ASIA PACIFIC FORUM OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS 3. Financial expenditure and income security The APF’s income for 2014–15 was $2,517,440, up by $153,677 from the 2013–14 financial year. Expenditure was $2,495,391, producing a modest operating surplus for the year of $22,000. Enhancing our members’ institutional capacity was the largest area of our expenditure, accounting for 53% of total expenditure. This includes services such as training, capacity assessments and technical assistance. APF secretariat costs accounted for 10% of total expenditure (down from 11% in 2013–14), reflecting the APF’s commitment to operating an efficient, member-focused organisation. The APF receives funding from governments, foundations, NHRIs and, in the past year, one private donor. The increase in the APF’s overall income reflects a continuing trend of modest growth that has occurred over the last five years. This trend is in line with the APF’s efforts to secure increased donor support and is particularly gratifying in the context of the global financial crisis and the resulting difficult operating and financial environment for many agencies working in the area of aid/human rights. With anticipated growth in APF membership in the coming years, there will be greater demand for services and support. Accordingly, we are actively seeking ways to broaden our donor base and ensure the long-term sustainability of the APF’s work in the region. Part of our strategy has involved commissioning a professional fundraising firm, Global Philanthropic, to assist the APF to understand its profile amongst donors, develop its fundraisings materials and identify individual philanthropists and corporate partners with a shared commitment to human rights. In the past year, we have held meetings with a range of interested parties to explain the unique contribution of the APF. 6 34 Figure 9: 2014–15 expenditure by APF objective6 1% 5% 6% 10% 53% 11% 14% Enhance members' institutional capacity Enhance members' communication/engagement Strategic management APF Secretariat Engage with regional and international mechanisms Compliance with the Paris Principles Net surplus Community consultations facilitated by the Office of the Ombudsman of Samoa identified the need to better promote and protect the rights of women, children, people with disabilities and prisoners. The feedback helped guide the development of Samoa’s first State of Human Rights Report. Credit: Office of the Ombudsman of Samoa Expenditure for 2014-15 has been categorised according to the objectives of the 2010-14 APF Strategic Plan. The 2015-16 Annual Report will outline expenditure according to APF’s six key functions on which this year’s Annual Report is based.