Criteria for Registration as a Charity Singapore
There are two main criteria to register as a charity in Singapore:
Charitable Purpose: Your organisation's purpose must be wholly or substantially beneficial to the community in Singapore. This means your activities should focus on the public good, not private gain.
Governing Board: You need to have a governing board of at least 3 members, with at least 2 of them being Singapore citizens or permanent residents. It's important to note that these board members should also have good character, as defined by the Registration of Criminals Act.
Checklist for Application for Registration as a Charity
This checklist will outline the specific documents and information you need to submit with your application. These documents typically include:
Completed application form: Download and fill out the application form available on the portal.
Governing Instrument: A certified true copy of your organization's governing document (e.g., constitution or trust deed).
Financial Statements (if applicable): Signed copies of your financial statements for the last 3 years (if your organization has been operating).
2-Year Activities and Fund Disbursement Plan: A detailed plan outlining your organization's activities and how you intend to use donated funds for the next two years.
Registration Process
The registration process for becoming a charity in Singapore involves several steps. Here's a breakdown:
1. Prepare your documents:
Application form: Download the application form from the Charity Portal website [Singapore Charity Portal ON Registry of Charities charities.gov.sg]. Ensure you fill it out completely and accurately.
Governing Instrument: Obtain a certified true copy of your organization's governing document (constitution or trust deed).
Financial Statements (if applicable): If your organization has been operating for at least 3 years, provide signed copies of your financial statements for that period.
2-Year Activities and Fund Disbursement Plan: Develop a detailed plan outlining your planned activities for the next two years and how you intend to utilize donated funds.
2. Submit your application:
Visit the "Charities and IPCs" section on the Charity Portal website.
Click on "Register as a Charity" to access the registration page.
Locate the instructions for submitting your application. This might involve uploading documents through an online portal or mailing them to the Registry of Charities.
3. Wait for processing:
The Registry of Charities will review your application and may contact you for any clarification or additional information.
Processing timelines can vary, but it generally takes several weeks.
4. Approval (or rejection):
Upon successful review, you will receive notification of your charity's registration and a Unique Entity Number (UEN).
If your application is rejected, the Registry will provide feedback on the reasons and areas for improvement. You can then revise your application and resubmit it.
Additional Tips:
Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure your organization fulfills the criteria for registration as a charity in Singapore. This includes having a wholly charitable purpose and a governing board with at least two Singapore citizens or permanent residents.
Remember, this is a general overview. It's recommended to stay updated by checking the Charity Portal website for the latest information and any changes in the registration process.
Additional Guides:
The Charity Portal also offers a variety of other guides relevant to running a charity in Singapore. These might include:
Governing Board's Duties & Responsibilities
Collecting Donations and Issuing Tax Deduction Receipts
Amending Your Governing Instrument
Annual Submissions
Code of Governance for Charities
Charity Transparency Framework
By exploring these resources, you can gain valuable insights into managing a compliant and successful charity in Singapore.
Additional Resources:
Here are some resources that you might find helpful:
The Charity Portal of Singapore [Singapore Charity Portal ON Registry of Charities charities.gov.sg] has a checklist for applications and other guides.
The Commissioner of Charities website [Singapore Charity Portal ON Registry of Charities charities.gov.sg] has more information on registering as a charity.
The Charity Portal might also offer a "Starter Kit for New Charities" which can provide additional guidance on the registration process and managing a charity in Singapore.
How Bestar can Help
Bestar can register your organization as a charity in Singapore. Given our expertise in Singaporean business support, we can assist you in several ways throughout the charity registration process:
Compliance and Filings: Bestar can help ensure your application adheres to Singapore's charity registration requirements. We can review your governing documents, financial statements (if applicable), and activities plan for compliance.
Financial Guidance: If your organization requires assistance with preparing financial statements or understanding financial aspects of the application, Bestar is able to offer guidance.
Company Secretarial Services: Bestar provides company secretarial services which can involve maintaining statutory records and filing annual reports (which may be required for registered charities).
Contact Bestar: Bestar can assist you. Reach out to Bestar and inquire about our services related to charity registration. Explain your situation: Briefly explain your organization's goals and that you're seeking assistance with charity registration. Discuss our services: Ask our services related to reviewing application documents, financial guidance, or company secretarial services for charities.
Bestar specializes in charity registration in Singapore. We can guide you through the registration process.
By consulting a Bestar professional, you can increase your chances of a successful charity registration in Singapore.
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