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. Common characteristics of these groups are:

• Geographically defined area (city / neighborhood / village / municipality, etc.)
• Operates primarily on Facebook
• Requesting money or in-kind donations to help those in need
• Particularly high demand during the holidays

Many Tips and Suspicions
Charity Monitoring Norway has received tips over the years that concern suspicions of various forms of embezzlement and the commingling of personal and organizational finances. In the former case, it is often the most valuable items that the group’s volunteers allegedly keep for themselves or sell. Examples include expensive food, gift cards, and unused or rarely used “premium” items. Charity Monitoring Norway does not want to dampen donors’ enthusiasm. The assistance provided through these groups is both beneficial to society and environmentally friendly. We consider giving items to be less “risky” than giving money, but be aware that there is a possibility they may not be used for their intended purpose.

Control and supervision are not easy
It is very difficult to keep such groups under control. Charity Monitoring Norway has previously audited several groups and organizations that fit this profile. The in-kind contributions they receive are not recorded, and it is practically impossible for us to verify them. Because much of the organization’s work also involves purchasing food and organizing various activities for those in need and in difficult circumstances, most of the receipts will be from grocery stores, hobby shops, toy stores, and similar establishments. All purchases of, for example, Eating is therefore a purposeful activity, and we can see that they have carried it out. But we have no way of knowing who ended up eating the food.

Very easy to start
It’s very easy to start groups like this, hide who’s behind them, and shut out criticism. Based on both the volume of tips and the challenges involved in the investigation itself, we have compiled a list of green and red flags that indicate the credibility of a support group. If there are few green flags and many red flags where you’re considering making a donation, you should find someone else to donate to.

Checklist for Support Groups:

Green Flags:

– Has a business registration number in Brønnøysund. This information should be provided, but you can easily check by searching for the group’s name in the Brønnøysund Register—www.brreg.no
—It has a 6-digit Vipps number. This means that donations go to an organizational account:
– Financial records and other information about internal procedures, etc., are readily available:
– The group’s volunteers are introduced on the website:
– Mainly collects “in-kind” donations: food, clothing, furniture, etc.:
– It is specified that they do not accept cash.
It should nevertheless be noted that easily convertible items such as gift cards are almost as good as cash.
– Questions are answered in a polite and professional manner
At the same time, there can sometimes be a lot of questions coming from all directions. Sometimes it can be a bit much even for the most well-meaning groups. Keep this in mind when you ask.
– Regularly publishes results
– The group is open or easy to join.

Red flags:

– No formal registration with Brønnøysund. Exists only on Facebook
– The group is primarily managed by one person, a small circle of friends, or family members.
– Uses an 8-digit Vipps number. This goes to a private account
– Collects donations to many different accounts/Vipps numbers
– Almost exclusively asks for money or gift cards
– No financial records or overview of funds received are available, even upon request
– It is unclear who manages the group
– Closed group.
– Questions directed at the group’s administrators are not answered or result in being removed from the group.
– Critical posts and comments are deleted.
– Older posts in which money was requested are deleted.