INTRODUCTION

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are a potent tool for NGOs looking to capitalise on corporate goodwill. However, recipients are only eligible if they have registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) using Form CSR-1. It is become mandatory to file CSR 1 form as per the companies act, 2013 for NGOs (i.e., Trust, Society, Section 8).

This blog explains why this certificate is important, how to obtain it, what happens if you don't, and how Lawfinity makes it simple. It was written with Lawfinity's (a little sloppy but sincere) pen. Let's get started.

WHY IS THIS KIND OF REGISTRATION NEEDED?

If company has not register in Form CSR-1 through MCA, then it is not considered official CSR expenditure. Only NGOs registered using Form CSR-1 are permitted to lawfully receive CSR funds under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Absent this registration: Priceless corporate CSR donations are not available to the NGO. Corporates run the risk of not complying themselves if they claim such contributions as CSR. NGOs continue to be overlooked by the official MCA, which damages trust and limits opportunities for collaboration.

In summary, the CSR-1 "certificate" is more than just documentation; it is a vital link to legitimacy, openness, and steady funding.

WHO ISSUES THIS KIND OF REGISTRATION?

CSR-1 registration is managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) via its e-governance portal. The NGO obtains a CSR Registration Number upon successful application, which acts as the required licence or certificate to obtain CSR funding. Companies and stakeholders will use your digital CSR Registration Number to confirm your eligibility; there is no separate paper certificate.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NGOS TO RECEIVE CSR FUNDING IN INDIA

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Qualified Organisations:

For your NGO to be eligible for CSR-1 and CSR funding, it must be:

A registered Section 8 Company
A registered Public Trust
A registered Society

Furthermore, the NGO should ideally have:

For income tax exemption, a valid 12A registration is required. For donor tax benefits, a valid 80G registration is required. A minimum of three years of operational experience is required.

The three-year requirement might not be applicable, though, if the NGO was established by a business or the government especially for CSR objectives.

Documents Needed:

This is a simple document checklist that you must create:

NGO PAN card
12A and 80G certificates
NGO Darpan ID (if available)
Certificate of registration (Trust Deed, Society Registration Certificate, or Section 8 Incorporation Certificate)
At least three board members' or trustees' PAN, Aadhaar, or DIN
the authorised signatory's DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
the last three years' worth of audited financial statements and information about prior CSR or related projects Keeping thorough records is half the fight won.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR LICENCING AND CERTIFICATION

If you follow these steps correctly, obtaining your CSR-1 licence can be easy:

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Make sure your NGO's operations and structure meet MCA's standards. Make sure you fit all the requirements.

Step 2: Compile Records

Gather all required paperwork and obtain the authorised signatory's Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).

Step 3: Access MCA21 Portal by logging in

Go to Form CSR-1 on the MCA21 V3 portal. This form can only be completed and submitted online.

Step 4: Complete CSR-1 Part I

Give your NGO's basic information, registration details, goals, and contact information. If available, enter the NGO Darpan ID as well.

Step 5: Include the information of the governing members

Provide a list of the important members of your governing body along with their designation and PAN, DIN, and Aadhaar.

Step 6: Verify OTPs

OTPs will be sent to the email and registered mobile number you provided. These are limited to a few attempts per day and are time-sensitive.

Step 7: Obtain Certification for Part-II

A Practicing Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost Accountant must digitally sign and certify Part-II of CSR-1.

Step 8: Send in the Application

Submit the form after everything has been checked and digitally signed.

Step 9: Obtain a CSR Registration Number

You will receive an email with your CSR Registration Number and a portal update within a few days, typically 5-7 business days.

Step 10: Establish Communication with Corporates

After registering, you can formally collaborate with businesses on projects funded by CSR.

HOW IS THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE SIMPLIFIED BY LAWFINITY?

Let's face it—anybody's head would spin from government portals, OTP errors, and document uploads. Lawfinity comes into play here.

Here's how we can assist:

We assess your NGO's preparedness: We will inform you up front if you are eligible for CSR-1.
We gather and arrange documents: We will organise all the paperwork, so bid adieu to disorganised folders.
We help you navigate the MCA portal: We walk you through the MCA21 V3 interface.
We connect you with experts: To certify your CSR-1, do you require a CA/CS? We have got you covered.
We track your application: We notify you at every stage, from submission to the issuance of your CSR Registration Number.

Following registration, Lawfinity can assist with:

Creating Memorandums of Understanding for CSR initiatives Sending in CSR utilisation reports Ensuring continuous CSR compliance.

AUTHOR'S INK THOUGHTS

Let's face it, managing an NGO CSR compliance India is a marathon of passion. However, corporate doors cannot be opened by passion alone. It is now strategically imperative to comply, particularly with CSR standards. Doing good is no longer sufficient; you must now demonstrate, record, and register it.

The CSR-1 certificate, also known as the CSR Registration Number, is comparable to a trust seal. Businesses require reassurance that their CSR efforts are both legally compliant and have an impact.

Therefore, maintaining compliance is your key to long-term funding, regardless of whether you're an urban Section 8 Company or a grassroots trust. Lawfinity is here to support you if paperwork isn't your thing. No technical terms. Avoid taking any detours. Just a straightforward route to CSR compliance India readiness.

Make the difference you were destined to make. The fine print will be handled by us.