Public fundraising refers to activities where the public is encouraged to donate money for a specific cause without compensation. Although the donor receives a consideration in the form of a symbolic item, he or she is not considered to have received a consideration if the item does not have an independent value.
A fundraiser is public if it is directed to people other than those who are in personal or social contact with the fundraisers or are in special relationship with them.
Institutions, associations, associations of people may be responsible for public fundraising.
Any money that may be collected must be placed in a bank or giro account, which is established for this special occasion. It is not permitted to use the money for a purpose other than what was originally intended, except with the permission of the District Commissioner.
Application
Public fundraising on the streets, in shops or in houses is subject to the permission of the District Commissioner.
An application for a permit for public fundraising must be completed and sent to the District Commissioner of South Iceland, who will review the application and issue a letter of authorization if all conditions are fulfilled.
Applications may also be sent by e-mail to: sudurland.leyfi@syslumenn.is
Responsible persons
If an institution, association or organization is organizing a collection, one person must be responsible. If a group of individuals is organizing a collection, three persons must be responsible and at least two of them must be Icelandic citizens with legal domicile in Iceland.
Public fundraising announcement
Those public fundraisers that are not licensed, must be notified to the District Commissioner of South Iceland by completing the public fundraising notice.
Exemptions
It is not necessary to apply for a permit or notify the District Commissioner of:
Charity auctions
Support concerts or other support gatherings
Collections of used items
Fundraisers at gatherings
Media fundraisers for public charity. The relevant media must, however, publish a list of all donors' contributions and the recognition of those who receive the money after collection.
Financial statements and publication
Within 6 months of the end of the fundraiser, the person who organized it must deliver to the District Commissioner of South Iceland:
The collection account was audited by a qualified auditor.
Confirmation of the person who received the collection fund.
Information on where and when the publication of the collection account takes place (this may be on the company's website, for example).
The power of appeal
Decisions of the District Commissioner are appealable to the Ministry of Justice, in the same way as public fundraisers.
Service provider
District Commissioner of South Iceland