The Noor Foundation is a newly established organisation that supports underserved communities, such as southeast Asian and faith-based communities. It provides culturally responsive services and initiatives that aim to improve community wellbeing and social inclusion.
After seven years of dedicated work in grassroots community spaces, the founder saw an opportunity to formalise her impact and create a structured organisation to better serve the needs of marginalised groups. Her extensive networks and hands-on experience gave her the confidence to launch the Noor Foundation.
Previously, the founder, Sharafat Salarzi, was deeply involved in community engagement and support services, helping migrant and ethnic communities access resources, navigate systems, and build a sense of belonging. Her work ranged from informal advocacy to organising local initiatives.
As a new organisation, the Noor Foundation had no established financial track record, limited internal capacity, and very little knowledge of accounting systems like Xero. These factors posed significant barriers when trying to apply for funding or formalise their operations.
Without reliable financial systems and documentation, they struggled to complete funding applications and meet reporting requirements. This lack of infrastructure put potential grants at risk and made it difficult to demonstrate accountability to funders.
They learned about ANCAD’s Community Accounting programme through local networks and word of mouth within the grassroots community sector.
Working with the CA Mentor and students was a turning point for the organisation. The team found the support both empowering and practical. The hands-on guidance was not only accessible but also tailored to their specific needs, which made a huge difference in a short amount of time.
The team learned how to navigate Xero, set up proper financial records, and manage basic accounting processes. They also gained confidence in handling documentation and submitting the financial information required for funding applications.
The Noor Foundation was in the process of submitting a critical funding application but risked missing out due to gaps in financial documentation. With support from the Community Accounting programme, they were able to prepare and submit the necessary financial information by the due date, which ultimately secured the grant.
The grant enabled the Noor Foundation to expand its services, increase outreach, and formalise its operations. It also strengthened their collaboration with the Rohingya community and allowed both groups to grow their impact and support networks.
The team now feels more equipped to manage finances, apply for funding, and plan strategically. Their financial confidence has grown significantly, allowing them to make better decisions and engage with funders more professionally.
Looking ahead, the Noor Foundation aims to deepen its community impact, build stronger inter-community partnerships, and pursue more sustainable funding opportunities. There is a strong focus on capacity building and scaling their support services.
The founder and team highly recommend the Community Accounting programme to other grassroots organisations. It not only provided much-needed technical support but also helped them unlock opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible.
