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Online donors should be wary, more informed before giving

We note that online platforms for fundraising have been growing, the availability of which facilitates giving and the setting up of fundraising campaigns by individuals and organisations (“Need funding? Ask the crowd and you may well receive”; April 9).

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Sim Hui Ting, Assistant Commissioner of Charities, Office of the Commissioner of Charities

We note that online platforms for fundraising have been growing, the availability of which facilitates giving and the setting up of fundraising campaigns by individuals and organisations (“Need funding? Ask the crowd and you may well receive”; April 9).

Such sites may spur giving among Singaporeans for various causes, but the public should continue to exercise caution. When in doubt, the public should find out more from the fundraisers before donating. No one should feel pressured to give.

Some questions donors can ask include: How will the donations be used? Who is the beneficiary? How do I know whether my donation will reach the beneficiary? Will the fundraiser be receiving any commission from my donation?

Generally, fundraising appeals for philanthropic purposes in Singapore, including those conducted online, are regulated by the Charities Act. Anyone seeking to conduct fundraising appeals must abide by the Act, which requires fundraisers to disclose information on how the funds will be used, maintain records of donations received and used, and ensure proper management of donations.

While we want to encourage a culture of giving, we also want to help Singaporeans know fully to whom they are giving.

So the Commissioner of Charities has made information available on charities, including their profile, annual reports and financial statements, at the Charity Portal (www.charities.gov.sg).

The public may access the portal to also check whether the fundraiser has the necessary permits, should the appeal be for an overseas cause.

We take a serious view of any violation of the regulations in the Act and may restrict or prohibit the conduct of any fundraising appeal if there is reason to believe that it has been administered improperly.

If members of the public believe that a fundraiser may not be following regulations, please contact us via the portal. If fraud is suspected, the public should make a police report immediately.

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