FCRA Registration

FCRA Registration

The FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration is a legal requirement for organizations in India that intend to receive foreign contributions or donations from foreign sources.

  1. Purpose: The FCRA registration is governed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, and its regulations. The primary purpose of this registration is to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or donations by individuals, associations, and NGOs in India to ensure that such funds are not used for activities prejudicial to the public interest or national security.
  2. Eligibility: Organizations eligible to apply for FCRA registration include:
    • Associations, societies, or NGOs registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or similar state-specific acts.
    • Charitable trusts registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, or similar state-specific acts.
    • Section 8 companies (nonprofit companies) registered under the Companies Act, 2013, or similar previous acts.
  1. Registration Process: The application for FCRA registration is made to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through an online portal. The application must be accompanied by various documents, including:
    • Copy of the registration certificate of the organization under the relevant law (e.g., Societies Registration Act, Trusts Act, Companies Act).
    • Copy of the audited financial statements of the organization for the last three years.
    • Details of the activities carried out by the organization and the foreign contributions received, if any.
    • Undertaking from the chief functionary or authorized signatory of the organization regarding compliance with the provisions of the FCRA.
  1. Verification and Approval: The MHA verifies the application and supporting documents to ensure compliance with the provisions of the FCRA. If satisfied, the MHA grants FCRA registration to the organization, allowing it to receive foreign contributions or donations subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
  2. Compliance Requirements: Once registered under the FCRA, the organization must comply with various reporting and regulatory requirements, including:
    • Utilizing the foreign contributions received only for the specified purposes and activities approved by the MHA.
    • Maintaining proper books of accounts and records of the receipt and utilization of foreign contributions.
    • Filing annual returns and reports with the MHA within the prescribed timelines.
    • Adhering to any other conditions or restrictions specified by the MHA.
  1. Renewal and Validity: The FCRA registration is typically valid for a period of five years, after which it may be renewed subject to compliance with the renewal requirements specified by the MHA. Failure to renew the registration may result in the organization being ineligible to receive foreign contributions.
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