CSR Funding

By Aabha GargReviewed by CA Ashutosh Agarwal Last updated: October 26, 2026

CSR funding registration is crucial for organizations seeking corporate social responsibility (CSR) support. By registering, you can access funding for your social initiatives. Ensure eligibility by meeting the following criteria.

Ensure your organization is legally registered as a trust or company.

Qualify as a religious trust or charitable institution committed to social welfare.

Actively engage in rendering charitable services with annual financial audits for transparency.

5000+

Happy Customers

2427+

NGOs Registered

3499+

Govt Registrations

Ensure your organization is legally registered as a trust or company.

Qualify as a religious trust or charitable institution committed to social welfare.

Actively engage in rendering charitable services with annual financial audits for transparency.

5000+

Happy Customers

2427+

NGOs Registered

3499+

Govt Registrations

Quick Answer

CSR funding is money that companies provide for eligible social development projects, such as education, healthcare, livelihoods, and environmental work. NGOs must meet the relevant legal and company requirements to receive funding. The amount available, application process, documents, and deadline differ from one company or project to another. NGOs should check each funder’s rules before applying.

Quick Summary

As an NGO consultant with 5+ years of experience working with social organizations and corporates, I’ve seen firsthand how CSR funding in India has transformed grassroots projects. Under the Companies Act, 2013, eligible companies must spend 2% of their average net profits on CSR activities.

In FY 2023-24, companies contributed nearly ₹33,087 crore, and by 2025, more than 32,000 companies in India together have invested over ₹1.5 lakh crore in CSR projects. From my experience, securing CSR funds is not just about applying; it requires CSR-1 registration, 12A & 80G certification, financial transparency, and measurable social impact.

Today, CSR is no longer just charity, it’s about corporate–NGO partnerships that deliver sustainable development goals (SDGs) like education, healthcare, skill development, and environmental protection.

Introduction

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an important aspect of business operations in today's world. It involves taking responsibility for the impact companies have on society & the environment. One way companies fulfill their CSR obligations is through CSR funding, which involves donating a portion of their profits or resources to social & environmental causes. CSR funding is not just a moral obligation, but also a way for companies to improve their public image, attract customers & investors, & retain employees.

According to a study by Cone Communications, 87% of customers will make a purchase based on a company's social or environmental values. Furthermore, CSR funding can have a significant impact on society, by promoting education, health, environmental sustainability, & community development.

Finding the right funding opportunities can be challenging for even the most experienced business professionals.So, we are here to help companies identify & secure the right funding streams, & ready to assist you in making the most of your CSR initiatives. Let us help you make a difference in the world while building a strong & sustainable brand.

What is CSR Funding?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a way for companies to contribute to society by supporting social and environmental causes. Businesses that meet specific financial criteria must invest some of their profits in initiatives that help communities. Many companies collaborate with NGOs on education, healthcare, skill development, women empowerment, and environmental sustainability.

CSR is not just about donations—it is a structured approach where businesses take responsibility for social change. CSR funding allows companies to support impactful projects that promote sustainability, address real issues, and improve lives. Through CSR, businesses actively build a better society while aligning with ethical and legal responsibilities.

Understanding CSR Funding for NGO’s

The full form of CSR funding stands for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding legally spent by big companies for social good, as per the Companies Act Section 135. For NGO founders, it means reliable, tax-free grants from giants like Reliance or HDFC for projects in education, health, or livelihoods under Schedule VII.

Under Indian law, profitable companies with a net worth of Rs. 500 crore or more, or a turnover of Rs. 1,000 crore or more, must spend at least 2% of their average net profits from the last three years on CSR activities.

For your NGO, CSR funding matters because it provides a sustainable, reliable, legally backed source of funding. CSR funding offers larger grants, long-term partnerships, and the credibility boost of being associated with reputed companies. It not only scales your organisation’s impact but also helps you reach more beneficiaries without constantly worrying about where the next funding will come from.

In simple terms, CSR funding can transform your NGO from struggling to survive into thriving and making a real difference in the communities you serve.

