The Government announces the promulgation of the finalised Reference Guide on Best Practices for Charitable Fund-raising Activities (Reference Guide) for voluntary compliance of the charitable organisations. Members of the public may download the Reference Guide and Leaflet here.

The Reference Guide is drawn up after due consultation to enhance transparency and public accountability of charitable fund-raising activities. The best practices of the Reference Guide cover areas on donors' rights, fund-raising practices and financial accountability. The public may make use of the Reference Guide to measure against the practice of a charity in fund-raising.

The Social Welfare Department now appeals to charitable organisations for adopting the Reference Guide on a voluntary basis.  Charities, donors and general public are also invited to send their views and comments on this new arrangement to SWD. A review will be conducted in a year after the promulgation of the Reference Guide to ascertain its progress and effectiveness.

Lotteries Fund Projects Section
Subventions Branch
Social Welfare Department