances is the norm—retired individuals, young families, those still building their careers—one might not expect large financial contributions to be made with regularity. But there’s a unique and powerful force that transcends financial limitations and unites this community in a common purpose: their love for the Bahá’í Fund.
What makes this community's relationship with the Fund so special? How is it that they can consistently send sizable contributions—$2000, not once but twice—to the National Fund, alongside their regular monthly contributions? It is not about affluence or material wealth. Rather, it’s about something much more profound: love, unity, and a deep spiritual connection to the act of giving.
To understand the remarkable contributions of this community, we turned to their treasurer. Every Bahá’í Feast, the treasurer takes a special time slot to report on the state of the Fund. At first glance, this might seem like a typical financial report—a rundown of income and expenditure, a balance check for the Bahá’í month. However, this is just the beginning of a much deeper conversation.
While the numbers are acknowledged, the majority of the time during these presentations is dedicated to something more impactful and transformative: stories, reflections, and heartfelt emotions. The treasurer conducts quizzes drawn from the 12 lessons of the Ḥuqúqu’lláh, or shares quotations and stories from Bahá’í teachings that have touched their own heart. These are not merely facts or figures—they are powerful, dramatic moments that invite everyone to reflect on the spiritual principles that underlie their financial contributions.
What the treasurer offers goes beyond an account of the numbers; they bring the teachings to life. It could be a moving story of an individual’s perseverance in the face of hardship, or a quotation from the Writings that resonates deeply and is explored in the context of patience, courage, and generosity. The discussions don’t just dwell on the theoretical or the abstract; they interrogate the principles and their relevance to everyday life. How do we manifest patience and perseverance in our daily actions? How do we bring faith and generosity into a world that is often broken and suffering?
Through this process, the community begins to understand that their donations are not mere monetary transactions—they are acts of service to humanity. Donating to the Bahá’í Fund and to Ḥuqúqu’lláh, are seen as deeply spiritual acts, with profound implications for both the material and spiritual world. It is not simply about giving to a cause—it is about responding to the call of Bahá’u’lláh to take responsibility for both our own lives and the well-being of those around us. This is not charity in the traditional sense; it is a conscious, empowered choice to serve humanity, to contribute to the well-being of the world in a tangible and meaningful way.
The result of these heartfelt Feasts and discussions is more than just a boost in contributions—it has transformed the community’s relationship with the Fund into something truly inspiring. The spiritual meaning behind the donations has become as important as the act itself. The community has embraced the idea that their contributions are an expression of devotion to Bahá’u’lláh, but also a profound service to the world. Their giving is fuelled by the understanding that it is not simply a financial gesture; it is a material act with spiritual consequences.
This community’s commitment to the Fund has become an inspiration to others. Their ability to give generously, even in modest circumstances, stems from a deep sense of unity and shared purpose. As their treasurer’s presentations continue to nourish their collective spirit, the community grows in love and commitment to one another, and to the cause they all serve.
What makes this community’s approach so unique is their understanding that every contribution—whether large or small—has the potential to create a ripple effect, strengthening not only their own bonds but also their impact on the world. Their dedication to the Bahá’í Fund is a living testament to the transformative power of generosity, service, and love.
In the end, this small community has demonstrated that when a group of people, no matter their material means, come together with love and unity to serve humanity, even the most humble among us can make a significant impact. They have created a model for others to follow—one based not on wealth, but on spirit, on heart, and on a deep, unshakeable belief in the spiritual power of giving.
This is a community whose relationship with the Bahá’í Fund inspires us all to ask: How can we deepen our connection to the world around us and contribute, no matter the size, to a more just, peaceful, and loving society?
