Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not just a legal requirement, but also a chance to genuinely create positive change in society while strengthening your brand and business. Since April 2021, Indian corporate law has made it mandatory for NGOs, trusts, and similar entities to register through CSR-1 if they wish to receive CSR funds from companies. If your company wants to be part of such meaningful community development, including education, health projects, or other impactful work using corporate funding under CSR, getting registered with CSR-1 is the essential first step. Failing to register means missing out on these funding opportunities and the credibility that comes with official recognition.
Overview
CSR-1 registration is your organisation’s formal entry into India’s corporate social responsibility ecosystem. Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, eligible companies are required to allocate 2% of their average net profits towards social welfare initiatives. This mandatory requirement creates a massive pool of funding for social development, but only registered organisations can access it. The main motive of the government in introducing CSR-1 registration is to create reliable implementation partners that can benefit everyone.
- Companies get verified, trustworthy partners
- NGOs gain credibility and access to legitimate funding
- Communities receive better-implemented social programs
- The government can monitor CSR spending effectively
Why CSR-1 Registration matters
Since April 1, 2021, all organisations seeking to receive CSR funding from companies must obtain CSR-1 registration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Without this registration, your organisation cannot legally receive corporate social responsibility funds, regardless of its track record or potential impact.
When should you register?
If you plan to implement CSR projects or partner with companies for social development initiatives, it’s recommended that you get registered immediately. The registration process typically takes 7-10 working days once you have all documents ready.
Understanding how CSR-1 Registration Works to Create Social Impact
Understanding the connection between registration and impact helps you appreciate why this process matters beyond just paperwork.
1. Access to Substantial Funding
CSR initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing social challenges and contributing to community development. With CSR-1 registration, your organisation can tap into CSR budgets running into crores of funds
2. Enhanced Credibility and Trust
CSR programs contribute to improved living conditions by providing access to basic amenities, healthcare, education, and skill-building opportunities. When companies see your CSR-1 registration number, they know you’re committed to transparency and accountability
3. Broader Community Reach
With access to corporate funding, you can not only expand programs to underserved areas
but also sustain long-term development projects.
4. Professional Development and Capacity Building
Working with corporate partners enhances your organisation’s capabilities, such as getting exposure to corporate governance standards
5. Contribution to National Development Goals
CSR is often a direct pathway for companies to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other sustainability commitments. Your registered organisation becomes part of India’s broader development agenda.
Finally, CSR-1 brings a powerful layer of transparency to the process. Every rupee spent can be traced, tracked, and accounted for, ensuring donors and the public see clear, measurable improvements in the communities being served.
Who Needs CSR-1 Registration?
| Organization Type | Need CSR-1? | Key Requirements |
| Section 8 Companies | Yes | Must have 12A and 80G registration + 3 years track record* |
| Registered Trusts | Yes | Must have 12A and 80G registration + 3 years track record* |
| Registered Societies | Yes | Must have 12A and 80G registration + 3 years track record* |
| Government-established entities | Yes | Created by the Central or State Government |
| Unregistered NGOs | No | Cannot apply until formally registered |
| For-profit companies | No | Unless it implements its own CSR activities |
Step-by-Step: The CSR-1 Registration Process
Step1: Document Preparation: Collect the registration certificate, PAN, details of directors/trustees, an active email address, and the digital signature certificate of the authorised person.
Step2: Access the MCA Portal: Download and complete the Form CSR-1 online correctly.
Step3: Digital Certification: Get the completed form certified by a practising professional (CA, CS, or Cost Accountant).
Step4: Submission and fee payment: Submit the form with all supporting documents online. Professional fees for complete CSR-1 registration assistance typically range from ₹2,999 to ₹4,999 (excluding government fees)
Step 5: Acknowledge SRN: On successful filing, you’ll receive a unique Service Request Number (SRN). Use this to track your registration status.
Step 6: Verification and Registration Number: After scrutiny, the authorities issue a CSR Registration Number, making you eligible for CSR funds and a project
Step 7: Receive Registration Number
Upon successful verification, your organisation receives a unique CSR Registration Number that authorises you to undertake CSR activities throughout India.
Understanding What CSR Funds Cannot Support
Activities prohibited from being classified as CSR contributions include normal business activities of the company, activities benefiting only employees or their families, activities undertaken outside India (with some exceptions), contributions to political parties, activities that provide marketing benefits to the company’s products or services, and activities undertaken to fulfil statutory obligations under any law.
Before submitting proposals to companies, ensure your projects focus on genuine social development, like:
- Education and skill development
- Healthcare and sanitation
- Environmental sustainability
- Rural development
- Women’s empowerment
- Disaster relief and rehabilitation
Things to Avoid: Common Mistakes
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect forms.
- Using an inactive digital signature certificate.
- Missing the required professional certification.
- Not double-checking details against official documents.
- Waiting until the last minute to apply, risking missed funding cycles.
Essential Checklist Before You Start
- All registration and PAN documents are scanned and ready.
- List and details of directors/trustees (DIN/Digital Signature ready).
- Professional certification (CA, CS, Cost Accountant) confirmed.
- Accurate contact details for quick communication.
- Up-to-date CSR policy and, if available, NGO Darpan ID.
Conclusion
Getting CSR-1 registration is a straightforward yet powerful step for NGOs, trusts, and companies wanting to scale up their social impact in India. Remember that the registration process might seem complex, but partnering with NGOExperts, your trusted guide in hassle-free CSR-1 registration and compliance solutions, makes every step worthwhile. Whether you’re feeding hungry children, educating rural girls, protecting the environment, or empowering underprivileged communities, CSR-1 registration helps you do it with greater credibility.
FAQs
1. Who is required to file CSR-1?
All NGOs, public trusts, Section 8 companies, and societies wishing to undertake projects and receive CSR funds from companies in India must file CSR-1.
2. What is the benefit of obtaining CSR-1 registration?
It authorises your entity to officially receive and utilise corporate CSR funds, expanding your ability to execute impactful projects.
3. How long does CSR-1 registration take?
With correct documentation and digital processes, it can be completed within 1-2 working days; however, verification may take longer depending on the government review.
4. Can a company carry out its own CSR activities without registration?
No filing is required if the company conducts CSR directly, but any external implementing agency must be registered via CSR-1.
5. Is there a renewal or update required for CSR-1?
Currently, once registered, you remain eligible unless the law is changed or there are major entity modifications.
For a stress-free CSR-1 registration, expert compliance checks, and end-to-end support, reach out to NGO Experts today!
