NGO Registration Online India

NGO Registration Online - Overview

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) registration in India involves various legal structures depending on the nature and objectives of the organisation. One common structure is Society Registration, which is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Societies are typically formed for the promotion of social welfare, arts, education, and other charitable activities. For a society, a minimum of seven members is required, and the registration is done with the Registrar of Societies. Another structure is Section 8 Company Registration, governed by the Companies Act, 2013, which allows for the formation of a non-profit company that can be either a private limited company or a public limited company. The registration process involves obtaining approval from the Registrar of Companies and adhering to the compliance norms set forth by the Government of India.

NGOs aiming for national and international recognition often register with the NGO-Darpan Portal, managed by NITI Aayog. This portal facilitates transparency and ensures that NGOs can receive government grants and foreign contributions. The NGO DARPAN ID is a crucial credential for gaining legitimacy and accessing resources from the Government of India and other governmental organisations. To establish a robust identity, NGOs also pursue Trademark Registration to protect their brand and ensure exclusive rights to their name and logo. Additionally, NGOs must comply with tax regulations by obtaining GST Registration if their annual turnover exceeds the threshold limit. NGOs can also list their entities under NGO DARPAN for better visibility and networking.

The governing structure of an NGO is defined by its Governing Body, which includes office bearers such as the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each member of the governing body is required to provide identity proof, typically an Aadhar Card, during the registration process. Special attention is given to organisations working for Persons with Disabilities, ensuring they comply with specific laws and gain support from government schemes.

Role of NGOs in India

NGOs in India are instrumental in addressing issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. They operate independently from the government, relying on donations, grants, and volunteer support to implement their programs and initiatives. The primary roles of NGOs in India include:

• Advocacy: NGOs advocate for policy changes and raise awareness about critical social issues.
• Service Delivery: They provide essential services like healthcare, education, and disaster relief.
• Community Development: NGOs work on grassroots levels to empower local communities and improve their quality of life.
• Research and Innovation: They conduct research to develop innovative solutions for social problems.

Eligibility Criteria to Start an NGO

Starting an NGO in India requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. These criteria ensure that the NGO operates legally and ethically. The key eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum Members: A minimum of three members is required to start an NGO.
• Age: All founding members must be at least 18 years old.
• Purpose: The NGO must have a clear and specific purpose, focusing on social, environmental, or economic issues.
• Documentation: Founders must provide valid identification documents, including PAN cards and address proofs.
• Compliance: The NGO must comply with the regulations outlined in the Societies Registration Act of 1860, the Indian Trusts Act of 1882, or the Companies Act of 2013, depending on the type of registration chosen.

Acts Governing NGO Registration Process

The registration of NGOs in India is governed by specific Acts, depending on the type of organisation:

• Societies Registration Act, 1860

  Governs the registration and functioning of societies engaged in charitable activities.

• Indian Trusts Act, 1882

  Applicable to NGOs formed as public charitable trusts, outlining their registration and management.

• Companies Act, 2013

  Governs NGOs registered as Section 8 companies, focusing on promoting charitable objectives.

NGO Registration Process in India

Registering an NGO in India involves several steps to ensure legal compliance and operational legitimacy:

• Choose the Type: Decide on the legal structure, such as a society, trust, or Section 8 company, based on the NGOs objectives and activities.
• Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), identity proofs of founding members, and address proof of the registered office.
• Apply for Registration: Submit the application along with the required documents to the respective registrar under the Societies Registration Act, Indian Trusts Act, or Companies Act.
• Verification and Approval: The registrar verifies the documents and conducts necessary checks. Once satisfied, the NGO is registered and provided with a registration certificate.
• Compliance: Fulfill ongoing compliance requirements, such as annual filings, maintaining proper accounts, and adhering to regulatory norms under the chosen Act. You can also opt for copyright registration if required

Ways to Raise Funds for NGOs

Raising funds is essential for NGOs to sustain their operations and support their causes. Here are effective ways to raise funds for NGOs:

• Donations: Solicit donations from individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organisations interested in supporting your cause.
• Access to Grants: Qualify for government and private sector grants, funding opportunities, and partnerships.
• Fundraising Events: Organise events such as charity galas, auctions, marathons, and concerts to raise funds and awareness.
• Corporate Partnerships: Collaborate with corporate entities through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives, sponsorships, and employee engagement programs.
• Online Campaigns: Use crowdfunding platforms and social media to reach a broader audience and collect donations online.
• Membership Programs: Recruit members who contribute regular fees or subscriptions to support ongoing projects.
• Legacy Giving: Encourage supporters to include your NGO in their wills or estate plans for future donations.

NGO Registration Fees

NGO Registration Fees include various costs associated with the registration process, such as government charges and professional fees. Understanding these fees is vital for proper budgeting and planning.

The cost for NGO registration starts from ₹ 7499 + Service Tax.