Registrar General Issues Fundraising Advisory

May 2, 2017

The Registrar General has issued an advisory to “remind the public that it is illegal to solicit money for charitable causes if you are not a registered charity, acting on behalf of a registered charity or have a temporary fundraising license.”

Registrar General Aubrey Pennyman stated, “In Bermuda our residents are very supportive of charitable causes. However, the public should be aware that our office frequently receives requests from prospective donors, businesses, banks and event venues to confirm if an organisation is a registered charity.

“The Charities Act 2014 states that it is an offence for a person, other than a registered charity or person acting on behalf of such charity, to solicit members of the public for or receive from any member of the public in any public place, a donation for any charitable purpose or for any professed purpose which is otherwise benevolent.

Bermuda Crest TC May 2 2017

“The exception is a person who has been issued a temporary fundraising licence by the Registrar General. Persons who do not wish to obtain a temporary fundraising license may enlist the assistance of a registered charity to engage in public fundraising on their behalf.

“Internet or online sites for fundraising for a charitable or benevolent purposes in Bermuda may also require a temporary fundraising license or charitable status.

“We wish to remind the public that if the need arises we encourage organizations or individuals to apply for a temporary fundraising license. We have forms available at our office, which should be returned with supporting documentation and clearly stating the purpose for which funds will be raised.

“Once granted, the licenses are valid for a period of three months, which can be extended upon request for an additional three months. A revenue and expenses report must be submitted to the Registrar in relation to the fundraising activities within two months after the expiration of the license.”

For more information contact the Registry General at 297-7739 or visit their office in Government Administration Bldg. Parliament Street, Hamilton.

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Comments (9)

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  1. Risk Mitigation says:

    My how life has become complicated on a small island of 21 square miles!

    Why not just charge those who abuse…why does everyone have to suffer for a good causes! North America disease!

    Bermuda has gone absolutely mad! Bureaucracy crazy! A license for everything, a lawyer to keep a bank account open…you name it and complexity and costs of doing anything here is rising. Just who are helping versus protecting?

    Somehow I feel eventually we’ll need a license to go to the bathroom!

    Looking to buy an Island with less of this!

    Anyone have one for sale?

    Smiths

    • aceboy says:

      So, the BIU can just go ahead and request the public to fund their legal battles? Shouldn’t THEY have the money? Where did all the dues go?

      That is what this is all about, make no mistake.

      • Onion Juice says:

        Well we gave $77-$1 Million to Americas Cup, which happens to be a Billionaire sailboat club.

        • jt says:

          The BIU is subsidizing the AC? Awesome!

        • 32n64w says:

          This is patently untrue. Stop repeating disinformation and alternative facts.

  2. Ct says:

    Does anyone know how much this temp licence is? So inconvenient that this info is not online, along with the form. Who has time to traipse all over town?

    • aceboy says:

      Make time. This isn’t something that should be handed out willy nilly. You have to prove your case. Too many scammers out there collecting money, particularly from the elderly, under the guise of raising money for a good cause.

  3. Union Juice says:

    OJ hoping that if he tells a lie enough that they t will become the truth. Typical plp stuff.

  4. Pastor Syl says:

    I suspect this has more to do with groups like Preserve Marriage soliciting funds over the radio. Was that before or after they had been removed from the Charities Register?