Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Ensure that your organization meets the eligibility criteria for FCRA certification, including being registered under relevant laws and having a track record of at least three years of functioning.

Step 2: Preparation of Documents

• Gather the necessary documents required for FCRA certification, including:
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
  • Trust Deed or Constitution Document (if applicable)
  • Registration Certificate of the organization
  • Audited Financial Statements for the last three years
  • PAN Card of the organization
  • Bank Account Details
  • Details of Charitable Activities and Projects
  • Other supporting documents as per FCRA guidelines.

Step 3: Fill Application Form

• Obtain the prescribed application form for FCRA certification from the Ministry of Home Affairs website or office. Fill out the form accurately and completely with all relevant details.

Step 4: Submission of Application

• Submit the filled application form along with the required documents to the designated authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The application can be submitted online or offline as per the instructions provided.

Step 5: Application Processing

• The Ministry of Home Affairs reviews the application and verifies the documents submitted. This may involve scrutiny of the organization’s activities, financial records, and compliance with FCRA regulations.

Step 6: Field Verification (if required)

• In some cases, the Ministry may conduct a field verification or inspection of the organization’s premises to assess its activities, infrastructure, and compliance with FCRA guidelines.

Step 7: Approval or Rejection

• Based on the scrutiny of the application and field verification (if conducted), the Ministry of Home Affairs decides whether to approve or reject the FCRA certification application.

Step 8: Issuance of FCRA Certificate

• If the application is approved, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues the FCRA certificate to the organization, granting authorization to receive foreign contributions. The certificate is valid for a specific period as per FCRA regulations.

Step 9: Compliance and Renewal

• FCRA-certified organizations must comply with the reporting requirements, maintain proper records, and submit annual returns and reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The organization may also need to renew its FCRA certification periodically as per the prescribed renewal process.

Step 10: Post-Certification Activities.