varainkeräyslain

The varainkeräyslaki, or Act on the Collection of Funds, is Finnish legislation governing fundraising activities. Its primary purpose is to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent practices in charitable and other collections of money or goods. The law outlines the requirements for organizers to obtain permission, disclose information about the collection, and manage the collected funds responsibly.

Generally, a permit from the police is required for public collections. Certain exceptions exist, such as for collections organized by registered associations for their own purposes, provided these are not primarily commercial in nature. The law specifies that organizers must clearly state the purpose of the collection, the entity benefiting from it, and how the funds will be used.

When a permit is granted, the police will specify the duration of the collection and the methods that can be used. Organizers are obliged to keep accurate records of the collected funds and to report on their use. If the funds are not used for the stated purpose, or if the collection is found to be misleading, legal repercussions can follow. The varainkeräyslaki aims to build trust between donors and collection organizers, safeguarding the integrity of fundraising in Finland.