Dutch charity sector seeks opt-in exemption in proposed telemarketing bill

With a new telemarketing bill being drafted in the Netherlands, the country’s charities and charity associations are pushing for an exemption for  nonprofits on opt-in telemarketing requirements.

The proposal from Goede Doelen Nederland and Nederland Filantropieland, supported by the country’s trade association for data, DDMA, has been extensively discussed with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and has now been brought to the attention of State Secretary Keijzer.

A member survey by Goede Doelen Nederland has shown that, on average, charities using telemarketing recruit almost 30% of donors through this channel at organisations, raising around €100 million on an annual basis. It argues that an opt-in for charity telemarketing would considerably limit their ability to reach out for public support, which would put the financing of many social projects at risk.

Goede Doelen Nederland has said that it will continue to emphasise the special position of charities in the coming months and to advocate for an exemption for the sector.

The bill is expected to be released for consultation around the summer.