In these testing times, Gurdwaras should all pursue opportunities to raise and save as much cash as possible, to ensure they can adequately function until there is some return to normality.

A swift return to normality once the lockdown ends is unlikely, the consequences for Gurdwara finances could be severe. Expect donations to be significantly lower and plan accordingly.

The key to survival and sustainability is to ensure you have enough cash to operate over prolonged period of reduced donations/income.

We are sharing our first-hand experience from running one of the largest Gurdwaras in the United Kingdom.

The following measures have successfully been used by our Gurdwara to improve our cashflows and can be applied to most Gurdwaras and Sikh charities:

1. Banks are being very accommodating to requests to defer loan (capital) repayments. Getting payments suspended between 6-12 months is typical and achievable. The deferred repayments will extend the term of the loan. Speak to your relationship manager.
   
2. Energy suppliers and HMRC (PAYE) are all allowing for payment plans. Speak to your utility companies and HMRC (Time to Pay) and agree on a payment plan of up to 12 months.
3. If you have any hire purchases or leases (for equipment/vehicles), seek payment deferrals. Finance companies are providing payment deferrals of over three months.
4. Notify utility companies if buildings are closed (particularly non-metered so they can reduce bills). Renegotiate electric, gas, water contracts- use a broker and ensure their commission rates are minimal. Check your energy bills to ensure that as a charity you are only paying 5% VAT. Charities are also exempt from the climate change levy (CCL).
5. CBILS: The Government has changed its guidance so that Charities now qualify for the scheme. Previously Charities needed to have 50% of their income coming from trading activities. Under the scheme, Charities can borrow up to £5m over six years. Realistically, only larger Gurdwaras will be able to utilise this scheme.
6. Bounce Back Loan: In response to the difficulties faced under the CBILS program, the bounce bank loan provides a 6-year loan of up to £50k with interest capped at 2.5%. The application is straight forward and based on a self-certification. We are finding that funds are typically released within 48 hours of an application. You will not need to make any payments for the first 12 months; however, you can repay the loan at any time. A £50k loan would result in monthly payments of £939 starting after the first year.
7. Gift Aid– If your Gurdwara is not already claiming, start now. Qualifying donations will earn charities an extra 25%. The process is straight forward. At present Golak donations will not qualify for gift aid as declarations are not typically completed. There is a solution for this, see below.
8. Gift Aid small donations scheme (GASDS)- This scheme lets Gurdwaras claim gift aid on Golak donations. Nearly all Gurdwara will be able to claim gift aid on contributions of up to £8k per tax year without the need for declarations. If a Gurdwara has more than one building in the same local authority, you can claim gift aid on donations of up to £8k per building. Gurdwaras can claim for the previous two tax years.
9. Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS- Furlough scheme). The Government will provide a grant of up to £2,500 per employee who have been furloughed as a result of COVID19. The cash grant is to cover the costs of paying employees from March to June 2020. The scheme is expected to continue in some form after June. The grant can be used to cover the costs of employees (Granthis, Langaris, admin and security staff). With Gurdwaras being closed, it is unlikely that there is enough work for all staff, this scheme will provide a cash grant to continue paying employees.
10. If necessary, review staff hours and reduce. Ensure you follow HR best practice when changing employee terms and conditions.
11. Grants: On 8 April the Government announced a £750 million package of funding to support the work of charities during the coronavirus outbreak. £370 million for small and medium-sized charities, including through a grant to the National Lottery Community Fund for those in England, will support local organisations including those delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice. There is scope for Gurdwaras who are providing langar to qualify.  Some local authorities are also providing funding. A comprehensive list of grants is available on this link
12. Online donations: Gurdwaras should encourage Sangat to set up standing orders and direct debits. Providers such as Gocardless make it simple for charities to set up and manage. Facebook and Instagram also allow for online donations to be made. Text to donate is available from DONR.
13. Once Gurdwaras do reopen, there will be less Sangat visiting. Changes in behaviour will also mean Sangat donate less cash, with people being concerned about cash and coins harbouring the virus. Gurdwaras should look to install contactless Golaks and donation boxes.
14. Some Gurdwaras own commercial and residential property. Although the retail market landscape remains challenging, Gurdwaras should consider letting out surplus assets to generate extra income.
15. Review all expenditure and renegotiate pricing with suppliers. Review supplier statements and recover any amounts owed/overpayments.
    

Financial wellbeing depends on effective cash management. It is critical that Trustees of all Gurdwaras proactively implement steps to ensure they have adequate cash flow for the next 12 months. The future is uncertain, and it is likely an economic recession will place extra demands on Gurdwara services (such as langar), acting prudently now will ensure our Gurdwaras can successfully continue to serve the Sangat.

