What are the different types of NGO registrations in India?

• In India, NGOs can register as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company, each with specific registration requirements and benefits.

What is the process to register a Trust?

• To register a Trust, you’ll need a Trust Deed, ID proofs of trustees, and witnesses. The deed should be registered at the local Registrar’s office.

How do I register a Society?

• A society needs at least seven members to form. You’ll require documents like Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations, and it must be registered under the Society Registration Act.

What are the requirements to register a Section 8 Company?

• A Section 8 Company requires at least two directors. You must apply with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, providing documents like the MOA, AOA, and details of directors.

How long does it take to register an NGO in India?

• The timeline varies by type: Trusts and Societies generally take 1-2 weeks, while Section 8 Companies may take around 30-40 days.

Is there a minimum capital requirement to start an NGO?

• There’s no capital requirement for Trusts or Societies, but for Section 8 Companies, the capital requirements can vary based on the scale of operations.

Can foreigners or NRIs start an NGO in India?

• Yes, but for certain types of registration, there may be additional requirements, such as FCRA compliance if the NGO plans to receive foreign funding.

Do I need a PAN card for my NGO?

• Yes, obtaining a PAN card is essential for financial transactions and to apply for 12A and 80G certifications.

What documents are required to register an NGO?

• Generally, documents include ID and address proofs, MOA, AOA, PAN card, Trust Deed (for trusts), and a list of board members.

Is it mandatory to have a registered office for my NGO?

• Yes, a registered office is necessary as it serves as the official address for correspondence and records.

What are the key compliance requirements for NGOs?

• NGOs must comply with statutory audits, filing of annual returns, income tax filings, and adherence to FCRA regulations if applicable.

What is 12A registration, and why is it important?

• 12A registration exempts NGOs from paying income tax on their donations and grants, which is crucial for tax savings.

How can an NGO obtain 80G certification?

• An NGO must apply to the Income Tax Department with audited financial statements, 12A registration, and other documents to obtain 80G certification, which allows donors to receive tax benefits.

How often should NGOs file their annual returns?

• NGOs should file annual returns every financial year, typically before September 30th of the assessment year.

What is the FCRA, and do all NGOs need it?

• The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is mandatory for NGOs that want to receive foreign contributions. Not all NGOs need it; only those expecting foreign funds must apply.

Can an NGO lose its 12A or 80G certification?

• Yes, non-compliance with regulations or misuse of funds can lead to revocation of these certifications.

What happens if an NGO does not comply with FCRA regulations?

• Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines, cancellation of FCRA registration, and restrictions on receiving foreign funding.

Are NGOs required to conduct audits?

• Yes, statutory audits are mandatory for NGOs to ensure transparency and compliance with legal requirements.

How often does an NGO need to renew its FCRA registration?

• FCRA registration needs renewal every five years. The NGO must apply for renewal six months before the expiration date.

What are the penalties for failing to meet compliance requirements?

• Penalties may include fines, loss of certifications, or deregistration, depending on the type and severity of the non-compliance.

What are some funding options for NGOs in India?

• Funding sources include individual donations, corporate CSR contributions, grants from government bodies, international foundations, and crowdfunding.

How do we apply for CSR funding?

• To qualify for CSR funds, your NGO must have 12A and 80G certifications. You can apply by contacting CSR departments of companies and presenting your project proposals.

Can NGOs receive foreign funding?

• Yes, NGOs can receive foreign funding, but they must have FCRA registration to do so legally.

What is the process for grant applications?

• Generally, NGOs need a detailed project proposal, including objectives, budget, and impact assessment. Applications should be submitted to the funding agency within the deadline.

How can NGOs benefit from crowdfunding?

• Crowdfunding can be an effective way to raise funds through online platforms by creating campaigns that appeal to a wide audience.

How important is 80G certification for fundraising?

• 80G certification is essential as it incentivizes donors by allowing them to claim tax deductions on donations made to your NGO.

Are there specific grants for women empowerment projects?

• Yes, many government and private grants focus on women empowerment, such as the National Women Development Corporation (NWDC) schemes.

Can NGOs collaborate with international organizations for funding?

• Yes, NGOs with FCRA can partner with international agencies for funding and project collaborations, given proper compliance.

What should a funding proposal include?

• A good proposal includes an executive summary, goals, project details, budget, timelines, anticipated outcomes, and monitoring and evaluation plans.

How can NGOs build long-term relationships with donors?

• Consistent communication, transparency, impact reporting, and acknowledging donor contributions can help in building long-term donor relationships.