FCRA Registration

FCRA Registration refers to the process of registering under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. This registration is mandatory for any individual, association, or organization in India that wishes to receive foreign contributions (funds, donations, etc.) from foreign sources.

Purpose of FCRA:

The FCRA aims to regulate the receipt and utilization of foreign contributions to ensure that they are not used for activities detrimental to national interest or for purposes that negatively impact the country's internal security.

Who Needs FCRA Registration?

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Trusts
• Societies
• Section 8 Companies
• Other organizations involved in activities of cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social nature.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The organization must be registered under existing laws (Trust Act, Societies Registration Act, Companies Act, etc.).
• It must have been in existence for at least three years.
• It must have spent a reasonable amount on its stated objectives for the benefit of society during those three years.
• The organization or its key functionaries should not have been prosecuted or convicted for any illegal activities.

FCRA Registration Process:

1. Online Application:
   • Visit the FCRA online portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs (fcraonline.nic.in).
   • Fill out Form FC-3 online.
   • Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
2. Document Submission:
   • Submit a hard copy of the online application along with supporting documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs within a stipulated time.
3. Verification and Approval:
   • The Ministry of Home Affairs will verify the application and documents.
   • Upon approval, an FCRA registration certificate will be granted.

Key Documents Required:

• Registration certificate of the organization.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Trust Deed.
• Activity reports of the past three years.
• Audited statements of accounts for the past three years.
• Affidavits and other supporting documents as required.

Important Points:

• FCRA registration is valid for five years and needs to be renewed.
• Organizations must maintain separate accounts for foreign contributions and file annual returns with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• There are certain restrictions on the use of foreign contributions, and non-compliance can lead to penalties or cancellation of registration.

Recent Amendments:

The FCRA has been amended in recent years, introducing stricter regulations and compliance requirements. Some key changes include:

• Restrictions on the transfer of foreign contributions to other organizations.
• Mandatory use of a designated FCRA bank account at a specific branch of the State Bank of India.
• Increased scrutiny and monitoring of foreign contributions.