Benefits of CSR Funding

If you are looking for a significant funding allocation for your NGO, think of CSR funding for real impact. Companies need credible NGOs to implement their social projects, and NGOs need sustainable funding to scale their impact. Here's how CSR funding can be beneficial for your NGO’s credibility :

Sustained Financial Support

Unlike one-time donations, CSR partnerships offer long-term collaboration for multiple years.

Scalability

Corporate funding allows you to expand programs to new regions and beneficiaries.

Credibility Boost

Partnering with reputed companies enhances your NGO's public image.

Capacity Building

Many companies also provide technical support, training, and infrastructure.

Impact Measurement

CSR projects emphasise results, helping you develop stronger monitoring systems.

Eligibility For CSR Funding

If you are looking for a robust collaboration with big companies for massive CSR funding, it is important to ensure that your NGO meets the basic eligibility criteria. Companies are very particular about the allocation of their money properly. Here are some basic eligibility criteria that are required to be fulfilled by your NGO before getting started:

Your NGO must be registered as one of the following: a Section 8 company under the Companies Act 2013, a registered public trust, or a registered society.
You must obtain 12A and 80G certifications under the Income Tax Act: These registrations prove your nonprofit status and allow donors to claim tax benefits on their contributions. Without these, most companies won't even consider your proposal.
Track Record Matters: Organisations must have an established track record of at least three years in undertaking similar activities.
CSR-1 Registration Is Non-Negotiable: Since April 1, 2021, CSR-1 registration has been mandatory for all entities wanting to receive CSR funds. Without this registration, you simply cannot access corporate CSR funding properly
Good Compliance Record: This means your NGO must file annual returns, regular audit reports timely manner, and adhere to all applicable laws governing NGOs in India. Companies want partners they can trust.
Alignment with Schedule VII Activities: CSR projects must align with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, which includes areas like education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, rural development, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and skill development.

How to Get CSR Funding for NGO

Getting CSR funding isn't just about applying for grants, building trust, showing impact, and forming the right connections. Here's how NGOs can improve their chances of securing CSR funding and strengthen their application for CSR funding process:

Get 12A and 80G Certificates

These act as trust badges for your NGO. 12A gives tax exemptions, while 80G lets donors claim tax benefits. Companies prefer NGOs with these as they make CSR funding tax-efficient. If you don't have them yet, get them—it boosts your chances with corporate donors.

NGO DARPAN Registration

Listing on NGO DARPAN improves credibility. Currently, over 1 lakh NGOs are registered on the platform.

Get CSR-1 Registration

CSR is only given to NGOs with CSR-1 approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Without this, companies cannot legally fund your NGO. Make sure you complete this mandatory step.

Create a NGO Project Proposal

A well-structured proposal should clearly outline the problem, how funds will be used, and the expected impact. Corporations look for transparency and measurable results before approving funds.

Network with Corporate CSR Teams

Attend CSR events, connect on LinkedIn, and approach corporate foundations. Proper networking can open doors to funding opportunities and long-term partnerships.

Showcase Impact & Maintain Transparency

Regularly update donors with financial reports, success stories, and project progress. Companies trust NGOs that maintain transparency and provide measurable impact data.

Documents Required for CSR Funding

When approaching companies for CSR funding, having your documentation in order is crucial. Here's exactly what you need to prepare:

Requirement	Details
Registration as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company	Establishes the NGO as a legally recognised entity under applicable Indian laws.
Valid 12AB and 80G registration/approval, where applicable	Supports eligibility and tax compliance. 80G approval may enable eligible donors to claim deductions on qualifying donations.
At least 3 years of operational experience, where required	Demonstrates the NGO's track record. The three-year requirement generally applies to eligible implementing agencies under the CSR Rules, subject to specified exceptions.
CSR-1 registration	Eligible implementing agencies must register by filing Form CSR-1 with the MCA to undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies, as applicable.
Compliance documents and financial records	Includes applicable income-tax returns, audited financial statements, annual reports, and other statutory records.
Projects aligned with Schedule VII	CSR projects must fall within the eligible activities listed in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Evidence of past social impact	Project reports, beneficiary data, photographs, monitoring reports, and impact assessments help demonstrate the NGO's ability to deliver results.

