Fund-raising activities for foreign charitable causes require a permit from the Commissioner of Charities (COC) prior to the commencement of the fund-raising appeals. This ensures that donors’ funds are channeled to the stated, bona fide purposes. This also applies to sales of merchandise where there is a representation that the proceeds will be applied for a foreign charitable purpose.
The COC has issued Fund-Raising for Foreign Charitable Purposes (FRFCP) permits to the Singapore Red Cross Society and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation Ltd., for their fund-raising efforts in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Both permits are still active.
Donors who wish to support foreign charitable causes are encouraged to remain vigilant and be discerning, as well as practice the three simple steps of “Ask, Check, Give”:
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First,
ask the fund-raiser basic questions such as who the beneficiary is, what their donations will be used for, and how donors can receive updates about the usage of funds.
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Next, perform a simple
check via the Charity Portal at
www.charities.gov.sg to verify that the support is for appeals organised by registered charities or entities that have been granted a valid FRFCP permit.
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Lastly, donors can
give with a peace of mind once assured that their donations are going to a genuine charitable cause.
The public can report serious concerns regarding any fund-raising activities for foreign charitable causes to the COC at
MCCY_Charities@mccy.gov.sg. If fraud or scams are suspected, file a Police report immediately. The COC takes a very serious view of violations of the regulatory requirements under the Charities Act and will look into cases where improper fund-raising activities are suspected and reported to the COC, or if there is feedback on the mismanagement of the fund-raising appeal.
Office of the Commissioner of Charities
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
6 November 2023
