The Government has warned the public that temporary fundraising licences must be secured before soliciting donations.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors said that organisations and individuals must seek a licence from the Office of the Registry General for fundraising events such as bake sales, charity dinners, sports events or GoFundMe campaigns.

The requirement also extends to overseas crowdfunding when the target audience includes the Bermuda public or the beneficiary is a Bermuda resident.

Tinée Furbert, the youth, social development and seniors minister, said that residents need to be confident that those who solicit funds for charitable purposes follow the proper procedures so that they can be sure their donations are used properly.

She said: “Bermudians have a reputation of being incredibly generous and are always willing to assist those in their community, whether it’s to help with unexpected medical costs, supporting our youth or assisting someone during a difficult point in their life.”

Ms Furbert added that carrying out a fundraising event without a temporary licence is a criminal offence under the terms of the Charities Act 2014 and failure to obtain a licence or provide a correct accounting of the funds raised could result in a fine, imprisonment or both.

Anyone who wishes to launch a temporary fundraiser can apply for a licence through the Registry General website at gov.bm/online-services/register-charity.

The application must be signed by two individuals and approved by the Registrar General before fundraising can legally begin. Those with a licence will receive a number, which should be quoted in any publications promoting the campaign.

Any individuals who are fundraising without a licence were urged to contact the Registry General “urgently” to make themselves compliant.

Temporary fundraising licences are granted for a three-month period and licence holders can apply to have permission extended by a further three months at the discretion of the Registrar General.

Once the licence expires, the applicants are required by law to provide a statement of income and expenditure within two months to demonstrate that they were used for the stated purpose of the fundraiser.

If any member of the public has a concern about whether a fundraiser has been properly registered, they were invited to contact the Registry General at charityinfo@gov.bm.