{"time":1757420293862,"blocks":[{"id":"MyQsOb7ua9","type":"header","data":{"text":"INTRODUCTION","level":2}},{"id":"tsMno75yeQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"India’s social sector has always been a bridge between communities in need and resources waiting to make a difference. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) often step into this role, driving change in education, healthcare, environment, and human rights. However, when the support flows from beyond India’s borders, it comes under a special legal lens. That lens is the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA)."}},{"id":"Du3WMZOb5s","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Foreign donations can be transformative—bringing capital, expertise, and global exposure. But they can also raise concerns about misuse, accountability, and influence. To strike a balance, the Government of India introduced the FCRA framework, ensuring that funds are used for the purpose they are received while maintaining transparency and national security."}},{"id":"79zSC98OFE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For NGOs, understanding and navigating this law is not optional—it’s fundamental. Whether you are a grassroots organization eyeing your first foreign grant or an established entity renewing your compliance, FCRA registration NGO requirements will shape your fundraising journey."}},{"id":"apCHQPBH0X","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This blog unpacks the FCRA regime: who needs it, how to apply, what compliances follow, and where NGOs often stumble. Along the way, we’ll also explain how Lawfinity can simplify this maze, so NGOs can focus on what matters."}},{"id":"TDZZwnXjVk","type":"header","data":{"text":"HOW TO REGISTER UNDER FCRA 2010 FOR FOREIGN FUNDING NGO","level":2}},{"id":"qnhkGMOlP8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"FCRA is not a one-size-fits-all approval. Depending on your NGO’s maturity, activities, and funding patterns, the process differs. Let’s walk through the steps:"}},{"id":"C-QagxB5d9","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Types of FCRA Registration","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"HQaub-txm6","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Normal Registration: For NGOs that have existed for at least three years and have spent a minimum of ₹15,00,000 on their activities in the last three financial years.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Prior Permission (PP): For newly formed NGOs or those who do not yet qualify for full registration but have identified a specific foreign donor or project.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"JST2H8v80r","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2. Prerequisites Before Applying"}},{"id":"kWRjVWRM7x","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Your NGO must be registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860 / Indian Trusts Act, 1882 / Section 8 Company of Companies Act, 2013.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"A dedicated FCRA Bank Account must be opened in the State Bank of India, New Delhi Main Branch (NDMB). This is mandatory and acts as the gateway for all foreign contributions.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"The organization’s objectives must clearly align with activities permitted under FCRA—such as social, educational, cultural, or economic development.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"Hdh-ugZAbU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"3. The Application Process"}},{"id":"hqtsCOvati","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Step 1: File Form FC-3A (for normal registration) or Form FC-3B (for prior permission) on the FCRA portal.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Step 2: Upload supporting documents, including audited financials, activity reports, governing body details, and commitment letters from foreign donors (for PP).","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Step 3: Pay the government fee online.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Step 4: Scrutiny by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Background checks of office-bearers and the NGO are conducted.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Step 5: Approval or rejection. If granted, the NGO receives a digital FCRA certificate valid for five years.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"l8tnL6veOx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"4. Renewal of Registration"}},{"id":"7Ubn_oR0Pz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Registrations are not perpetual. NGOs must apply for renewal at least six months before expiry. Missing the window can freeze foreign funding, sometimes crippling ongoing projects."}},{"id":"Jg1iMDtEyk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In short, the how to register under FCRA 2010 for foreign funding NGO is not just about filing forms—it’s about proving credibility, transparency, and intent."}},{"id":"0ect82m2rO","type":"header","data":{"text":"FCRA COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS FOR NGOs","level":3}},{"id":"EyQIZheJbV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Once you secure registration, the real test begins: ensuring strict compliance year after year. Here are the essentials:"}},{"id":"UhEocuK8vD","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Designated Bank Account: All foreign funds must flow through the SBI NDMB account. Transfers to utilization accounts are allowed but must be reported.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Annual Returns: File Form FC-4 every financial year by 31st December, detailing all receipts and utilization of funds.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Intimations: Any change in governing members, bank accounts, address, or objectives must be reported within 15 days.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Books of Accounts: Maintain separate books and records for foreign contributions. Mixing local and foreign funds is a recipe for violations.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Utilization Restrictions: At least 20% of foreign funds must not be used for administrative expenses unless prior approval is sought.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Prohibited Activities: FCRA funds cannot be used for political activities, speculative investments, or for the benefit of barred organizations or individuals.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"lQxPaROma7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Non-compliance has serious consequences: suspension of license, cancellation, penalties, or even criminal proceedings."}},{"id":"KZ2gqW-TId","type":"image","data":{"caption":"FCRA Compliance Obligations for NGOs","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"stretched":false,"file":{"url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dmd2a1z29/image/upload/v1757420216/lr2yfesimmsbhllcm83j.jpg"}}},{"id":"IGDiUkrFeL","type":"header","data":{"text":"HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES SUCH PROCEDURE?","level":2}},{"id":"S9uX4DRaAc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"At Lawfinity, we’ve seen the stress that FCRA compliance brings to NGOs. While leaders want to focus on programs and outreach, they often get buried in forms, renewals, and audits. That’s where we step in."}},{"id":"r7lqZNfvnU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here’s how we simplify the FCRA journey:"}},{"id":"TUuG0F2D_0","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","meta":{},"items":[{"content":"Eligibility Assessment: Before filing, we evaluate your NGO’s track record to determine if you qualify for full registration or only prior permission.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Documentation Support: We prepare and structure your documents—financials, reports, governing body affidavits—in line with FCRA standards.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Application Filing: Our team manages online filing of FC-3A/FC-3B, ensuring accuracy and error-free submissions.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Liaison with Authorities: We track the application, respond to queries, and liaise with the Ministry where needed.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Banking Guidance: Assistance in opening the mandatory FCRA SBI NDMB account and structuring utilization accounts.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Annual Compliance: From FC-4 filings to change intimations, we act as your compliance partner.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Renewals and Amendments: We remind you ahead of deadlines and file renewals or amendments to avoid disruption in foreign funding.","meta":{},"items":[]},{"content":"Advisory on Fund Utilization: Guidance on allowable vs. prohibited uses of foreign funds, minimizing risk of violation.","meta":{},"items":[]}]}},{"id":"zQpoc-kXGD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With Lawfinity, the focus shifts from paperwork to purpose. NGOs can pursue their mission, while we guard their compliance."}},{"id":"v1uId-7uPL","type":"header","data":{"text":"MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK","level":3}},{"id":"tZeMdAL3JR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The FCRA framework, though strict, is not meant to stifle NGOs. It is designed to build trust in the sector—both within India and globally. When a donor in Europe or the US wires money, they want assurance that it is being put to good use. Likewise, the government needs to ensure that funds are not channeled into harmful activities."}},{"id":"-eoHKvugHX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"As someone who has interacted with numerous NGOs, I often notice a pattern: compliance is treated as a burden until a crisis arises. An organization may lose its FCRA license for missing a deadline or for using funds in a gray area. By then, it is too late—the damage to reputation and operations can be immense."}},{"id":"EMrbPs9bqC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If NGOs embed compliance into their DNA from day one, they not only avoid penalties but also build credibility. Donors today prefer organizations with a spotless compliance record. In that sense, FCRA is not just a law—it’s a trust-building tool."}},{"id":"2eWGRmyJnT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"So, my musing is this: don’t fear FCRA, embrace it. Think of it as a partner in your growth story. Transparency and accountability are not obstacles—they are your biggest assets."}}],"version":"2.31.0-rc.7"}