Two women, a former charity president and treasurer, were fined BD 100 each by the Lower Criminal Court for unauthorised fundraising. They were also ordered to forfeit BD 26,062, the amount raised illegally. The Public Prosecution charged the women with collecting funds for general purposes without obtaining the necessary license in 2022, which violated the fundraising regulations outlined in Decree-Law No. (21) of 2013 and its executive regulations No. (47) of 2014. The case originated from a report filed by the Minister of Social Development, and the ministry’s Civil Organisations Support Department detected the illegal fundraising activity.
The defendants raised the funds to finance organizing a conference and claimed that the money was deposited into the account of a company responsible for the event, based on an agreement between the charity and the company. Invoices showed that BD 15,000 was paid to the conference venue, with the remaining balance transferred to the organising company. A contract with the organising company, valued at BD 17,000, indicated that only BD 11,000 had been paid, leaving the remaining amount still owed. The former charity president denied directly receiving the BD 26,062.
The court’s decision to fine the women and confiscate the illegally raised funds serves as a penalty for their violation of fundraising regulations. The fines and forfeited amount aim to enforce compliance with the laws governing fundraising for public purposes. It is essential for charitable organizations and individuals involved in fundraising activities to adhere to the necessary regulations and obtain the required licenses to avoid legal consequences. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in fundraising efforts to ensure that funds are used for their intended purposes.
The Public Prosecution’s intervention in detecting and addressing the illegal fundraising activity underscores the government’s commitment to upholding laws related to fundraising for public purposes. The involvement of relevant authorities, such as the Minister of Social Development and the Civil Organisations Support Department, in monitoring fundraising activities demonstrates the importance of oversight and regulation in maintaining the integrity of charitable endeavors. Violations of fundraising regulations can have serious consequences, as evidenced by the fines and confiscation imposed on the two women in this case.
Charitable organizations play a vital role in supporting various causes and initiatives, relying on fundraising to finance their programs and activities. However, it is crucial for these organizations to operate within the legal framework and abide by the regulations set forth by the authorities. Ensuring compliance with fundraising laws not only protects the interests of donors and the public but also maintains the credibility and reputation of the charitable sector. By upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in fundraising practices, organizations can build trust and credibility with stakeholders and foster a culture of responsible philanthropy.
In conclusion, the case of the two women fined for unauthorized fundraising serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to fundraising regulations and the consequences of non-compliance. By respecting the laws governing fundraising activities, individuals and organizations can contribute to the well-being of society and uphold the values of transparency and accountability in charitable endeavors. The enforcement of fundraising laws by the authorities reinforces the commitment to safeguarding the integrity of charitable efforts and ensuring that funds are used in accordance with their intended purposes. Compliance with fundraising regulations is essential for fostering trust, credibility, and ethical standards in the philanthropic sector.
