What is CSR-1 Registration?

If your NGO wants to tap into the vast pool of corporate funding available in India, CSR-1 registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is a legal requirement.

Why CSR-1 Registration is the Ultimate Game Changer?

Filing Form CSR-1 officially lists your organization on the National CSR Portal, transforming your NGO from a local charity into a government-verified corporate implementing agency. It turns your NGO into an eligible partner for India’s top public and private companies looking to deploy their mandatory social development budgets.

Eligibility Criteria?

The MCA uses CSR-1 registration as a filter to ensure corporate funds only go to established, credible organizations. To register, your NGO must fulfill these strict preconditions:

• ✅ Entity Type: Must be a registered Section 8 Company, Registered Public Charitable Trust, or a Registered Society.

• ✅ Tax Exemptions are Mandatory: Your NGO must hold valid 12A and 80G registrations under the Income Tax Act. You cannot file Form CSR-1 without these tax exemption certificates.

• ✅ Established Track Record: The organization must have at least 3 years of established experience in handling continuous, verifiable social welfare activities.

The Single Exception: The 3-year track record rule is waived only if your NGO was directly set up by a company itself.

Document Checklist for CSR-1 Filing?

• ✅ Trust Deed, Society's Registration Certificate, or Section 8 Company's Certificate of Incorporation.

• ✅ PAN Card, Email and Contact number of the NGO.

• ✅ Valid 12A & 80G Order Copies.

• ✅ A valid Class 3 DSC of the NGO’s authorized signatory (e.g., Managing Trustee, Chairman, or Director) to sign the CSR-1 form.

• ✅ Details of Directors/ Board of Trustees/ Chairman/ CEO/ Secretary/Authorised Representatives of the entity including their name, designation and email ID.