| F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s |
| How is MSF related to the organizational structure of Subud? |
| MSF is the foundation for all of Subud. Structurally,
it has affiliate status to the World Subud Council (WSC), meaning it is accountable to the WSC for approval of all budget and policies. The Chairperson of the WSC sits on the MSF board to ensure clear communication and cooperation between both entities. MSF is not a Wing but one of its functions is to support the Wings through loans and grants. |
| What kind of projects does MSF fund? |
| The Muhammad Subuh Foundation looks to the long-term development of Subud and so selects projects that help put infrastructure in place. Thus MSF funds latihan halls, the preservation and dissemination of Bapak and Ibu Rahayus words, and cultural and humanitarian projects that make an impact on the world. |
| How big are the grants? |
| The grants vary in size, depending on the project and available funding. Currently, Subud housing grants or loans tend to fall between the US$5,000 to $42,000 range. MSF contributes roughly $30,000 annually to the translation of Bapak and Ibu Rahayu talks and is committed $5,000 annually to the International Almoners fund. |
| How are grant decisions made? |
| Once applicants have completed the required forms, Trustees work with the International Helpers, Zone Reps, and Wing Chairs as needed to gather more information in an effort to assess the appropriateness of making a grant or loan. This information is presented before the entire board, which then makes a decision through consensus. Occasionally, Trustees will ask International Helpers to test about a grant or loan decision. |
| How are board members chosen? |
| Any member of Subud can become a Trustee, although certain qualifications such as professional expertise are considered. In order to join the MSF board, a member must be nominated by an active Trustee or by a national committee. Nominees are then tested in by the International Helpers at World Subud Council meetings. |
| How long is their tenure? |
| Each Trustees tenure is four years, at which point she or he is eligible to be renewed as a Trustee, pending testing by International Helpers. |
| Are Trustee positions staggered? |
| Yes, positions are staggered to ensure continuity. |
| How is the Chairperson chosen? |
| The Trustees may elect the chair or, as custom has it, International Helpers test to determine the best choice for the MSF chair. |
| What safeguards are in place against abuse of power by a Trustee? |
| Directors of the World Subud Association (WSA) have full power to remove any Trustee from office if he or she is not acting in the best interests of MSF. |
| Who oversees the Foundation assets? |
| The MSF Chairperson appoints a Trustee to oversee the Investment Committee whose responsibilities are to manage the assets. |
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| What are the assets of MSF? |
| Assets range from deeded property, such as the Big House at Wisma Subud, to donated shares in certain corporate stocks, to investments in treasury bonds and money markets. As of the end 2005, MSF's assets totalled US$2.5 million. |
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What is the investment policy of MSF? |
| Because MSF has been entrusted with the safeguarding of members donations, MSF funds are handled by a professional investment company which tries to balance conservative instruments with a fair rate of return. |
| In what country are the securities held? |
| Investments are held in the United States and Holland, both countries in which there are legal protections in place to guarantee safe havens for member contributions. |
| Is it only allowable to spend the interest of the funds? |
| It depends on the fund. MSF oversees three funds. The Bapak Legacy Fund and the Farkus Fund were designed with the express purpose that only the interest of the funds could be distributed to approved projects so that the principals would remain inviolate for generations to come. The General Fund is structured differently. Here, Trustees can spend not only income but also 15% of its capital each year. This policy reflects Bapaks saying, that unless water is removed from the well, no more can flow in. |
| How does the money come in? |
| There are two main routes of funding: enterprise contributions and bequests from members wills. Donations are not refused but it is useful to employ the most tax-effective method. |
| Can I specify how I would like my bequest or contribution to be used? |
| Yes. MSF recognizes that making a contribution or bequest is a very personal matter. As such, the Muhammad Subuh Foundation is intended to be used as a tool for members to earmark contributions in ways they see fit. Once an earmarked contribution has been made, it automatically goes into the General Fund for dispersal, as specified. Earmarked contributions cannot be made to the Bapak Legacy Fund due to its design. Contributions to the Bapak Legacy Fund are made with the understanding that the Trustees will use their most prudent discretion in determining its use. |
| How do I know that my money will be used wisely, according to my wishes? |
| The responsibility to execute the wishes of each donor is one that each Trustee takes very seriously. The board understands that it must continue to act in ways that gain the confidence of Subud members and the world at large as being sound money managers. In addition, donors are entitled to review MSFs annual accounting reports which are certified by a reputable, outside CPA. |
Is MSF made up of an elite
cadre? How can I get involved in volunteering for MSF? |