This Guidance was produced by membership organisation: Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, General Secretary and Chartered Accountant – Harmeet Singh ACA

ਕਰੋਨਾ ਵਾਇਰਸ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਰ-ਅਸਥਾਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਨਾਲ ਜੋੜਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਮੀਡੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਕੁਝ’ਕ ਸ਼ਰਾਰਤੀ ਅਨਸਰਾ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਖ ਕੋਂਸਲ ਯੂ.ਕੇ. ਵਲੋ ਸਖਤ ਚੇਤਾਵਨੀ

2/5/20 Sukhjeevan Singh, Spokesperson SCUK

ਕਰੋਨਾ ਵਾਇਰਸ ਦੀ ਮਹਾਮਾਰੀ ਵੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਭਾਣੇ ਦਾ ਇਕ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਹੈ।ਅਵਸੋਸ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਸਮੁਚੀ ਮਨੁਖਤਾ ਤੇ ਆਏ ਇਸ ਸੰਕਟ ਦੇ ਸਮੇ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਦੇ ਕੁਝ ਸ਼ਰਾਰਤੀ ਅਨਸਰਾ ਵਲੋਂ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਸਿਖ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਤੇ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਸਾਧਿਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਗੈਰ-ਜ਼ਿਮੇਵਾਰ ਪਤਰਾਕਾਰੀ ਸਮਾਜ ਵਿੱਚ ਨਾਸਤਕਤਾ, ਨਫਰਤ ਅਤੇ ਖੌਫ ਫੈਲੌਣ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਤਰਾਂ ਲਾਭਵੰਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਮਰੀਜ਼ ਨੂੰ ਧਰਮ ਦੇ ਅਧਾਰ ਤੇ ਸੁਰਖੀਆ’ਚ ਉਭਾਰਿਆ ਜਾਣਾ ਇਨਸਾਨੀ ਕਦਰਾ-ਕੀਮਤਾ ਤੋ ਦੂਰ ਹੈ।

ਮਹਾਮਾਰੀ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਮੀਡਿਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਘਟ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਕੌਮਾ ਨੂੰ ਬਦਾਮ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਮੁਹਿਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਹੁਣ ਸਿਖਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਲਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ।

ਪਿਛਲੇ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਆਏ ਐਨ.ਆਰ.ਆਈ ਵੀਰਾ/ਭੈਣਾ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਦਾ ਕਾਰਣ ਦੱਸਣਾ, ਹੋਲੇ ਮਹੱਲੇ ਤੇ ਅਨੰਦਪੁਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਪਹੁੰਚੀਆ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਠਹਿਰਾਉਣਾ ਅਤੇ ਅੱਜ ਕੱਲ ਤਖਤ ਸਚਖੰਡ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਤੋ ਵਾਪਿਸ ਆਏ ਯਾਤਰੂਆਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਫਜ਼ੂਲ ਦੀ ਚਰਚਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਸਿਖ ਕੌਂਸਲ ਸਖਤ ਨਿਖੇਦੀ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।ਕਰੋਨਾ ਵਾਇਰਸ ਨੂੰ ਸਿਖਾਂ ਖਿਲਾਫ ਗਲਤ ਰੰਗਤ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਮੀਡੀਆ ਤੇ ਅੰਤਰ-ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਸਿਖ ਸੰਸਥਾਵਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਕਾਰਵਾਈ ਵੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।

ਸਿਖ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਰੋਜ਼ਾਨਾ ਸਰਬਤ ਦੇ ਭਲੇ ਦੀ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਥੇ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਦਾਨ ਵੀ ਮੰਗਦਾ ਹੈ।ਮੀਡਿਆ ਦੇ ਕੁਝ ਅਨਸਰਾ ਦੇ ਯਤਨਾ ਬਾਵਜੂਦ ਅੱਜ ਵੀ ਸਿੱਖਾ ਦਾ ਗੁਰ-ਅਸਥਾਨਾਂ ਪ੍ਰਤੀ ਭਰੋਸਾ ਅਤੇ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਅਡੋਲ ਹੈ।

ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਦਰਸਾਉਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਦੁਖ (ਜਿਨ੍ਹਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਰੋਨਾ ਵਰਗੇ ਤਨ ਦੇ ਰੋਗ ਵੀ ਸ਼ਾਮਿਲ ਹਨ) ਅਸਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਦਵਾਈ ਬਣ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਨ (ਜੇਕਰ ਅਸੀਂ ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਦੇ ਧਾਰਨੀ ਬਣੀਏ) ਅਤੇ ਕਈ ਵਾਰ (ਰੱਬ ਨੂੰ ਭੁਲਾ ਕਰਕੇ) ਸੁਖ ਵੀ ਰੋਗ ਬਣ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਇਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਰੋਸ਼ਨੀ ਹੀ ਮਨੁਖਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਇਸ ਮਹਾਮਾਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੂਝਨ ਦੀ ਮਾਨਸਕ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਕਰਦੀ ਹੈ।ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪੰਥ ਕਿਸੇ ਵੀ ਤਰਾਂ ਮੌਤ ਜਾਂ ਬਿਮਾਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਭੈ-ਭੀਤ ਨਾਂ ਹੋਇਆ ਨਾਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ।

