Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has opened up major funding opportunities for NGOs and nonprofits that are creating real impact on the ground. But to actually receive CSR funds, your organization must meet certain legal requirements and complete specific registrations.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know — eligibility, criteria, and documentation — to get your nonprofit CSR funding-ready in India.
What Is CSR Funding?
Under the Companies Act, 2013, companies meeting certain size thresholds must spend 2% of their average net profits on CSR activities. These funds can be channeled to nonprofit organizations that meet the legal criteria, in focus areas such as:
- Education
- Health & sanitation
- Gender equality
- Livelihoods
- Environment
- Rural development
…but only if your nonprofit is properly registered.
Who Can Receive CSR Funds?
Only certain types of nonprofits are eligible to receive CSR funds under Indian law:
You must be:
- A Section 8 Company, Registered Trust, or Registered Society
- Registered under:
- Section 12A of the Income Tax Act
- Section 80G (for donor tax exemption)
- Registered on the MCA21 Portal as a CSR-eligible entity with a CSR-1 Form
Step-by-Step: How to Get Registered for CSR Funding
Step 1: Ensure Legal Entity Type
Your nonprofit must be:
- A Trust registered under Indian Trusts Act or relevant state laws
- A Society registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860
- A Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013
Step 2: Get 12A and 80G Certificates
These are essential under the Income Tax Act to establish your nonprofit status and allow donors (including corporates) to claim tax deductions.
You can apply through the Income Tax portal with relevant documents:
- PAN card
- Registration certificate
- MOA/Trust Deed
- Audited accounts for the last 3 years (if applicable)
Step 3: File Form CSR-1
This is mandatory for all NPOs wanting to receive CSR funding.
How to file:
- Download Form CSR-1 from the MCA website
- Fill in organizational details, PAN, 12A/80G registration numbers
- Get it digitally signed by:
- The Authorized Signatory of the NPO, and
- A Practicing Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost Accountant
- Upload it on the MCA portal
Once approved, you’ll receive a unique CSR Registration Number.
Documents Required for CSR-1 Filing
| Document | Purpose |
| PAN of the Organization | Identity |
| Registration Certificate (Trust/Society/Section 8) | Legal proof |
| 12A Certificate | Proof of nonprofit status |
| 80G Certificate | Proof of donor benefit |
| Details of Governing Board | Background check |
| DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) of Authorized Signatory | For form submission |
| Certification by CA/CS | Legal validation |
Important Notes:
- Filing CSR-1 is compulsory — no corporate can fund you under CSR without it.
- Keep all documents up-to-date; expired 12A/80G will disqualify you.
- CSR funds must be used for Schedule VII activities (as defined by the Companies Act).
Bonus Tip: Build a CSR Outreach Kit
Once you’re registered:
- Prepare an impact deck or presentation
- Highlight alignment with Schedule VII goals
- Include program budgets and past success stories
This makes your pitch more appealing to CSR heads and donor companies.
Final Thoughts
Getting CSR-ready is not as difficult as it sounds — it’s mostly about getting your paperwork in order and filing the right forms. Once you’re listed and compliant, you can tap into India’s vast pool of CSR funding and create sustainable, long-term partnerships with corporates.
The Author is a fundraising consulatant and mentor/ coach who lives in Bengaluru