Most Caribbean immigrants are known for their generosity, often taking pride in giving back to causes in their homelands. For many Jamaicans in particular, supporting their communities is a vital part of their lives, whether through indirect fundraising efforts or directly contributing to their alma maters.
### Fundraising Efforts Before 2010
Before 2010, local Jamaican organizations led fundraisers benefiting specific schools back home. These schools were usually personally significant to at least one member of the organization. The funds raised were typically used to purchase much-needed supplies which were then shipped to schools in Jamaica. Beyond educational support, some organizations also solicited donations from local hospitals to send medical supplies to hospitals in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean.
### The Establishment of the National Education Trust (NET)
In 2010, a significant shift occurred with the establishment of the National Education Trust (NET) in Jamaica. NET is a registered charitable organization and a Government of Jamaica agency dedicated to mobilizing financial and quality resource investments in the education sector. Collaborating closely with the Jamaican diaspora and other local and international stakeholders, NET aims to bring transformative impact to underserved areas within the education system, ultimately increasing access to education and learning opportunities.
### New Charitable Donation Requirements
Since its inception, it has become a requirement that all charitable donations—whether financial or “in kind” (non-monetary contributions such as goods, services, or other assets)—be processed through NET. This change is in line with the Charities Regulation (2022), which ensures compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on combating money laundering and terrorism financing worldwide.
These regulations are designed to strengthen the governance, accountability, and integrity of charitable organizations, while mitigating risks related to financial crimes.
### Community Outreach and Education
To raise awareness of these new requirements, Michelle Tulloch-Neil and her team recently invited Keisha Johnson, Director of Donor and Partnership Management at NET, to lead a Zoom meeting with many community leaders in attendance.
The majority of questions raised by participants centered around a revised NET form that now requires donors to provide a “declaration of funds” and “proof of identity.” Johnson offered clear reassurances that satisfied and engaged attendees.
“Any government-issued identification is proof of your identity,” she explained. Regarding the “declaration of funds,” she continued, “receipts from purchased items, screenshots of electronic donations to your organization, and financial statements showing money being transferred into your organization’s bank account are all acceptable.”
### Understanding the Charities Regulation of 2022
When asked whether people were aware of the Charities Regulation of 2022, Johnson responded:
“Most of our donors were made aware of the Charities Regulation through NET. In the spirit of full transparency, NET has outlined the rationale for these changes during the rollout of the new requirements to ensure donors understand their purpose. Generally, donors assume that NET complies fully with governing laws, regulations, and policies necessary to operate. This compliance allows donors to benefit from the concessions and benefits NET provides to facilitate donations to the education sector.”
She emphasized that donors can take confidence in NET’s status as a Registered Charitable Organization in Jamaica.
### Mixed Reactions to the New Regulations
Johnson noted that responses to the changes brought about by the Charities Regulations of 2022 and the Charities Policy of the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies (2025) have been mixed.
“Most donors accept the requirements, which aim to verify their identity, confirm the source of donations, and ensure legitimate approval for contributions,” she said. “The few instances of pushback have come from a handful of repeat donors suspicious of the intent behind these requirements. However, after engaging in dialogue to address their concerns, they appreciated that the regulations align with global standards that guarantee transparency, safety, and integrity in the charitable sector, and they have proceeded with the donor registration process.”
### Ongoing Sensitization and Future Outlook
NET has launched a sensitization campaign targeting the global diaspora, sharing information through social media platforms and participating in diaspora events to encourage open dialogue.
While the full impact of these regulations on donor giving is still uncertain, there has been no decline in donations due to the new requirements so far. The hope is that the sensitization campaign will continue to inform and guide donors accurately, addressing any fears or concerns within the diaspora about compliance.
Open dialogue remains crucial to minimizing misinformation and fostering confidence among donors.
For more information, individuals can contact the Department of Charities and Friendly Societies or consult resources from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
https://www.phillytrib.com/caribbean_currents/jamaican-diaspora-adapts-to-new-charitable-donation-regulations/article_7b0cbdbd-1de9-4fc2-9aca-7cf59c68b43a.html