Hello, movers and shakers and nice people! Have you ever been compelled by your heart to change the world? You may have observed problems in your neighbourhood or throughout the world that you are enthusiastic about addressing head-on. Guess what, though? You don’t need to be superhuman to make a difference. Starting or joining a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is one of the best methods to focus your energies.
Now, I’m aware of your possible response: “NGO? That sounds challenging. Be at ease! We’re here to simplify everything for you in the simplest terms. Think of this as your go-to manual with no fancy jargon—just straightforward English.
What Exactly Is an NGO? Okay, let’s start with the fundamentals. An NGO is similar to a collection of enthusiastic people (like you!) who work together to address a certain issue or cause. Imagine it as a group of friends getting together to improve the planet. Since these organisations aren’t governed by the government, they are allowed to concentrate on a variety of topics, from human rights and the environment to health and education.
Why Should You Care, then? The Advantages of NGO Participation
You may be asking yourself, “What’s in it for me?” at this point. Well, quite a bit, in fact! Participating in an NGO has a tonne of interesting advantages:
- Nothing compares to the satisfaction of having a positive influence. Being a member of an NGO allows you to witness the audible consequences of your work, which is quite satisfying.
- NGOs are similar to skill-development boot camps. You’ll gain knowledge of problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership—all of which enhance your résumé.
- Connect with individuals who share your passion through your network. Future possibilities and partnerships may become possible as a result of these connections.
- Change Agent: When you participate, you act as a change catalyst. You’re actively trying to address the issues instead of merely talking about them.
- A Better Planet: Making the world a better place is the ultimate goal of NGOs. And this revolution will include you!
Therefore, there is an NGO out there waiting for your donation, whether you’re a student looking to give back, a professional seeking meaning, or just someone who cares. We’ll walk you through the exciting process of establishing and registering an NGO step by step in our next postings. Get ready to put your passion into action because when we work as a team, wonderful things can be accomplished!
What is the Objective of Registering a Non-profit Organization?
Offering services is non-profit organisations’ primary goal. The services offered by non-profit organisations are designed to meet the requirements of the public, such as becoming a member and receiving drugs at a much reduced price.
Different laws governing NGO registration in India
Depending on their nature, objectives, and activities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India are subject to a variety of laws and regulations. The following are some of the main laws that control the registration of NGOs in India:
1860’s Societies Registration Act One of the most popular laws under which NGOs can be registered is this one. It enables the registration of organisations with philanthropic, artistic, academic, or other goals. Societies are frequently established to further charity endeavours, as well as causes related to education, health, and other social issues.
The Trusts Act of 1882 allows for the registration of NGOs as public charitable trusts. When a person (the settlor) gives property to a trustee for the benefit of certain people or a charitable cause, a trust is established. Assets for the improvement of education, the eradication of poverty, and other charitable goals are frequently managed through trusts.
Section 8 corporations are businesses created under the corporations Act of 2013 to further social or philanthropic reasons. Although they function similarly to conventional businesses, their main goal is to advance public good. They are eligible for registration under the Companies Act of 2013, along with a few advantages and exclusions.
An NGO must register under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) if it plans to accept donations or contributions from abroad. This regulation governs the use of foreign contributions for initiatives that further social, cultural, educational, religious, or economic goals.
Income Tax Act of 1961: Under certain parts of the Income Tax Act, NGOs are eligible for tax exemptions. Applying for tax-exempt status, which can stimulate contributions from both people and companies, is a possibility for organisations that satisfy the requirements for carrying out charitable, religious, or educational activities.
Goods and Services Tax (GST): According to the GST Act, NGOs are required to register if they offer taxable goods or services and their total annual turnover reaches a specified threshold. However, certain charitable undertakings could not be taxable under the GST.
Labour laws: NGOs that employ staff members are required to follow by a number of labour laws, including those that address minimum wage, working conditions, vacation time, and other matters.
Legislation that is state-specific: Different Indian states may have their own laws and regulations that apply to the registration and functioning of NGOs. Understanding and observing the state-specific laws of the nation in which the NGO works is essential.
It’s critical to bear in mind that India’s regulatory environment for NGOs may be complex and changing. Engaging skilled counsel with experience in NGO registration is advised in order to ensure adherence to the pertinent norms and regulations.
What are the different types of NGO Registration in India?
The Company: Various NGO Forms
NGOs come in a range of shapes and sizes, and each has a specific goal. Here are a few common types:
NGOs that offer a service: This group is all about action. They don their work gloves and offer urgent support to communities in need. Initiatives to construct schools, provide medical treatment, or feed the underprivileged are led by service-based NGOs.
NGOs that support issues include: These individuals represent the voiceless. They support policy changes and raise people’s awareness of certain issues. Have you ever seen a campaign to promote equal rights or cleaner air? Undoubtedly, an advocacy NGO is behind it.
NGOs working for human rights: These are the advocates for justice. By ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect, they work to maintain people’s rights and feeling of dignity.
If you have a genuine concern for Mother Earth, you should associate with environmental NGOs. They prioritise conserving the environment, doing everything from advocating sustainable lifestyles to planting trees and maintaining beaches.
Research-based NGOs: These brilliant people gather data and do research to better understand difficult problems. Their findings have an impact on decisions and help create better solutions.
How to Register an NGO in India?
In India, there are a number of procedures and legal requirements to register an NGO. A simple explanation of the procedure is provided below:
Step 1: Select the NGO’s Type and Structure:
Make a decision regarding how you wish to register your NGO—under the Companies Act, as a society, trust, or Section 8 business. Every kind has its own set of prerequisites and advantages.
Step 2: Name Your NGO:
Choose a distinctive name for your non-profit organization in step two. Make sure the name you select is not already taken and does not violate any trademarks.
Step 3: Write the Rules and Memorandum:
Prepare a memorandum of association and rules and regulations for societies. These documents provide an overview of the goals, policies, and regulations that govern your NGO.
For trusts, create a trust deed outlining the beneficiaries, trustees, and goal of the trust.
Step 4: Prepare documents
Identity and address verification documents
Step 5: Start Process
To Societies: Send the rules and memoranda to your state’s Registrar of Societies. Details on the members of the governing body should be included in the application.
The Registrar will examine the submitted paperwork when it is received and, if everything is in order, will authorise the registration.
For Trusts:
- Create a trust agreement that outlines the goals, trustees, and beneficiaries.
- The settlor and trustees must both sign the trust deed in the presence of witnesses.
- The local sub-registrar office is where the trust deed should be recorded.
For Section 8 Companies:
- For the prospective directors, apply for a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC).
- For the intended directors, apply for a Director Identification Number (DIN).
- Utilise the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website to submit a request for the firm name approval.
- Draught and submit the Memorandum and Articles of Association when the name has been approved.
- Apply for incorporation following MCA’s permission.
Step 6: Obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN): After your NGO has been registered, apply for a PAN and TAN from the Income Tax Department. Submit an 80G and FCRA application (if necessary)
Conclusion
Historically, non-profit groups have been unprofessional, relying on volunteer work and lacking in commercial expertise. However, fundraising for “good causes” has grown increasingly difficult, and marketing specialists are now frequently engaged. Many non-profit organisations offer services that are more frequently found in the for-profit sector, such managing retail locations utilising marketing strategies common to commercial businesses.
The distinctions between for-profit and nonprofit groups centre on their goals and nomenclature. In actuality, profit and excess could be extremely comparable. While businesses in the private sector aim to increase profits, charities prioritise raising as much money as possible for their patrons. To project an image of social responsibility, profit-making businesses may donate to charitable causes.