What is FCRA?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) governs how NGOs, trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies receive and use foreign contributions. It ensures funds are used only for lawful, charitable purposes and protects national interest.

Purpose of FCRA Registration

• Regulate the acceptance and use of foreign contributions and hospitality.
• Prevent misuse of foreign funds for activities against national interest.
• Increase transparency and accountability in fund utilization.
• Build donor confidence by ensuring legal compliance.

Who Can Apply for FCRA?

• Must be a registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
• Should have completed at least 3 years of operations.
• Must have spent a minimum of ₹10 lakhs in the last 3 years on its activities (excluding admin expenses).
• Should provide audited financial statements for the past 3 years.
• Activities must align with charitable or developmental objectives.

Benefits of FCRA Registration

• Receive foreign contributions legally.
• Improves credibility and trust among international donors.
• Helps NGOs support large-scale development, education, health, and relief work.
• Ensures legal compliance with government norms.
• Required for CSR partnerships and foreign grants.

Checklist for FCRA Registration

• Organisation type: Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
• At least 3 years of existence.
• FC-3A form for application.
• Trust Deed / MOA / AOA available.
• Past activity reports.
• Audited financials for the last 3 years.

FCRA Registration Types

• Prior Permission Certificate (PPC): Temporary approval valid for 1 year, ideal for new NGOs seeking foreign funds for specific projects or donors.
• Permanent Registration Certificate (PRC): Valid for 5 years. Suitable for NGOs with 3+ years of activity and proven use of ₹10 lakhs or more in funds.

Documents Required

• Registration Certificate
• MOA or Trust Deed
• Activity Reports (3 years)
• Audited Financial Statements (3 years)
• Affidavits of key members
• Signature image of Chief Functionary
• Image of NGO seal
• NGO Darpan ID

FCRA Registration Process

• Visit the FCRA portal and create an account.
• Fill FC-3A form with organisation details.
• Upload all supporting documents.
• Pay the government registration fee.
• Wait for MHA review and approval.
• Upon approval, receive your FCRA certificate (valid for 5 years).

FCRA Bank Account Requirement

• Open a dedicated bank account with SBI, Sansad Marg Branch, New Delhi.
• This account is mandatory and should only be used for receiving foreign contributions.

FCRA Renewal & Validity

• FCRA Registration is valid for 5 years.
• Apply for renewal (Form FC-3C) at least 6 months before expiry.
• Delay in renewal can result in cancellation or suspension of registration.

FCRA Annual Return Filing

• File Form FC-4 by December 31 each year.
• Report foreign contributions if total exceeds ₹1 crore in a financial year.
• Include audited receipts, payments, and balance sheets.
• Must be certified by a Chartered Accountant.

Prohibitions Under FCRA

• Using fake identities or fake organisations.
• Involvement in religious conversions.
• Past record of communal tension or sedition charges.
• Media houses, political parties, government servants, judges cannot receive foreign funds.

Exceptions Under FCRA

• Government bodies receiving foreign support for international cooperation, diplomacy, or aid are exempt.

Penalties for Violations

• Up to 3x penalty on unauthorized foreign contributions.
• Suspension or cancellation of registration.
• Legal action for providing false information.
• Confiscation of accounts, donations, and organisational property.

FCRA Registration Fees

• ₹5,000 – Prior Permission Certificate
• ₹10,000 – Permanent Registration Certificate
• Note: Government fee may change.

Why Choose Sperso Filings?

• End-to-end application handling.
• Timely registration processing (within 7–10 working days).
• Expert legal and documentation guidance.
• Continuous support for renewal and annual returns.
• 100% accuracy and satisfaction guarantee