Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Eligibility Criteria:
- Your NGO must be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
- It should have been operational for at least three years.
- You must have spent at least ₹15,00,000 in the last three years on your objectives (excluding administrative expenses).
- Your activities should align with the permissible purposes for receiving foreign contributions.
2. Gather Required Documents:
- Registration Certificate of Association
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) / Trust Deed
- Activity Report for the last 3 years
- Audited Statement of Accounts for the last three years
- FCRA Bank Account details in State Bank of India (SBI), Main Branch, New Delhi
- Darpan ID (if available)
3. Online Application Process:
- Visit the official FCRA portal:
https://fcraonline.nic.in/ - Click on "FCRA Registration" or "Prior Permission" depending on your need.
- Create an account and log in.
- Fill out the FC-3A form for registration or FC-3B for prior permission.
- Provide details about your NGO, executive committee, and bank account.
- Upload all the required documents in PDF format.
- Pay the required registration fee online.
- Submit the application.
4. Scrutiny and Approval:
- The MHA will scrutinize your application and documents.
- They may conduct due diligence and inspections.
- If everything is in order, they will grant you FCRA registration or prior permission.
5. Compliance and Renewal:
- Once registered, you need to maintain proper accounts of foreign contributions.
- You must file annual returns in Form FC-4.
- FCRA registration is valid for 5 years and needs to be renewed.
Important Points:
- Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
- Adhere to the FCRA guidelines and regulations.
- Maintain transparency in handling foreign funds.
- Failure to comply may lead to penalties or cancellation of registration.
Additional Resources:
- FCRA website:
https://fcraonline.nic.in/ - MHA website:
https://mha.gov.in/
Note: The FCRA process can be complex and may require professional assistance. Consider consulting with experts or legal professionals specializing in FCRA compliance for guidance.