What is CSR-1 Registration?

CSR-1 is a mandatory electronic form introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). It is the first step NGOs must complete to be eligible to receive CSR funding under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Once approved, the NGO is issued a unique CSR Registration Number, which companies can use to validate the NGO’s eligibility before funding any project. Without this number, no company can legally contribute CSR funds to your organization.

Why It’s Crucial for NGOs and Non-Profits

With thousands of crores allocated annually for CSR in India, more NGOs than ever are trying to tap into this financial pool. But companies are extremely cautious about where they donate. CSR-1 helps companies ensure they’re funding registered, compliant, and credible partners.

If your organization is not registered under CSR-1:

1. You can’t legally receive CSR funds.

2. You miss out on corporate partnerships.

3. Your chances of being listed on CSR portals or government platforms drop.

4. You’ll be overlooked by CSR teams during proposal rounds

Getting CSR-1 registration is non-negotiable for any NGO looking to scale through corporate partnerships.

Understanding CSR in India

CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, refers to the obligation companies have to contribute to sustainable development and social welfare. In India, CSR became a legal requirement under the Companies Act, 2013.

Section 135 of the Companies Act

This section makes CSR spending mandatory for companies that meet the following thresholds:

1. Net worth of ₹500 crore or more

2. Turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more

3. Net profit of ₹5 crore or more

Such companies must spend 2% of their average net profit over the last three years on CSR activities listed in Schedule VII of the Act.

CSR Mandate for Companies

As per the law, eligible companies must:

1. Form a CSR committee.

2. Choose projects aligned with Schedule VII (education, health, environment, etc.)

3. Partner with registered implementing agencies (NGOs with CSR-1)

4. Disclose CSR activities in their annual reports.

This legal framework creates a structured opportunity for NGOs, but only if they’re CSR-1 compliant.

Who Needs CSR-1 Registration?

Not every NGO is eligible for CSR-1. The government has clearly defined which entities can file CSR-1 and what conditions they must meet.

Eligible Entities Under CSR Rules

As per MCA norms, the following can apply:

1. Section 8 Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013

2. Registered Public Trusts (under the Trusts Act or similar state laws)

3. Registered Societies (under Societies Registration Act, 1860)

Additionally, the entity must:

1. Be at least 3 years old as of the date of registration.

2. Have a valid 12A registration (income tax exemption)

3. Have a registered PAN and Darpan ID (NGO Darpan Portal)

Types of NGOs That Can Apply

1. Educational NGOs

2. Healthcare organizations

3. Environmental groups

4. Rural development trusts

5. Women and child welfare societies

6. Disability and inclusion-based non-profits

Whether your NGO is community-focused or issue-based, if you meet the criteria, CSR-1 is your entry point into CSR funding.

Benefits of CSR-1 Registration

Getting CSR-1 certified unlocks a host of advantages that can significantly boost your NGO’s reach and resources.

Eligibility for Corporate CSR Funds

Once registered, your NGO is eligible to:

1. Receive funds from large corporations.

2. Partner on high-impact, long-term CSR projects

3. Feature in CSR listings and directories accessed by companies

Increased Credibility and Transparency

CSR-1 gives your NGO a government-backed certification, making it:

1. More trustworthy in the eyes of donors

2. Easier to onboard as a corporate partner.

3. Better positioned during grant applications and RFPs

Many companies use CSR-1 as a first filter when shortlisting NGO partners, so it’s critical to have your CSR Registration Number ready.

For more info: https://www.psrcompliance.com/csr-1-registration