✅How to Get FCRA Approval for Your NGO (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)
📑 Table of Contents
- What is FCRA and Why is It Important?
- Who Can Apply for FCRA Registration?
- Step-by-Step Process to Get FCRA Approval
- Required Documents for FCRA Registration
- Tips to Ensure FCRA Approval
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion
📘 1. What is FCRA and Why is It Important?
FCRA stands for the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. It is a law that allows NGOs in India to receive foreign donations legally.
If your NGO plans to raise funds from abroad—via grants, international donors, embassies, or global organizations—you must have FCRA approval.
✅ 2. Who Can Apply for FCRA Registration?
Your NGO must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be a registered Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company
- Should have 3 years of active operations
- Minimum ₹10 lakh expenditure on social activities in the last 3 years
- Must have a clean financial and legal record
📝 3. Step-by-Step Process to Get FCRA Approval
Step 1: Register with NGO Darpan Portal
- Visit ngodarpan.gov.in
- Create an account and get your NGO Darpan ID
- You will need this before applying for FCRA
Step 2: Create an Account on FCRA Portal
- Visit fcraonline.nic.in
- Register your NGO with an email and password
Step 3: Fill Form FC-3A (for Registration)
- Login to FCRA portal
- Select “Apply Online” → Form FC-3A
- Enter details of NGO, board members, activities, and bank account
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
- NGO Registration Certificate
- PAN Card of NGO
- Financial statements (last 3 years)
- Activity reports (last 3 years)
- Aadhaar and ID proof of board members
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
- ₹10,000 for FCRA registration
- Pay via online payment gateway on the portal
Step 6: Wait for MHA Review
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will review your application
- Your bank and district administration may be contacted for verification
Step 7: Receive FCRA Certificate
- If approved, you’ll get a downloadable certificate on your FCRA dashboard
- Valid for 5 years, and can be renewed
📎 4. Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Registration Certificate | Trust/Society/Company proof |
| PAN Card | Tax identity |
| Audited Financials | Proof of ₹10 lakh spending |
| Activity Reports | Past 3 years of projects |
| Aadhaar + Photo ID | All executive members |
| Bank Account | SBI (New Delhi Branch – as per law) |
Make sure all documents are signed and scanned properly.
💡 5. Tips to Ensure FCRA Approval
- Keep your bank account only for foreign funds
- Choose SBI Main Branch in New Delhi (mandatory)
- Ensure all board members’ details match PAN/Aadhaar
- Avoid religious or political funding references
- Keep your NGO Darpan profile updated
❌ 6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting wrong or expired registration certificates
- Using personal bank accounts for NGO funds
- Mismatch in executive member data
- Ignoring queries from MHA during review
- Failing to maintain 3-year records
✅ 7. Conclusion
Getting FCRA approval for your NGO can open the doors to global fundraising, partnerships, and international grants. The process requires transparency, legal clarity, and the right documentation.
If you’re unsure about filing or need help with compliance, the Green Vision Society team can guide you at every step.
📧 support@greenvisionsociety.org
🌐 www.greenvisionsociety.org
