Bahá’ís consider the opportunity of contributing to the Bahá’í Fund as a spiritual privilege reserved for those who have recognized Bahá’u’lláh. Consequently, no contributions in any form for the advancement of the Bahá’í Faith can be accepted from any persons who are not members of the Bahá’í Faith.

Not infrequently, Bahá’í assemblies have donations pressed on them by well-wishers who are appreciative of one or another of the community's programs.   In such instances, these donations are used for general community projects.

Only with regard to programs that serve the social, economic or educational needs of society in general can Bahá’í institutions and agencies accept and use funds from non-Bahá’í sources.  This privilege heightens the individual members' feeling of identification with, and personal responsibility for, the work undertaken by the community.

Voluntary participation is the key to the financing of the Bahá’í Faith's multifarious activities.   Soliciting of funds is not permissible.  The professional "fund-raising" often associated with religious and charitable organizations is not permitted in a Bahá’í community.