Rahankeräys

Rahankeräys is the organized collection of money or valuables from the public for charitable, humanitarian, religious, or political purposes. It is typically carried out by non-profit associations, foundations, or other organizations, and can take place as street collections, events, door-to-door drives, or online campaigns.

In Finland, rahankeräys is regulated to protect donors and ensure funds are used for the declared purpose. For public fundraisers, a permit (rahankeräyslupa) from the police is commonly required. Organizers must clearly identify the collecting body, state the purpose, and explain how the proceeds will be used. The rules emphasize transparency and prohibit misleading appeals.

Organizations conducting rahankeräys are generally obliged to maintain proper accounting and report on how the collected funds were used. Funds should be used for the stated purpose, and not for the personal gain of the organizers. Misuse or fraud can lead to penalties under criminal or administrative law.

Donors often receive receipts, and certain donations may be tax-deductible under Finnish tax rules, depending on the recipient’s status. The fundraising framework combines legal oversight with organizational accountability to deter abuse and foster trust in charitable campaigns.