FCRA Registration

Every Charitable Trusts, Societies, Section 8 Company that receive foreign contribution or donation from foreign sources are required to obtain registration under Section 6(1) of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. Such a registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 is called a FCRA registration

Eligibility for obtaining FCRA Registration

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 or FCRA is a law of government of India which manage receipt of foreign contributions or help from outside India to India areas. This is important to ensure that such help does not affect political or other circumstances in India.

Organizations seeking foreign contributions for definite cultural, social, economic, educational or religious programmes may obtain FCRA registration or receive foreign contribution through “prior permission” route. It is preferable for an FCRA applicant to be a Trust or Society or a Section 8 Company. The not-for-profit entity must have also been in existence for a minimum of three years while making the FCRA application and should not have received any foreign contribution prior to that without the Government’s approval. Additionally, the entity seeking registration should have spent at least Rs.10,00,000/- over the last three years on its aims and objects, excluding administrative expenditure. Statements of Income & Expenditure, duly audited by Chartered Accountant, for last three years are to be submitted to substantiate that it meets the financial parameter

Main Objective of FCRA Registration:

1. Regulate the receipt of foreign contribution and utilisation or foreign hospitality
2. Prohibit the receipt and utilization of foreign hospitality, foreign contribution for any activities unfavoured to national interest

Benefits of FCRA Registration:

1. It helps receiving foreign contribution lawfully or government aids
2. Registered entity can receive donation from foreign corporate bodies.
3. Generate foreign reserve to government.

Eligibility for FCRA Registration:

1. Section 8 Companies registered under the Companies Act 2013 or 1956.
2. Societies registered under the Indian Society Registration Act.
3. Trust.
4. The entity registered under FCRA, must not ultra-virus of applicable laws.
5. The Trust, section 8 companies, societies must have only charitable objectives.

Steps for FCRA Registration:

Step 1 : Create user and password on FCRA website http://fcraonline.nic.in

Step 2 : Fill Form FC-3A which is a FCRA Registration form.

Step 3 : upload required documents for registration.

Step 4 : Pay Fee and Print application.

Documents Required for the FCRA Registration:

1. Registration Certificate of Association or COI.
2. Memorandum of Association of Trust, Societies, or Section 8 Company.
3. Activity Report for last three year.
4. Audited balance sheet last three years.
5. Affidavits of every member.
6. Signature specimen of Authorised or Chief functionary.
7. Seals of the NPO.