We understand that many associations rely on donations to support their mission. However, due to legal and regulatory requirements in Finland, Holvi does not currently support donation collection (rahankeräys) through its accounts.
Why can't we collect donations via Holvi?
Collecting donations in Finland typically requires a fundraising permit from the authorities and is restricted to be collected to Credit Institutions (banks) only. As Holvi is a licensed payment institution, we must ensure that all incoming funds meet compliance standards and legal requirements.
At this time:
- Associations may not collect donations or public contributions directly into their Holvi account (Rahankeräyslaki).
- This includes free-will payments from the public that are not tied to a service or product.
- Public donations require a fundraising permit (rahankeräyslupa)
- If your association wishes to collect monetary donations from the general public, you’ll need a valid fundraising permit from the Finnish Police Authority.
- This includes:
- Asking for free-will monetary support from non-members
- Running open donation campaigns online or via QR codes
- Using fundraising boxes or mobile payment codes for public donations
Holvi does not currently support accounts used for this type of fundraising, even with a permit.
- Learn more: Fundraising permit information – poliisi.fi
Holvi is actively monitoring changes in legislation and is working to be recognised as an approved payment institution under the money collection law. Read more about the donation collection requirements here: https://poliisi.fi/usein-kysytyt-kysymykset-rahankerayksista-ja-rahankeraysluvista
Legal and practical alternatives to donation collection
While direct donation handling is not supported through Holvi due to legal requirements, there are several alternative and compliant ways your association can raise funds:
1. Fundraising from members for a specific purpose (no permit needed)
If your association collects money only from its own members, for a clearly defined internal purpose (like buying new sports gear for the team, funding a class trip, or building a football court), this is not considered public donation collection and can be done without a fundraising permit.
This type of activity is allowed in Holvi when:
- The fundraiser is limited to registered members
- The purpose is clearly defined and benefits the group
- The collection is not advertised publicly (e.g. on social media or open websites)
Examples:
- Collecting €20 per player to buy new jerseys
- Gathering funds among parents to support a school event
- Member contributions for facility renovations
2. Offer something in return (remunerative activity)
Instead of donations, your association can sell a product or service and collect payments in return. This is considered commerce, not fundraising, and is fully supported in Holvi.
Examples:
- Selling tickets to events or performances
- Offering memberships with clear benefits
- Running bake sales or selling club merchandise
- Using Holvi's webshop feature to sell products or services online
This is a great way to raise funds while staying compliant — and it helps strengthen engagement with your community.
3. Use a licensed crowdfunding platform
If you want to raise money from the general public without offering anything in return, you'll need to use a regulated crowdfunding platform that manages compliance and legal requirements for you.
Popular options in Finland:
- Mesenaatti.me
- Patreon (if offering content or perks)
- Other platforms registered with Finnish authorities
4. Use a separate account for donations
In some cases, your association may wish to open a dedicated donation account with a traditional bank that supports rahankeräys activities and helps ensure compliance.
What’s next?
- If your association plans to collect donations: Please do so outside of Holvi, and consider alternatives like offering services or using crowdfunding tools.
- If you need help identifying the right option for your case, contact us. We’re happy to help.
Link: Reach out to Holvi Support
Tip: Want to learn more about legal fundraising?
You can find more information on the legal requirements for fundraising (rahankeräyslupa) in Finland via the Finnish Police Authority:
Link: Fundraising permit information – poliisi.fi