The Ministry of Social Affairs cautioned charities and public benefit associations in a letter dated August 15, 2026 against any dealings with entities outside Kuwait that lack official accreditation. The communication to association leaders reiterated the measures in place for cases of non-compliance with this standing policy. According to the ministry, all foreign partnerships must go through approved channels to ensure full regulatory adherence. This directive aligns with the oversight framework that the Financial Action Task Force applied to 84 charities operating within the country.
The letter simultaneously announced participation in the Seventh Family-Friendly Institutions Award 2026 under the theme Best Initiatives to Promote Family Well-being. Government, private sector and civil society institutions are eligible to submit projects that offer family-related solutions with measurable impact. The evaluation will consider respect for Arab values, digital security, innovation, feasibility and sustainability as core criteria. Submissions must be notified by August 23 for consideration, with selected entries receiving a certificate of appreciation.
Earlier rules from the Charity Societies and Endowments Department at the ministry required prior approval for any contracts or cooperation protocols with foreign or United Nations entities. Those circulars, including one from April 2025, also restricted project advertising to official websites and automated applications while barring unapproved social media promotions. Organizations received a two-week window to remove non-compliant advertisements. Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains mandatory for overseas travel by charity representatives under the Safe Traveler registration system.
Kuwait’s charitable sector operates under Law No. 24 of 1962, which the ministry has cited in multiple regulatory updates to maintain structured humanitarian efforts. The Financial Action Task Force’s 2nd Enhanced Follow-Up Report for the State of Kuwait highlighted the scale of non-profit activity and the importance of supervision. Data from that assessment found 155 entities falling under the relevant definition, including the 84 charities. The report placed emphasis on effective monitoring of such organizations.
The award criteria stress innovation alongside sustainability and the capacity for initiatives to scale nationally while preserving cultural norms. Digital security requirements ensure protection of data in family support programs. Feasibility studies and evidence of measurable results are mandatory components for all applications. Only projects demonstrating clear outcomes in family well-being will advance in the selection process.
The certificate of appreciation serves as the official recognition for winning institutions in the family-friendly category. Applications are to be directed through the channels specified in the ministry letter. The theme for 2026 focuses exclusively on initiatives that advance family structures in measurable ways. This edition marks the seventh iteration of the award program.
