The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors wishes to remind the Bermuda public of the role the Registry General’s Office has for the set-up, approval and monitoring of charities in Bermuda. 

The role of the Registry General in the regulation of the Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Sector:

The Registrar General is ultimately responsible for determining whether an entity is or is not a charity. He has the sole authority to vet, approve and register charities and NPOs as being fit and proper to carry out fundraising and charitable activities. Although charities may apply for certifications and accreditations that are available from third parties, these are not a legal requirement for a charity to operate in Bermuda. 

Section 10 of the Charities Act 2014 identifies the objectives the Registrar General and the Charity Commission have toward charities in Bermuda. These include determining effectiveness based on activities, promoting and modeling of public benefit, ensuring charity trustees understand their legal obligations and ultimately increasing public trust in the sector. 

Section 17 of the Charities Act 2014, requires that the Registrar General maintain a List of Registered Charities. Donors who wish to confirm whether an organization is registered and in good standing, can find the list on the Registry General’s website in the Resources section. This list is updated monthly following the Charity Commissioners’ meeting.  

To assist charities in understanding their obligations, the Registry General has issued several guidance documents that are available on their website at https://www.gov.bm/online-services/register-charity. These include guidance on the definition of public benefit, the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regulations, and how a charity can implement a Vulnerable Persons Policy if they interact with vulnerable individuals. The Registry General’s Office is in the process of updating these documents and will advise the sector once they have been published.

Registered charities, donors and members of the public are encouraged to reach out to the Registry General for any queries on compliance matters, AML/ATF guidelines, or general questions on operations and charities law. For more information, please contact the following:

Registrar General – 444-1953 or apennyman@gov.bm 

Legal & Compliance Officer – 444-1947 or mtnester@gov.bm

Charities section: charityinfo@gov.bm 

Online -  https://www.gov.bm/online-services/register-charity