Important Warning for Moroccans: Law 18.18 Puts an End to Chaos in Public Fundraising and Charity!

In a decisive move to regulate charitable activities and ensure that donations reach their intended beneficiaries, Law No. 18.18 has come into effect, establishing a strict legal framework for fundraising and the distribution of aid for charitable purposes. This law comes in response to previous tragic incidents, most notably the 2018 Essaouira disaster, where a stampede during the distribution of food aid resulted in the deaths of 15 women, highlighting the urgent need to regulate this sector.

What is Law 18.18?

This law regulates public fundraising and the distribution of aid for charitable purposes, setting out the conditions and rules that must be followed to ensure transparency and credibility in these operations.

Key Provisions of the Law:

1. Prior Authorization Required:

• Any association wishing to invite the public to donate and collect funds must obtain prior authorization from the relevant authorities.
• The authorization request must be submitted at least 30 days before the start of the fundraising campaign.
• In urgent cases, such as natural disasters, this period can be reduced to 24 hours.

1. Designation of the Organizing Entity:

• Only legally established associations operating in accordance with their statutes are allowed to organize fundraising campaigns.
• Exceptionally, a group of individuals may invite the public to donate in disaster situations, provided they obtain prior authorization.

1. Prohibition of Exploitation:

• Donations may not be used for commercial, promotional, advertising, electoral purposes, or to pay fines or debts.
• Exploiting the vulnerable or needy for personal gain is strictly prohibited.

1. Distribution of Aid:

• Any association or individual wishing to distribute in-kind aid for charitable purposes must submit a prior declaration to the relevant local authority at least 10 days before the operation.
• In urgent cases, this period can be reduced to 24 hours with the approval of the relevant authorities.

1. Penalties:

• A fine of 50,000 to 100,000 dirhams for anyone who violates the provisions of public fundraising without authorization.
• A fine of 10,000 to 50,000 dirhams for anyone who distributes aid without prior authorization or violates the decisions of the relevant authorities.

Why This Law?

Law 18.18 aims to protect the dignity of those in need and ensure that aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without exploitation or manipulation. It also seeks to build trust between donors and organizing entities, ensuring transparency in the collection and distribution of donations.

What Should You Do?

As a Citizen:

• Ensure that the entity you wish to donate to has obtained the necessary authorization from the relevant authorities.
• Do not hesitate to request clear information about how your donations will be used and who the beneficiaries are.

As an Association or Organizing Entity:

• Ensure that all legal conditions are met and obtain the necessary authorizations and permits before starting fundraising or distributing aid.
• Commit to transparency at all stages of the process, from fundraising to distribution, and provide detailed reports to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion:

Law 18.18 has been introduced to put an end to chaos and manipulation in the field of public charity, ensuring that donations reach their intended beneficiaries through legal and transparent means. Compliance with this law by all parties will enhance the effectiveness of charitable work in Morocco and protect the dignity of both the needy and the donors.

For more details, you can review the full text of the law on the official website of the Moroccan Ministry of Justice.