Tougher reporting rules for charities aim to enhance credibility

Transparency rules coming into force next month will place charitable activities under more public scrutiny by requiring data disclosure, an official at the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Thursday.

Charities are funded by the public and enjoy favorable policies such as tax exemptions; therefore, they should allow public access to data pertaining to major assets or fundraising activities, according to Li Jian, deputy head of the ministry's department of policies, laws and regulations.

"The new rules will supplement the Charity Law in protecting the rights of parties involved in charitable activities, including donors, volunteers and beneficiaries, and boosting charity development," she said, adding that charities are legally bound to publish authentic and complete data in a timely manner.