Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an essential part of business ethics in India. Companies are now actively investing in social causes such as education, healthcare, skill development, and environmental sustainability. For NGOs and non-profit organizations, CSR funding provides an excellent opportunity to access financial support from corporates to execute impactful projects.

What is CSR Funding?

CSR funding refers to the financial contributions made by eligible companies towards social development projects as mandated under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. Companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more, turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more, or net profit of ₹5 crore or more must spend at least 2% of their average net profits from the past three years on CSR activities.

This csr funding can be provided to NGOs, trusts, and Section 8 companies working in eligible areas such as education, women empowerment, rural development, and environmental conservation.

Eligibility Criteria for CSR Funding

Before applying for csr funding, it’s important to ensure your organization meets the following eligibility criteria:

1. Legal Registration:
   The NGO must be registered as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company under Indian law.

2. 12A and 80G Registration:
   Your organization should have valid 12A and 80G registration from the Income Tax Department to receive tax-exempt donations.

3. CSR-1 Registration:
   To receive csr funding, it’s mandatory for the NGO to register on the MCA CSR Portal by filing Form CSR-1. This is the most crucial step in the process.

4. Experience in Project Implementation:
   Corporates prefer NGOs with a proven track record in implementing similar projects.

5. Proper Documentation and Transparency:
   Maintaining updated financial statements, audit reports, and project progress reports helps in building trust with funding companies.

Step-by-Step Process to Register for CSR Funding

Here’s how to register and become eligible for csr funding in India:

Step 1: Obtain CSR-1 Registration

The CSR-1 form is the official application form that NGOs must submit to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to register for csr funding.

Procedure:

• Visit the MCA portal and log in using your credentials.

• Download Form CSR-1 and fill in details like organization name, registration type, PAN, and address.

• Upload digital signatures of an authorized representative and a practicing professional (CA, CS, or Cost Accountant).

• Submit the form online and receive a unique CSR Registration Number once approved.

Without this registration number, no NGO can receive csr funding from any company.

Step 2: Build a Strong Project Proposal

After CSR registration, prepare a detailed project proposal outlining:

• Project objectives and social impact

• Target beneficiaries and regions

• Estimated budget and duration

• Monitoring and evaluation methods

A professional and transparent proposal increases the chances of receiving csr funding.

Step 3: Approach Companies for CSR Partnerships

Once registered, you can directly contact companies eligible under the CSR Act. You can:

• Visit their CSR section on the company’s official website.

• Look for published CSR policy documents and funding priorities.

• Send your proposal through email or CSR portals.

Maintaining a clear and impact-driven presentation of your work is key to securing csr funding.

Step 4: Build Presence on CSR Platforms

Register your NGO on various online CSR portals such as:

• NGO Darpan

• CSRBOX

• Goodera

• GuideStar India

These platforms connect NGOs with corporates looking for potential partners for csr funding projects.

Step 5: Maintain Compliance and Reporting

After receiving csr funding, NGOs must maintain transparency by submitting:

• Utilization certificates

• Audit reports

• Quarterly or annual progress reports

This not only ensures compliance but also builds trust for future csr funding opportunities.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of CSR Funding

1. Highlight Measurable Impact: Show quantifiable results from past projects.

2. Maintain Transparency: Keep financial records and reports publicly available.

3. Collaborate: Partner with government bodies or other NGOs for large-scale initiatives.

4. Align Goals: Match your project goals with the company’s CSR focus areas.

5. Follow CSR Trends: Stay updated with new CSR regulations and funding priorities for 2025.

Benefits of CSR Funding for NGOs

• Long-term financial sustainability for social projects

• Improved credibility and recognition

• Networking opportunities with large corporations

• Capacity building and exposure to professional project management

Through csr funding, NGOs can significantly scale their operations and deliver a greater social impact.

Conclusion

Registering for csr funding in India involves legal compliance, transparency, and strategic networking. By obtaining CSR-1 registration, maintaining valid tax exemptions, and presenting a solid project proposal, your organization can attract consistent corporate support.

In 2025, companies are increasingly focusing on measurable social outcomes and transparent execution. So, if your NGO is genuinely working for community welfare, now is the perfect time to apply for csr funding and take your mission to the next level.