What is ARCAID?
ARCAID is an independent charity founded in 1989 by members of the St Joan’s church community. It was established to complement the work of larger aid agencies by identifying and responding to needs that might otherwise go unmet.
The charity supports a wide range of projects and partners, including orphanages, hospitals, health centres, schools, community organisations, families, and occasionally individuals. Many of the situations ARCAID responds to are urgent or complex, yet fall outside the scope or eligibility criteria of major funding programmes.
Although ARCAID was established in the St Joan’s community, it operates independently, working inclusively to support people of all faiths, backgrounds and beliefs. ARCAID is registered with the Charity Commission (Registration No. 1002243), and more details can be found on the Charity Commission website.
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Where does the money come from?
ARCAID’s income comes from regular subscriptions, usually by regular or from one-off donations.
How much of the money goes on expenses?
None, because ARCAID’s modest size enables it to absorb all of its running costs. The only exception to this are bank charges for international bank transfers, but most of these are covered by the Easyfundraising scheme.
Please click on the below button to donate securely online.
Who makes the decisions?
A committee of trustees is elected by the members to discuss and decide on proposals. Trustees endeavour to establish and maintain direct contact with those supervising projects supported by ARCAID, often priests, nuns, medical workers, and request reports from them on the progress of the project.
Members are most welcome to propose projects.
Please contact us at arcaidfarnham@gmail.com if you have a suggestion.
Arcaid Trustee Update | June 2026
Our trustees met in June to review current projects, new funding applications, fundraising and upcoming activity.
Recent projects support
• Essential facilities for girls in Malawi
• Physiotherapy for children through The Bethany Children's Trust
• Baby food for St Philomena's Iganga Babies Home
• Medication for a feeding centre in Sierra Leone
• Secure storage for residents at Serenity Home
• Student tuition in Tanzania
Trustees also agreed to continue supporting the Sisters of Our Lady of Providence, who run an orphanage and school in Tamil Nadu.
New funding requests
Trustees considered a number of new requests for funding. Further information is being gathered on potential projects including a sustainable smallholding project in rural Zimbabwe, a women's empowerment programme and support for an elderly care home in Brazil.
Other applications were reviewed and declined where they did not meet Arcaid's current funding priorities or remit.
Fundraising
We are continuing to explore new fundraising opportunities and ways to extend Arcaid's reach within local parish communities.
Cake Sale | Sunday 13 September
We will be holding a cake sale at St Joan of Arc Parish on 13 September to raise funds for Arcaid.
Please come along, buy a cake and support our work.
Website and communications
Trustees are reviewing options for an updated Arcaid logo, alongside ongoing updates to the website and social media.
Support Our Work & Stay Connected
If you would like to support Arcaid’s ongoing charitable efforts, donations can be made securely online.
You can also follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest trustee updates, funded projects, and future fundraising initiatives. Your support and engagement help us continue making a meaningful difference.
ARCAID
34th Annual General Meeting
Post-AGM Summary
Thank you to everyone who attended this our 2025 AGM. By keeping the formal business brief, we were able to focus on how your generous contributions have been used over the past year and the impact of Arcaid’s work.
We were pleased to welcome Susie Roddick, former parishioner and Trustee of Walser’s Tanzania Charity, as our guest speaker. Walser’s supports vocational training, primary education for disadvantaged children, and access to higher education in the Ifunda Diocese of Tanzania. Susie shared insights from her recent visit to review the charity’s Educational Sponsorship Scheme, which Arcaid has supported for several years.
AGM documents can be viewed using the links below:
Photos from our projects and events can be viewed on our social media channels.
A nomination form for new trustees is available for anyone interested in joining the committee. Completed forms should be emailed to arcaidfarnham@gmail.com or posted to Arcaid Secretary, St Joan of Arc Parish Office, 19 Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DJ.
Over the past year, Arcaid has sent nearly £35,000 to support projects around the world. This would not be possible without the continued generosity of our supporters — thank you for your trust and support.
With all good wishes,
Charlotte Woellwarth
Chair of Trustees
Arcaid Contacts
If you have any further questions, please contact us at arcaidfarnham@gmail.com.