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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
Press Statements

Amended Charities Act aims to better protect charities and donors

Sectors

Charities

Co-ops

MBOs

9 January 2018

The Charities (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today. The changes are expected to take effect within the first half of 2018.

  1. The Charities (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today. The changes are expected to take effect within the first half of 20181.

  2. The Office of the Commissioner of Charities (“COC”) aims to develop a well-governed and thriving charity sector that has strong public support. As the charity landscape continues to evolve, the Office of the COC embarked on a review of the Charities Act to ensure that regulatory policies remain relevant and effective.

  3. The Bill seeks to better protect charities and donors through amendments in two areas:

  4. As part of the review, the Office of the COC consulted various stakeholders, including the Charity Council, the five Sector Administrators, as well as charity representatives from across sectors. Public feedback on the proposed amendments was also sought before the Bill was introduced.

  5. A copy of the Bill can be accessed here (opens in new tab).

Office of the Commissioner of Charities
Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
9 January 2018

1 All Bills must go through three readings in Parliament and receive the President’s assent to become an Act of Parliament or a law. (https://www.parliament.gov.sg/about-us/parliament-information/functions (opens in new tab))