by Mateo BROOKS, Treasurer | April 26, 2026
The first quarter of 2026 gave Esperanto-USA a strong start to the year. Revenue was higher than expected, while expenses remained well controlled. That does not mean every dollar is freely available for any purpose. But it does mean the organization entered the spring with healthy cash flow, a strong reserve, and enough flexibility for upcoming programs.
The short summary is this: members renewed strongly, donors continued supporting the work, program income began coming in, and some larger expenses will simply arrive later in the year.
The Key Numbers
During Q1, Esperanto-USA’s total revenue was $52,931. After $964 in costs directly tied to sales, the gross result was $51,967. The most important revenue sources were:
- Membership dues: $14,927
- Donations: $12,209
- Program income: $9,525
- Reed Trust income: $14,862
Total expenses were $27,381, and the quarter ended with a surplus of $24,586.
We also ended the quarter with $62,471 in bank accounts. That matters because money in bank accounts is the money most readily available to pay bills, prepare events, and support the organization’s day-to-day work. In addition, we continue to hold the $50,000 restricted gift in a certificate of deposit so that it can earn interest while we prepare the right way to use it for cultural programs.
Compared with the Budget
The budget is our plan. The actual numbers show how the year really began.
- Revenue: $52,931
Planned: $38,403 - Expenses: $27,381
Planned: $37,752 - Final result: $24,586
Planned: -$473
The difference is clearly favorable. But the reason is not simply “more money.” The real picture is more nuanced. First, membership dues and donations were strong at the beginning of the year. Second, some program costs are planned for Q2 and Q3, especially related to summer activities and the Landa Kongreso.
A note on membership fees: two years ago we decided to renew all memberships at the beginning of the year. Starting in this year’s budget process (for 2027), we’ll try to align that income expectation better in the budget so that reports in Q1 next year more accurately align to the expectations.
So Q1 was a good quarter, but not a reason for careless spending. It is a reason to move forward carefully and confidently.
Why the Surplus Needs Context
The $24,586 surplus looks very strong, and it is a good sign. However, not every part of that surplus is ordinary money that can be used freely.
For example, $5,000 of the donations was a restricted gift for International Representation. That money must serve that purpose. The $14,862 connected to the Reed Trust is also not ordinary income for general administrative costs. The first 90% are not considered operating income, but this year we’ll transfer them again to ESF to support NASK.
When we separate out those special items, the more practical operating surplus is about $4,724. That is a healthy result. It shows that Esperanto-USA’s day-to-day financial base is growing stronger, without overstating the meaning of one quarter.
One especially encouraging point is this: membership dues and bookstore income covered about 60% of our general and program costs during Q1. That is a step in the right direction. We still depend on investments and funds for part of our work, but our ordinary revenue base is showing more strength.
Investments and the Reed Trust
Esperanto-USA’s main Morgan Stanley investment accounts ended the quarter at $536,525. That is lower than at the end of 2025, but the main reason was planned annual withdrawals to support the 2026 budget. This is not a sign of day-to-day financial weakness. It is part of the plan already built into the Board’s budget.
The Reed Trust ended at $431,312. As usual, its picture is a little less simple because the Trust isn’t owned by E-USA; it’s only administered by us. Still, we are pleased that its income will again chiefly support NASK in 2026 through a grant arrangement with ESF.
Market values always move. For that reason, we do not treat short-term changes as the most important measure of our success. The more important question is whether the investments continue to support Esperanto-USA’s long-term stability. At this point, they do.
Continuing to Improve Our Financial Work
Beyond the numbers themselves, Q1 was also a time to improve our internal financial work.
We are continuing to work with our bookkeeper to show transactions and program classes more clearly in QuickBooks Online. That will help us report more clearly to both the Board and the membership.
We are also clarifying the best way to show investment income and money movements between accounts. Those details may not sound exciting, but they matter. Good reporting depends on good internal habits.
Finally, I plan to propose a clearer support structure for future treasurers. The goal is simple: Esperanto-USA should preserve strong financial expertise not only now, but also in the future.
Looking Ahead
After Q1, Esperanto-USA is in a good position to continue working on the upcoming Landa Kongreso, the new e-book project Guteto, clearer financial reporting, and careful use of restricted and investment resources.
Q1 was a quarter of careful execution: strong revenue, controlled expenses, and clear attention to the future. That is exactly the kind of financial foundation our movement needs.