Charity Monitoring Norway now recommends that people generally avoid donating money to so-called “support groups” unless they are transparent about their financial records and procedures. Financial statements should be available either on the website or on Facebook. “Charity groups” are the type of fundraisers about which Charity Monitoring Norway receives by far the most tips.…

In Norway, we tend to be especially generous around Christmas. Experience shows that Norwegian fundraising campaigns raise large sums of money. Digital platforms have made it easier than ever to both raise and donate money. That makes it especially important to ensure that the money ends up in the right hands. If you’re unsure whether…

It’s now the peak season for fundraising. This applies to both reputable and, regrettably, unscrupulous organizations. As early as mid-November, fundraising campaigns begin popping up with the goal of ensuring a merry Christmas for everyone, whether they’re collecting food, gifts, or money to support such efforts. The causes are many and worthy, and the responsibility…

The TV Campaign is Norway’s best-known fundraising campaign. It is a nationwide effort in which everyone is invited to participate—from the Royal Family, the Storting, and the Government, to municipalities and the business community, as well as schools, clubs, organizations, and private citizens. No other fundraising campaign enjoys the same level of trust among the…

Donors have high expectations regarding how much of their donation will go toward the cause. This is generally a good thing, as it sets clear requirements for the organization. At the same time, expectations can become too high. A clear example is when one demands that absolutely nothing be spent on administration. What is administration?The…

Per Kristian Haugen, Executive Director, Charity Monitoring Norway Norway is breathing a little sigh of relief. Schools and daycare centers are reopening, and for most people, life is getting back to normal. Things aren’t normal, but we can see the outlines of a daily life we can live with. At the same time, a great…

Accounting and offside have this in common: They are obviously very important to many people, but not everyone can explain in detail what they’re all about. Rules are necessary for the game to run smoothly, but beyond that, most of us don’t give them much thought. So why do we think accounting is important for…

Over the past three years, the telemarketing company Tønsberg Kundeservice DA has had an average annual revenue of just under 14 million. The company conducts fundraising on behalf of two nonprofit organizations: Ivareta—for family members affected by substance abuse (formerly the National Association Against Substance Abuse)—and the National Association for Victims of Violence. These two…

Charity Monitoring Norway does not approve lotteries. We approve only nonprofit organizations. Nor do we regulate lotteries, as—unlike fundraising—they are directly regulated by law. The Norwegian Gaming Authority is responsible for ensuring that lottery operations in Norway are conducted properly. Some of the organizations approved by the Fundraising Control Authority do, however, operate lotteries, and…

Funding is essential for anyone who wants to run a nonprofit organization. Without money, it will be very challenging to fulfill the organization’s mission. At the same time, holding out a “collection plate” might not be what you’d most want to do—you’d rather focus on the mission: helping others. So what could be better than…