ਨੋਟ: ਮੀਡਿਆ ਵਾਲੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਸਾਰੇ ਵੀਰ/ਭੈਣਾ ਮਹਾਮਾਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਜਨਤਾ ਦੀ ਸੁਰਖਿਆ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਚੰਗੇ ਕੰਮ ਵੀ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। ਅਸੀਂ ਅਜ਼ਾਦ, ਸੁਹਿਰਦ ਮੀਡਿਆ ਦੇ ਧੰਨਵਾਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਕਦਰਦਾਨ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਹੀ ਹਾਂ।

Sikh Council UK warns against fringe media elements who are using Corona Virus to target the Sikh Community

As Sikhs, we believe Corona Virus is part of the divine will of Akal Purakh Vaheguru – we must all work through this difficult time collectively and selflessly. Unfortunately, it has come to light that some Indian media outlets have continuously targeted and maligned the Sikh Community.  This sort of irresponsible journalism provides no benefit to society and only nurtures hatred, prejudice and fear. No victim of disease should ever be highlighted in the media on the basis of their faith – this is unethical.

Minorities in India such as the Muslim Community have faced similar negativity during the Corona Virus pandemic and now Sikhs are also being targeted:

In the last few days, devotees returning from Takth Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib (Nanded, Maharashtra) have been highlighted by the media as being Corona Virus positive after being non-symptomatic in Nanded for over a month.  This follows NRIS visiting Punjab from abroad being blamed for bringing Corona Virus into the state and attempts to scaremonger the public through targeting sangat attending Holla Mahalla celebrations at Sri Anandpur Sahib or maligning food-aid provided through langar.

Sikhs are known to pray daily for the betterment of humanity in their Ardhaas but Sikhs also include a supplication for steadfast faith. Despite efforts by some elements of the media, Sikhs remain faithful and reverent towards their historical shrines.

Gurbani teaches us that sorrows (including diseases like Corona Virus) can heal our minds if we find solace in Gurmat. Therefore, it is faith and Gurbani that can provide humankind the mental strength to combat the global pandemic. The Khalsa Panth is not fearful of death or disease.

Sikh Council UK condemns this type of reporting as it unfairly targets the Sikh Community. International Sikh organisations will take action against media outlets pursuing stories using Corona Virus to portray the Sikh community negatively.

Note: We are fully supportive of free and ethical media and express gratitude towards all key-worker media personnel informing the public during this global pandemic.

Sikh Council UK invited a selection of Gurdwaras across England and Wales to find out how Coronavirus is affecting their regional Gurdwaras.

The First National Gurdwaras Webinar was a successful representation of nearly all regions in England and Wales. Both large and small scale Gurdwara representatives participated and expressed a variety of common and diverse issues. This was a great opportunity to share experiences and good practise between Gurdwaras and has been described as ‘informative’ and ‘insightful’ by participants.

Sikh Council UK will continue to voice the needs of the Sikh Community to Government. We will shortly publish the findings of this initial consultation.

With over 300 Gurdwaras in the UK and around 200 Gurdwaras affiliated with SCUK we look to hold further regional consultations that more Gurdwaras would be able to participate in.

The Webinar was broadcasted live on Facebook and can still be viewed:

List of regional representatives:

1. Watford –  S. Jagmohan Singh (Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Watford)
2. Gravesend – S. Manpreet Singh Dhaliwal (Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Gravesend)
3. Gravesend – S. Jagdev Singh Virdee (Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Gravesend)
4. Newcastle – S. Tarsem Singh (Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Newcastle)
5. Derby – S. Gurpreet Singh (Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Jee, Derby)
6. Leicester – S.Mukhtiar Singh (Gurdwara Guru Tegh Bahadar Jee, Leicester)
7. Bedford – S. Dalvir Singh (Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Bedford)
8. Southall – S. Harmeet Singh (Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall)
9. Coventry – S. Jatinder Singh (Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick, Birmingham)
10. London – S. Birbahadur Singh Bance (Gurdwara Sikh Sangat, Bow, London)
11. Bristol – S. Ravinder Singh Dhinsa (Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Bristol)
12. Barking – S. Balvinder Singh Rayat (Singh Sabha London East)
13. Willenhall – S. Mandip Singh (Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Willenhall)
14. Wales – S. Isher Singh Garib (Gurdwara Bhat Sikh Council UK/ Cardiff)
15. London Shepherds Bush – S. Gurpreet Singh Anand (Central Gurdwara, Khalsa Jatha London)

Sikh Council UK was represented by the following Office Bearers:

1. S. Jatinder Singh (Secretary-General)
2. S. Sukhvinder Singh (Administrative Secretary)
3. S. Balbinder Singh Panesar (Treasurer)
4. S. Sukhjeevan Singh (Spokesperson)