Guidelines for donating to foreign charities

Response to parliamentary question on guidelines for donors who wish to donate to foreign charities

1. We are encouraged to see many Singaporeans step forward to help others in need, be it locally or overseas. This is a reflection of our caring and gracious society, and the global outlook of our citizens.
   
2. While Singaporeans are generous in responding to appeals for donations, including appeals by charities based overseas, we urge members of the public to remain vigilant and be discerning. Charitable fund-raising activities carried out by foreign charities for charitable causes outside of Singapore are not regulated by the Commissioner of Charities as we do not have extra-territorial jurisdiction.
   
3. The anonymity of the internet makes it difficult for potential donors to verify the authenticity of the fund-raiser or ensure that funds are received by the intended beneficiary.
4. If donors wish to support foreign charitable causes, donors may respond to appeals organised by registered charities in Singapore or entities that have obtained a fund-raising for foreign charitable purposes (FRFCP) permit from the Commissioner. This will provide donors with assurance that the donations will be used for the intended purposes as required under the Charities (Fund-Raising Appeals for Local and Foreign Charitable Purposes) Regulations 2012. Donors can check if an appeal has been granted a permit by using the Charity Portal’s Fund-raising Permit search function at www.charities.gov.sg.
5. If a donor wishes to give to a charity based overseas, the donor can verify the legitimacy of the appeal by checking whether the charity in question is registered with the relevant authority in that country. While the Commissioner does not maintain a list of other charity regulators, donors can find this information online. For example, most established charities will indicate on their websites the relevant authorities they are registered with. Donors can also cross check this information by going to the relevant authority’s website. Like in Singapore, most regulators maintain a publicly-accessible register of charities under their purview.
   On our part, the Commissioner is committed to developing a well-governed and thriving charity sector and building up a strong and safer giving culture in Singapore. We will continue to step up public education efforts to empower donors to give wisely and safely. Members of the public can find more information on safer giving practices on the Charity Portal (www.charities.gov.sg).