Access comprehensive funding solutions for NGOs and non-profits. CSR partnerships, FCRA registration, government grants, crowdfunding campaigns, and complete compliance support to fuel your social mission.
India's social sector has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem with diverse funding opportunities. With over ₹25,000 Crores available annually through corporate CSR mandates alone, NGOs have unprecedented access to resources. However, accessing this funding requires proper compliance, credible track records, and strategic positioning.
The funding landscape includes Corporate CSR (mandatory 2% spend for qualifying companies), government schemes through various ministries and NITI Aayog, foreign donations via FCRA, foundation grants from philanthropic organizations, crowdfunding through digital platforms, and individual donations enabled by 80G tax benefits.
Success in fundraising requires more than just a good cause – it demands proper legal structure (12A, 80G compliance), transparent financial management, demonstrable impact, strong governance, and the ability to align projects with funder priorities. Our comprehensive support helps NGOs navigate this complex landscape effectively.
Major NGO Funding Sources
Corporate CSR Funding
₹25,000+ Crores Annually
Section 135, Companies Act 2013
Focus: Education, health, environment, poverty alleviation, rural development
Requirements: 12A, 80G, proven track record, aligned with Schedule VII
Government Grants & Schemes
Varies by Scheme
Central & State Ministries
Focus: Ministry-specific themes, NITI Aayog partnerships, state programs
Requirements: 3+ years operations, sector expertise, compliance history
Foreign Contributions (FCRA)
Unlimited (with FCRA)
International Donations
Focus: Global development goals, international donor priorities
Requirements: FCRA registration, 3 years domestic work, strict compliance
Foundation Grants
₹10 Lakhs - ₹5 Crores
Philanthropic Organizations
Focus: Specific themes (Tata, Azim Premji, Bill Gates, etc.)
Requirements: Strong proposal, impact measurement, foundation alignment
Crowdfunding Platforms
₹5 Lakhs - ₹50 Lakhs per campaign
Online Individual Donations
Focus: Emotional causes, urgent needs, specific projects
Requirements: Compelling storytelling, digital presence, transparency
Individual Donors
Recurring Revenue Stream
Direct Donations
Focus: 80G tax benefit driven, personal connections
Section 135: Companies with ₹5Cr+ net profit must spend 2% on CSR activities.
₹25,000+ Crores annual CSR pool
Schedule VII lists eligible activities
NGOs with 12A/80G preferred
3-year track record required
Schedule VII Activities
Eradicating hunger & poverty
Education, skill development
Healthcare, sanitation
Environmental sustainability
Rural development
Gender equality, women empowerment
Key Strategy: Align your projects with company CSR themes. Research corporate CSR policies, customize proposals, demonstrate measurable impact, and maintain transparent reporting to build long-term partnerships.
NGO Sectors Eligible for Funding
Education
Healthcare
Child Welfare
Women Empowerment
Environment
Rural Development
Skill Training
Water & Sanitation
Poverty Alleviation
Disability Support
Elderly Care
Animal Welfare
Essential Compliance for NGO Funding
12A Registration
Income tax exemption for NGO's income
✓ NGO doesn't pay tax on surplus
80G Approval
Donors get 50% tax deduction
✓ Attracts more individual donations
FCRA Registration
Legal receipt of foreign funds
✓ Access to international donors
Annual Audits
Mandatory financial auditing
✓ Builds credibility with funders
NGO Darpan Registration
Government NGO database
✓ Eligibility for government grants
CSR Portal Registration
Listing on CSR platforms
✓ Visibility to corporates
NGO Funding Application Process
1
Compliance Setup
Ensure 12A, 80G registrations. Get FCRA if targeting foreign funds. Register on NGO Darpan and CSR portals
2
Track Record Building
Document past projects, impact metrics, beneficiary testimonials, financial transparency, and governance
3
Funder Research
Identify suitable funders based on your sector, geography, project size, and thematic alignment
4
Proposal Development
Create compelling project proposal with clear objectives, activities, budget, timeline, and impact metrics
5
Application Submission
Submit through proper channels - CSR portals, foundation websites, government schemes, or direct approach
6
Due Diligence
Funder conducts field visits, document verification, reference checks, and financial audit review
7
Approval & Agreement
Sign funding agreement with clear deliverables, reporting requirements, and fund utilization terms
8
Implementation & Reporting
Execute project as per plan, maintain records, submit periodic reports, and ensure fund accountability
Our NGO Funding Support Services
Compliance Setup
12A, 80G, FCRA registration assistance
CSR Partnership
Connect with corporate CSR teams
Proposal Writing
Compelling project proposals & budgets
Funder Database
Access to 100+ funding sources
Grant Applications
Government scheme applications
Crowdfunding Campaigns
Platform selection & campaign management
Impact Reporting
MEL framework & donor reports
Compliance Management
Annual filings & regulatory support
Keys to Successful Funding Proposals
Clear Problem Statement
Define the social issue with data and urgency
Measurable Outcomes
Specific, quantifiable impact metrics
Realistic Budget
