What is FCRA Registration?

FCRA registration is a legal requirement under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act for any organization in India that intends to receive foreign contributions. Established in 1976, the act regulates the flow of foreign donations to non-profits, ensuring they are used transparently and in line with the stated objectives. Registering under FCRA enables organizations to legally accept foreign funds, fostering trust among international donors.

Eligibility Criteria for FCRA Registration

To qualify for FCRA registration, your organization must meet the following criteria :

 

Registered Non-Profit : Must be registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, Indian Trusts Act, or Section 8 of the Companies Act.

 

Operational for Social Causes : Must have been active for at least 3 years, with a clear commitment to social, cultural, educational, or religious causes.

 

Minimum Spending on Social Welfare : Should have spent at least ₹15 lakh on social initiatives over the past three financial years.

 

Audited Financials : Audited financial statements for the last three years must show that funds were used for core activities.

 

Proper Utilization of Funds : At least 80% of foreign contributions should be spent on core activities, with administrative costs limited to 20%.

 

Prior Permission : NGOs expecting more than ₹1 crore in foreign donations must obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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Documents Required for FCRA Registration
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To complete the FCRA registration process through BizMantra, the following documents are required:

 

Registration Certificate of Association

 

Proof of your NGO's registration under applicable acts (Societies Registration Act, Trust Act, etc.).

 

Memorandum of Association/Trust Deed

 

Legal documents outlining the objectives, rules, and structure of the NGO. Audited Financial Statements for the Last 3 Years

 

Financial reports certified by a qualified Chartered Accountant to show the organization's financial health and accountability.

 

Activity Report for the Last 3 Years

 

A summary of the NGO's activities and achievements in the past three years.

 

NGO Darpan ID from NITI Aayog Portal

 

The NGO must be registered on the NITI Aayog portal and obtain a Darpan ID.

 

Aadhaar Card of All Office Bearers

 

Aadhaar numbers of the key officials in the organization.

For prior permission registration, you will also need a commitment letter from the donor organization and a project report detailing the use of foreign contributions.

FCRA Registration Process

At BizMantra, we streamline the FCRA registration process to help your organization become eligible for foreign donations:

 

Visit the FCRA Portal : Create an account on the Ministry of Home Affairs' FCRA portal.

 

Login and Fill FC-3 Form : Choose the appropriate FC-3 form based on your registration type (normal, prior permission, or renewal).

 

Upload Documents : Submit the required documents in the correct format.

 

Make Payment : Pay the government and professional fees based on the type of registration.

Once registered, your NGO can start receiving foreign donations in compliance with Indian law.