FCRA Registration for Receiving Foreign Contributions

Organizations intending to receive foreign contributions for specific cultural, social, economic, educational, or religious programs must obtain registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) or seek permission through the “prior permission” route.

It is recommended that the applicant organization be structured as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company. Moreover, the not-for-profit entity must:

Have been in existence for at least three years at the time of application.
Not have received any foreign contribution prior to registration or approval.
Have spent a minimum of ₹10,00,000 over the last three years on its core activities (excluding administrative expenses).
Submit audited statements of Income and Expenditure for the last three financial years, certified by a Chartered Accountant, to demonstrate compliance with financial eligibility criteria.
Criteria for Grant of FCRA Registration

Upon submission of the application in the prescribed format, the government evaluates the following conditions:

Eligibility of the Applicant

The individual or organization must:

Not be fictitious or benami

1. Not have been prosecuted or convicted for:
2. Forced or induced religious conversions
3. Creating communal disharmony
4. Misuse or diversion of funds
5. Promoting sedition or violent activities

 

Not be involved in or likely to engage in:

1. Personal gains through foreign contributions
2. Any purpose deemed undesirable or unlawful

Not have violated any provision of the FCRA
Not be banned from accepting foreign contributions

Criminal Background Check:

1. If the applicant is an individual, they must not have any convictions or ongoing prosecutions under any current law.
2. If the applicant is an entity, none of its directors or office bearers should have criminal convictions or ongoing prosecutions.

 

Foreign Contribution Must Not Adversely Affect:

1. India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, or strategic interests
2. The economic or scientific interests of the State
3. Public interest or the fairness of elections
4. Friendly relations with foreign states
5. Religious, social, racial, linguistic, regional, or community harmony
6. Law and order, or incite any form of violence or endanger lives

How to Apply for FCRA Registration:

Applications for FCRA registration must be submitted online through Form FC-3. The following documents must be uploaded:

1. Self-certified copy of the registration certificate, Trust Deed, or incorporation documents.
2. Self-certified copy of relevant sections of the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association (AOA) highlighting the organization’s objectives.
3. An activity report detailing work done over the past three years.
4. Audited financial statements for the last three financial years:
5. Income & Expenditure Statement
6. Receipt & Payment Account
7. Balance Sheet (Assets & Liabilities)

 

These must clearly show expenditure incurred towards the organization’s objectives and administrative expenses.

Validity and Renewal of FCRA Registration
Once granted, FCRA registration remains valid for five years.
An application for renewal must be submitted at least six months before the expiry date to ensure continuity.