The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010, plays a crucial role in regulating the acceptance of foreign contributions by organizations in India.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the essentials of FCRA registration, the required documentation, and the procedural steps involved.
FCRA Registration Made Simple: Eligibility, Documentation, & Procedure
The FCRA legislation ensures that such contributions are utilized for the welfare of society in a transparent and accountable manner.
Organizations engaged in cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programs must obtain FCRA registration from the Central Government to accept foreign contributions.
Key Requirements for Eligibility
- Legal Registration: The organization must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, or Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- FCRA Account: Applicants must open an FCRA Account with the State Bank of India, Main Branch, New Delhi.
- Operational Duration: The organization should have been in existence for at least three years, demonstrating reasonable activity in its chosen field benefiting society.
- Minimum Expenditure: It must have spent at least ₹15,00,000 over the last three years on core activities. In exceptional cases, this requirement may be waived by the Central Government.
- Asset Declaration: If including existing capital investments (like bank balances, buildings, vehicles) in the ₹15 lakh calculation, the applicant must provide an undertaking that these assets will only be used for activities covered under the Act.
- 12A Registration: The organization must also possess a 12A registration certificate.
Note: Applications submitted before the new rules came into effect will still be considered but must detail the FCRA Account.
FCRA Bank Account
Every organization seeking FCRA registration is required to open an FC designated bank account with SBI, Main Branch, New Delhi.
Additionally, organizations may open one “Another FCRA Account” and one “Utilization Account” in any PFMS-compliant scheduled bank.
Procedure for FCRA Registration
The process for obtaining FCRA registration is straightforward:
- Visit the Ministry of Home Affairs website at fcraonline.nic.in.
- Create a Login ID.
- Complete Form FC-3A, the FCRA Registration Form.
- Upload the necessary documents for registration.
- Pay the registration fee of ₹10,000 and print the application.
Documents Required for FCRA Registration
To complete the registration process, the following documents need to be uploaded in Form FC-3A:
| Document Name | Desired Size |
|---|---|
| Registration Certificate of Association | 1 MB (PDF) |
| Memorandum of Association/Trust Deed | 5 MB (PDF) |
| Activity Report for the Last Three Years | 3 MB (PDF) |
| Audited Statement of Accounts for the Last 3 Years | 5 MB (PDF) |
| Affidavit of Each Key Functionary | 1 MB (PDF) |
| Chief Functionary Signature (140×60 Pixels) | 50 KB |
| Seal of the Association (140×60 Pixels) | 100 KB |
Navigating the FCRA registration process can seem daunting, but understanding the requirements and following the proper procedures can simplify the journey.
At Prakash Kochar Consultancy (PKC), we provide expert guidance and support throughout the FCRA registration process.
Our team of trained professionals is dedicated to assisting organizations in ensuring compliance with regulations, allowing you to focus on your mission and community impact.
