NGO CSR – 1 FILING
CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility, and it is a concept that is increasingly being adopted by businesses around the world. CSR is all about businesses taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment, and taking action to improve things.
In India, the CSR rules were introduced in 2013, and they require companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, or turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, to spend 2% of their average net profits from the previous three financial years on CSR activities. The rules are designed to encourage businesses to do more to improve society and the environment.
There are a number of ways in which businesses can get involved in CSR activities. Some common examples include:
Providing financial support to NGOs that are working on social or environmental projects
Carrying out environmental protection initiatives
Implementing employee volunteering programs
Organising community development programs
If you are an NGO that works on social or environmental projects, then you may be able to receive funding from companies that are required to spend money on CSR activities. This can be a great way to get additional funding for your work.
What Is the Process of Registration for CSR-1 in India
The process of registration for CSR-1 in India is as follows:
The NGO must first be registered with the Registrar of Companies (ROC).
Once the NGO is registered with the ROC, it can then apply for CSR-1 registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
The MCA will issue a registration certificate to the NGO, which will be valid for three years.
After the expiry of the three-year period, the NGO can renew its registration by submitting a fresh application to the MCA.
Benefits of Registering for CSR-1
There are several benefits to registering for CSR-1, the online portal for corporate social responsibility in India. First and foremost, it provides a one-stop shop for all the information and resources NGOs need to comply with the CSR requirements under the Companies Act. This includes a comprehensive database of registered NGOs, as well as details on upcoming CSR tenders and projects.
In addition, CSR-1 offers a number of value-added services to its members, such as training and capacity building programmes, access to exclusive research reports, and networking opportunities with other NGOs working in similar fields. Members also get discounts on CSR-related products and services offered by partner organisations.
How to Register for CSR-1
In order to register for CSR-1, NGOs must first create an account on the official website. Once they have done so, they can then login and click on the ‘Register’ button. After filling out the required information and submitting it, their registration will be complete.
Laws Associated With CSR Registration
- The Companies Act, 2013: All companies registered in India must comply with the Companies Act, 2013. This act contains provisions regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR)
- The Income Tax Act, 1961: Under this act, tax-exempt organisations are required to disclose their income and expenditure details.
- The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010: This act regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution by NGOs in India.
- The Indian Trusts Act, 1882: This act governs the registration and regulation of trusts in India. Trusts registered under this act are eligible to receive foreign contributions.
Importance of CSR-1
CSR has become a buzzword in recent years, with businesses and organisations of all sizes trying to implement it in some way or the other. However, its implementation is not always as simple as it seems. In India, for example, NGOs need to register themselves under the Companies Act in order to be eligible for CSR projects.
This process can be quite complicated, but it is essential in order to ensure that the NGO is legitimate and that the project will be properly carried out. Additionally, registration gives the NGO certain legal protections and allows them to receive tax exemption status.
Overall, registering an NGO in order to receive CSR projects is a critical step in ensuring that the organisation can operate effectively and efficiently. It also allows the NGO to tap into a new source of funding which can be used to further their cause.
Eligibility Criteria for NGOs
In order to be eligible for CSR registration in India, your NGO must:
Be a registered Indian charity or non-profit organisation
Have an Indian bank account
Have a valid PAN card
Submit annual financial statements
Comply with all other applicable laws and regulations
Filing of Form for CSR Funding
The registration for CSR funding can be filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) by any non-governmental organisation (NGO) that wishes to receive corporate funding for its various activities and programmes. The NGO must first fulfill the following criteria:
It should be registered as a society under the Society Registration Act, 1860; or as a public trust under any law for the time being in force in India; or as a section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013.
It should have been in existence for at least three years prior to applying for registration with the MCA.
It should have spent at least ₹3 lakh on average per annum on its core objects/activities during each of these three financial years.
Checklist for CSR-1 Registration
To register your NGO as a CSR-1 organisation in India, you will need to:
- Obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Companies or any other equivalent authority in India.
- After receiving the Certificate of Registration, file an application for registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs within 60 days.
- Along with the application, submit a copy of the NGO’s by-laws, articles of association/memorandum of understanding, and audited financial statements for the last three years.
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will issue a registration certificate within 120 days of receipt of the application, which will be valid for three years.
Documents Required for CSR-1 Registration
- Certificate of Registration: This document must be issued by the Registrar of Companies, Society, or Trust registration, as applicable. It should include the date of registration, registration number, and registered office address of the NGO.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association/Trust Deed/Society Bye-Laws: These documents contain the rules and regulations governing the NGO’s activities. They must be submitted in their original form, duly signed and stamped by the relevant authorities.
- PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) is an unique alphanumeric code allotted by the Income Tax Department to entities engaged in financial transactions. NGOs must submit a copy of their PAN cardalong with their CSR-1 application form.
- Audited Financial Statements: All NGOs seeking CSR-1 registration must submit audited financial statements for the previous three years, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These statements must be certified by a practicing chartered accountant or cost accountant.
- Annual Report: The NGO’s annual report for the previous year should be submitted along with the CSR-1 application form. The report should include details on the NGO’s activities during the year, financial position, achievements, etc.