An organisation raising funds in Singapore for a foreign charitable purpose must generally apply to the Commissioner of Charities at least 30 days before the appeal begins.
Prepare beneficiary proof, acknowledgement and governing documents.
Classify the appeal
Foreign charitable purpose includes more than a charity label and can cover merchandise sales represented as supporting the cause. Write the beneficiary, purpose, collection method and location. (Charity Portal foreign-purpose permit guide)
The application must be submitted at least 30 days before commencement. Set an earlier internal deadline for missing foreign documents.
| Situation | What changes |
|---|---|
| Appeal seeks money for a foreign cause | Plan the permit application before launch |
| Appeal is only donations in kind | Check the exact waiver conditions |
| Beneficiary cannot prove legal existence | Do not launch the appeal |
| Permit is granted | Follow published details, conditions and post-appeal accounts |
Verify the beneficiary
Provide proof it is bona fide, its acknowledgement and governing instrument. Independently confirm official identity and banking instructions. (MCCY fund-raising overview)
State purpose, organiser, permit details, collection period and how funds are used. Avoid vague promises or inflated impact claims.
Example: For an appeal planned on 15 October, the statutory 30-day point falls in mid-September. Set an internal submission target earlier to allow beneficiary documents and corrections.
Control money flows
Use a dedicated ledger and approved account with dual review. Reconcile gross receipts, fees, transfers, refunds and balance.
Permit holders must keep proper accounts and comply with statement requirements. Retain promotion, donor communications, approvals and transfer evidence.
- Define the foreign purpose
- Confirm applicant organisation
- Verify beneficiary
- Collect required documents
- Submit at least 30 days early
- Publish accurate donor information
- Maintain and submit accounts
