NGO Consultant

NGO Consultant
Odisha NGO Consultancy Services

Saturday, February 8, 2025

To register for FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) for NGOs in India to receive international funding and grants, you need to follow a specific process outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

 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:

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.