Detailed, justified cost breakdown
Strong Track Record
Past success stories and testimonials
Sustainability Plan
How project continues post-funding
Transparent Governance
Clear organizational structure and processes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗
Applying without proper compliance (12A, 80G, FCRA)
✗
Generic proposals not customized to funder priorities
✗
Unrealistic budgets or vague cost estimates
✗
Weak impact measurement framework
✗
Poor documentation of past work and credibility
✗
Not researching funder's CSR themes or focus areas
✗
Missing application deadlines or submission requirements
✗
Inadequate financial transparency in audit reports
✗
Lack of sustainability plan beyond grant period
✗
Not following up after proposal submission
Funding Source Comparison
Source
Potential
Timeline
Key Requirement
CSR Funding
₹5L - ₹5Cr
2-6 months
12A, 80G, 3 years track record
Government Grants
Varies
3-12 months
NGO Darpan, sector expertise
FCRA (Foreign)
Unlimited
6-9 months
FCRA registration
Foundation Grants
₹10L - ₹2Cr
3-8 months
Alignment with foundation goals
Crowdfunding
₹5L - ₹50L
30-45 days
Digital presence, storytelling
Individual Donors
Ongoing
Immediate
80G certificate
Important Points to Remember
12A and 80G are essential for accessing most funding sources
FCRA requires 3 years of domestic work before application
CSR funding prefers NGOs with proven track record and impact
Each funder has specific themes - customize your proposals
Maintain transparent financial records and annual audits
Impact measurement and reporting are crucial for repeat funding
Build relationships with CSR teams, don't just send proposals
Government schemes require NGO Darpan registration
Multiple funding sources ensure sustainability
Compliance and timely reporting build long-term credibility
What funding sources are available for NGOs in India?
NGOs in India can access diverse funding sources: Corporate CSR (mandatory 2% spend under Section 135 - over ₹25,000 Crores annually), Foreign donations through FCRA, Government schemes (NITI Aayog, Ministry-specific grants, State funding), Individual donations (online and offline), Foundation grants (Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, etc.), Crowdfunding platforms (Ketto, Milaap, GiveIndia), International donor agencies (USAID, UNICEF, etc.), and Corporate foundations. Strategic mix of these sources ensures sustainable funding.
What is FCRA registration for NGOs?
FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration allows Indian NGOs to legally receive foreign donations. Key aspects: Valid for 5 years (renewable), Requires minimum 3 years of domestic social work, Mandatory for foreign funding above certain limits, Strict compliance and reporting requirements, Dedicated FCRA bank account needed, Annual FC-4 returns mandatory, Allows access to international grants and donations. Application through MHA portal with detailed documentation of past work and governance structure.
How can NGOs get CSR funding?
To access CSR funding: (1) Ensure proper registration (12A, 80G mandatory), (2) Register on CSR portals like NGO Darpan, CSR Box, (3) Create compelling project proposals aligned with Schedule VII activities, (4) Build credibility through past impact reports, (5) Network with corporate CSR teams, (6) Demonstrate transparent financial management, (7) Show measurable outcomes and monitoring systems, (8) Apply for specific CSR themes matching company focus (education, health, environment, etc.), (9) Maintain compliance with Section 135 requirements.
What documents are required for NGO funding applications?
Standard documentation for most funding sources: Registration certificate (Trust/Society/Section 8 Company), PAN card, 12A tax exemption certificate, 80G donation receipt approval, FCRA certificate (for foreign funding), Last 3 years audited financial statements, Annual reports with activity details, Current project proposal with budget, Board resolution authorizing fund application, List of board members with IDs, Bank account details and statements, Impact assessment reports, Beneficiary testimonials and case studies, MoU/partnership documents if applicable.
What are the eligibility criteria for government NGO grants?
General eligibility for government schemes: Registered legal entity (Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company), Valid 12A and 80G tax exemption certificates, Minimum 3 years of operational track record in relevant sector, Clean financial audit reports, No adverse records with government departments, Relevant sector-specific experience, Established governance structure with active board, Dedicated bank account for project funds, Commitment to government reporting and evaluation requirements. Specific schemes may have additional criteria related to geographic focus, beneficiary types, or thematic areas.
How long does it take to get NGO funding approved?
Timeline varies by funding source: CSR funding: 2-6 months (proposal to approval to disbursement), Government grants: 3-12 months depending on scheme complexity, FCRA registration: 6-9 months for new applications, Foundation grants: 3-8 months typically, Crowdfunding: Immediate to 45 days campaign duration. Factors affecting timeline: completeness of documentation, credibility of NGO, complexity of project, funding amount, and due diligence requirements. Having all compliance in place significantly reduces processing time.