Country Report 2018: China

Abstract

The registration process of philanthropic organizations is onerous and cumbersome. The new Charity Law (2016) establishes that in order to be registered as a charitable organization (foundation, social group or social service organization), the main purpose of an organization must be to perform recognized charitable activities for the public good, and must have its own name and location, an organizational charter, and sufficient assets (Charity Law, Article 8). Organizations established prior to the promulgation of this law must re-apply to the civil affairs department that they are registered with to be confirmed as legitimate charitable organizations.