At the National Education Trust (NET), every act of generosity helps transform education in Jamaica. We know that donors give from the heart, and we are committed to ensuring that your contributions are protected, transparent and used for their intended purpose.
NET, a Registered Charitable Organisation and an agency of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI), has taken note of the recent public discussion surrounding donations and the new requirements outlined under the Charities Regulations of 2022.
Recent updates to the Charities Regulations (2022) and the new Charities Policy (effective April 1, 2025) set out additional requirements for all registered charities, including NET. These changes are not the rules of NET; they are part of national law and international best practice. Our role is to make compliance as simple as possible for you while ensuring that every dollar entrusted to us is safe, accountable and impactful.
It is essential to clarify that NET is not the creator of these regulations. As a Registered Charitable Organisation, NET must comply fully with the Charities Act of 2013, the Charities Regulations of 2022, and most recently, the Charities Policy of the Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Society, effective 1 April 2025.
These frameworks require strict donor identification, proof of funds and due diligence to protect the integrity of the charitable sector. Drawing support from local donors, international development partners and the global diaspora, NET upholds international best practices and conducts regular risk assessments to ensure that every contribution is managed with integrity, transparency and accountability in advancing education.
Why do these Regulations Exist?
The updated framework is not unique to Jamaica but is part of a global effort to safeguard charities. Countries worldwide are required by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to put strong protections in place for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, even though charitable sectors. These measures:
- Guide the proper operations of charitable organisations by setting standards for good governance and accountability.
- Prevent charitable organisations from being used for money laundering, terrorist financing, or other financial crimes.
- Require charities to use their best efforts to verify the identity and credibility of donors, partners and beneficiaries.
The Charities Authority also provides guidance on training governing board members, officers, and employees of charities to ensure proper administration, risk prevention and ongoing compliance.
What NET Has Done to Comply?
To meet the requirements of the Charities Act (2013), the Charities Regulations (2022), and the Charities Policy (2025), NET has strengthened its Donor Registration and Due Diligence process. Updates include:
- Identity Verification: Donors provide a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s licence, company registration), as well as Taxpayer Registration Numbers (TRN) or foreign tax IDs. Corporate donors provide incorporation and ownership documents and a board resolution authorising donations.
- Proof of Source of Funds: bank statements, notarised declarations, online giving tracker or other evidence of lawful funds to confirm that contributions come from legitimate sources.
- Refusal of Donations: If identity or funds cannot be confirmed, NET is legally obliged to decline the donation.
- Transaction Verification (Sections 10 and 11): NET maintains records, applies risk-based checks and monitors donations to ensure compliance and prevent misuse.
- Charities Policy 2025: requiring continuous monitoring, comprehensive checks on donors, partners, contractors, and verification of end-use of funds.
These are not discretionary, they are legal requirements. NET is committed to implementing them in ways that are practical and donor-friendly to protect both the charitable sector and its donors. By preventing misuse, NET ensures that contributions are not only received but also utilised safely, transparently and effectively.
How We Make Compliance Easier for You
We know these steps can feel burdensome. That’s why NET has introduced flexible measures to support its donors:
- Multiple ID Options: Any government-issued ID is accepted, even if you do not have a tax number and IRS Determination Letters.
- Flexible Proof of Source of Funds: Signed declarations or online giving tracker pages may be used if bank documentation is difficult to provide.
- Focused Checks: Additional screening only applies when donors directly interact with vulnerable populations, such as our children.
By tailoring compliance in this way, we honour the law without creating unnecessary barriers to giving.
Listening to Donors, Building Trust
Your concerns matter, we understand and genuinely respect feedback so we can enhance our operations. The Trust values every act of generosity and has a duty to safeguard contributions with the highest integrity.
NET has begun sensitisation sessions to explain these new requirements and answer questions directly. These sessions help donors understand not just the “what” but also the “why”: these safeguards protect both you and the children who benefit from your generosity.
The promise of NET is simple:
- We value your trust.
- We safeguard your gifts with integrity.
- We use every contribution transparently to advance education.
Together, we are ensuring that every gift, large or small, has the greatest possible impact on the future of Jamaica.
Want to Learn More?
For full details, you may review the Charities Act (2013), Charities Regulations (2022), and the Charities Policy (2025) on the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies website: www.dcfs.gov.jm.
For any questions about how these requirements may affect your donation, the NET team is happy to assist and can be reached at [email protected].
