In response to the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies (DCFS) is facilitating the Special Registration of Registered Charitable Organizations (RCO) to aid in national relief and recovery efforts.
Key Features of the Special Registration window:
- Fast-Track Processing: Applications will be processed within ten (10) working days.
- Temporary Registration Period: Certificates will be issued for the period November 17, 2025 to May 31, 2026.
- Type of Registered Charitable Organizations: Only Unincorporated groups will be registered.
- Automatic Closure: All Specially Registered Charitable Organizations will be automatically wound up at May 31, 2026 the end of the six-month period.
- Streamlined Process: Administrative and Operations Management Policies and Procedures will be temporarily waived for this period.
- No Renewals Required: Charitable status is valid for the six-month relief period only and will not be renewed.
- Closure of Accounts: All accounts with the DCFS and Tax Administration of Jamaica must be closed at the end of the period.
- No Registration Fee
Entities must be seeking registration for the following Charitable purposes:
- The prevention or relief of poverty.
- The advancement of good citizenship or community development.
- The advancement of environmental protection or improvement.
- The relief of those in need because of temporary disadvantages such as the effect of public disorder or public emergency.
For details and application forms, visit https://dcfs.gov.jm/ or contact the Charities Authority at info@dcfs.gov.jm