Public fundraising flouts charity law
Approaching a registered charity citing the nature of one’s financial troubles is mandatory
Residents seeking financial help to pay medical bills are advised to approach registered charity organisations for help instead of soliciting donations from the public.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Haj Al Zarouni, Head of Emirates Red Crescent’s (ERC) Dubai branch, said residents facing financial trouble are not permitted to resort to fundraising campaigns without coordinating with an authorised charity and receiving written approval from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD).
He, however, said that in individual cases where people voluntarily approach a family in need, or a patient, based on grounds of compassion, then such gestures are not deemed to be a violation of the law. The person receiving donations in such a scenario will not be held liable for accepting the money.
A spokesperson from IACAD told Gulf News that a family or an individual in need, who is likely to receive help from a neighbour, friend, relative, or someone they know, doesn’t put them at risk of violating the charity law.
“People accepting donations directly through the circle of people they know do not have to worry. It is only when individuals take up an initiative to invite people to donate for someone, or announce it publicly and promote the collection of donations to reach a wider audience, that’s when it constitutes breaking of the law.”
Making donations is also not a violation of the law, as the law regulates the way funds are collected and not Decree No 9 of 2015 prohibits collecting donations or advertising of fund-raising campaigns through any form of media without obtaining written approval from the IACAD. Violation of the law could result in two months to one year in jail and a fine ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000 depending on the court’s ruling. Individuals/organisations wanting to carry out a fund-raising event should first approach a registered charity authorised by the IACAD and place their request to them for approval. donations made to others in one’s personal capacity.
“When we receive a case that requires humanitarian assistance, we study the case thoroughly before deciding how we can provide help or collect donations. Depending on the case, we would provide financial help, or even get in touch with other charities to support the case,” he said.
Range of requests
Al Zarouni said that requests to charities range from cases where people are unable to afford medical treatment, mounting hospital bills, inability to pay rent, or other financial problems. When a charity on its own is unable to help, other charities and donors can contribute.
“We are in the position to also help a person gather donations for treatment, but that person needs to already have a file open with a charity authorised by IACAD. We are open to receiving funds for that particular case until the amount needed is collected.”
The charity with an approval from IACAD to support the case can also help the patient raise the needed amount from various donors in the UAE.