Guidance on Haiti donations

22 January 2010

Scotland’s charity regulator has produced general guidance for those wishing to donate or to raise funds for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. OSCR, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, has urged members of the public to maintain their generosity, but remain vigilant to ensure that donations reach those in need.

There have been media reports of scams which aim to take advantage of the public’s generosity, including fictitious websites and emails claiming to be from genuine charities.

OSCR’s Chief Executive, Jane Ryder, said: ‘We would urge donors not to be deterred from giving to genuine charities. But it is important to make a few simple checks to ensure that donations go to those in need rather than to fraudsters.’

When donating

• Be careful when responding to email appeals: check that the links they contain are genuine. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the named charity

• You can check the Scottish Charity Register at www.oscr.org.uk to see if a named charity is genuine

• Those collecting for genuine charities will be happy to show you their identification and the charity’s name and registration number

• You should report a suspected scam to the Police or to Trading Standards. Where an organisation states clearly that it is a charity, but is not entered in the Scottish Charity Register, contact OSCR at info@oscr.org.uk

• You can always give directly to a charity – look them up on the web or in the phone book and contact them separately

• You can maximise your donation through Gift Aid, if you are a UK tax payer. Discuss this with the charity.

The DEC – Disasters Emergency Committee – is organising the main appeal for the Haiti crisis. DEC is an umbrella organisation of major UK aid agencies: www.dec.org.uk

When fundraising

Those collecting for charity must observe legal requirements and codes of practice. Donors can check requirements with the Institute of Fundraising Scotland and the Fundraising Standards Board.

When fundraising you should:

• Check that you have the required documentation – written agreement with the charity, local authority permission, identification, name, address and registration number of the charity

• Collect using only sealed containers

• Always give the name and registration number of the charity when collecting

• When counting any money raised, make sure that more than one person is present, and agree and sign for the total amount

• Bank any cash as soon as possible and keep the bank or building society receipt

• Consider reporting the amount raised, through press releases or local notices, thanking the public for contributing. This provides reassurance that their money has gone to a genuine cause.

Issued by OSCR, The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Quadrant House, 9 Riverside Drive, Dundee DD1 4NY. For further information contact Mark Simpson or Morag Stewart on 01382 220446 or 07920 274498 or email communications@oscr.org.uk