In the pamphlet Where Money and Spirituality Mix, in the section “we cannot skimp” it reads, “With the realization that A.A. must steer clear of outside contributions in order to maintain it’s autonomy and independence came the understanding that the money necessary for A.A.’s survival would have to come from individual A.A. members and groups.” As Bill W put it in 1957 “ Our Spiritual way of life is safe for future generations if, as a Society, we resist the temptation to receive money from the outside world. But this leaves us with a responsibility – one that every member ought to understand. We cannot skimp when the treasurer of our group passes the hat. Our groups, our Areas and A.A. as a whole, will not function unless our services are sufficient and their bills are paid. When we meet and defeat the temptation to take large gifts, we are only being prudent. But when we are generous with the hat, we give a token that we are grateful for our blessings and evidence that we are eager to share what we have found with all those who still suffer. (The Language of the Heart, p 221)
The blue sheet, titled Statement of Financial Activities Actuals VS Budget 1st Quarter 2025, it shows the Contributions for the 1st Quarter totaling $56,417.21.
As you can see on the screen and on the narrative report, over the first 3 months, we received a total of $56,417.21, with our larger deposit month being January which included a hefty amount from groups and districts for 2024 year-end contributions.
For Area 72 to achieve the proposed budget, which is needed to pay the expenses that were approved, we need $42,030 in contributions per quarter for the rest of the year. Historically, looking at 2024 & 2023 we had strong first quarters, just like this year, with the last three quarters going stagnant. It’s important that we keep the momentum we’ve had going, and it seems to be the Area’s Conscience, with the strong year-end contributions we received, that the groups want to support and they have confidence in what the Area 72 committee is doing.
At the pre-conferences our Delegate brought to us GSO’s concerns on finances and how $1 just doesn’t cut it anymore. Based on our ample first quarter contributions it seems Area 72 has gotten the message so let’s keep up the great work. With the $42,030 per quarter needed to hit our budget, if we don’t increase the contributions in the hat, it will leave nothing to contribute to the General Service Board.
GOOD NEWS: Today, Area 72 has enough cash to cover our bills. (yellow sheet)
We currently have $46,511.07 in the bank account, which is up from $31,273.00 at the end of 2024. Just a reminder in the $46,511.07 balance is the $10,000 we have set aside for the 2026 and 2027 Assemblies, leaving us $36,511.07 in the bank. Minus our working reserve of $21,400 we have available $15,111.07 to pay expenses and invest in future projects.
As Derek N. goes though the expenses in detail, you will see where our contributions are being spent and the categories we will be watching as the year progresses. To hear the Big Picture, the Appointed Committee Chair’s will be sharing where and how contributions are being used to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic.
Awareness is key in all areas of our recovery and that is what I hope transpired today. If you would like to have me at a district meeting to explain these concepts or help get a better understanding of Area 72 finances, I am available. All the full reports will be on the Area 72 website.
2025 Big Picture:
- 1st Quarter 2025 Contributions came in at $56.417.21 versus budget of $45,624.99, which means we brought in more money than anticipated.
- 1st Quarter Expenses came in at $44,800.09 versus budget of $49,966.87, which means we spent less than we budgeted.
- Working cash exceeding our working reserve is $15,111.07 for future projects if we continue to stay on target with contributions.
- Expenses are being closely monitored to make sure we don’t overspend and the Electees are looking at ways to reduce costs.
- Contributions are actively being used to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Spirituality and Money pamphlet ends with “ While the fellowship has always faced problems of money property and prestige in one form or another, through the wisdom of the seventh tradition we have never been diverted from or primary purpose of carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers – wherever he or she may be. This is the fundamental work of Alcoholics Anonymous, and to ensure that the hand of AA will always remain outstretched, money and spirituality must continue to mix. And for that, we are all responsible.”
