The Charity Commission has joined the Fundraising Regulator in warning charities to be careful about where they accept donations from in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, warned yesterday that charities should be “extra vigilant” about accepting donations connected to Russia.
A statement today from Helen Stephenson, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said it was likely that the repercussions of the invasion would be felt widely across society, including for many registered charities.
She said: “All charities should also know their donors, and consider whether or not to accept donations, including where there may be a reputational implication for them in doing so.
“Our guidance is here, and we encourage all charities to read this in light of the current international context.”
She also flagged up the regulator’s general guidance on managing risks when working internationally.
“Many charities operate in Russia, and may come under increasing pressure as a result of the implications of sanctions, difficulties in transferring funds and because of the operating environment for civil society in that country,” she said.
“To keep up to date with the latest financial sanctions, charities can sign up to e-alerts from HM Treasury and find guidance from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.
“We urge trustees to consider our guidance on working in high-risk areas, and to ensure that they are following Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice, and keeping staff, volunteers and funds safe.”
Stephenson said the invasion would result in other implications for charities, both short- and long-term, that the regulator could not yet predict.
“The commission will remain alive to the issues and risks facing charities, and we encourage charities to do likewise.
“We want to help support charities, which play such a vital role in our society, to get it right and make the biggest impact possible.”