Note: CSR funding eligibility depends on the NGO's legal status and compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended. Not every NGO automatically qualifies to receive CSR funds.

How to Apply for Online CSR Funding

Applying for CSR funding online has become simpler and more accessible than ever before. The first step is registering your NGO on the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) portal to obtain your CSR-1 registration, which has been mandatory since 2021 and serves as your NGO's official identity for receiving CSR funds.

Once registered, you can explore funding opportunities through official platforms like the CSR portal (csr.gov.in), where companies list their focus areas and ongoing projects.

The best part of applying online is that you can reach multiple companies simultaneously from anywhere in the country, track your applications easily, and build a digital footprint that showcases your NGO's credibility and past achievements to potential funders.

Consider hiring a professional Online CSR funding consultancy, such as NGOExperts, which specialises in crafting winning proposals and connecting you with the right corporate partners. Let our experienced team handle the complexities so you can focus on creating impact in your community.

Why Choose NGOExperts?

At NGO Experts, we specialize in helping NGOs secure CSR funding and manage projects efficiently. Our team has a strong network of corporate partners and a proven track record of successful NGO-corporate collaborations.

Expertise in CSR funding & compliance

We help NGOs register, empanelled, and connect with corporates.

Strong corporate network

We match NGOs with businesses looking for credible CSR partners.

Complete project management support

We handle it all from funding proposals to impact reporting.

Commitment to transparency & impact

We ensure funds are used effectively, creating measurable change.

Don't let complex compliance stop you from accessing the funding your NGO deserves. With the right guidance, CSR funding can become your organisation's most reliable revenue stream.

About the Author

Aabha Garg

A Content Strategist at NGOExperts, who focuses on NGO registration, 12A and 80G registration, FCRA compliance, income tax filing for non-profits, and CSR funding guidelines in India. I research and write our compliance guides in collaboration with our in-house Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries, so every article reflects current tax and regulatory requirements for the NGO and non-profit sector.

Written by Aabha Garg, reviewed by CA Ashutosh Agarwal . Last updated on Oct 26, 2026, 10:31 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can an NGO qualify for CSR funding?

NGOs must be legally registered, have a clear mission, and show transparency in financial records. Having 12A and 80G registrations for tax benefits and a good track record in social work increases credibility.

2. Where can NGOs find CSR funding opportunities?

NGOs can explore corporate websites, register on NGO Darpan, attend CSR events, and contact corporate CSR teams via LinkedIn or email. Networking and maintaining relationships help in securing long-term funding.

3. How do you write a good CSR funding proposal?

A strong proposal includes a clear problem statement, your solution, expected impact, budget details, and past achievements. Keeping it short and impactful increases the chances of approval.

4. How do NGOs approach companies for CSR funding?

Research companies that align with your cause, connect with their CSR team, and present a clear, data-backed proposal. Instead of just asking for funds, show them how their contribution will make a measurable impact.

5. What types of projects get CSR funding?

Companies fund education, healthcare, women empowerment, environment, and rural development projects. Projects with clear objectives and measurable results get better chances of funding.

6. What compliance rules do NGOs need to follow for CSR funding?

NGOs must maintain proper financial records, submit regular reports, and have legal registrations like 12A, 80G, and CSR-1. Transparency and accountability are key to sustaining CSR partnerships.

7. How can NGOs get long-term CSR partnerships instead of one-time funding?

Show consistent results, communicate with corporate CSR teams, and engage them in activities like employee volunteering. Transparent reporting and success stories build trust for repeat funding.

8. Why do many NGOs struggle to get CSR funding?

Lack of awareness, weak proposals, poor networking, and financial non-transparency make it difficult for NGOs to secure CSR funds. Focusing on credibility, impact, and relationship-building helps overcome these challenges.

9. Why is transparency important in CSR funding?

Companies want assurance that their funds are used effectively. Regular updates, financial clarity, and showcasing impact through reports and videos increase the chances of long-term support.

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Eligibility For CSR Funding

Your NGO must be registered as one of the following: a Section 8 company under the Companies Act 2013, a registered public trust, or a registered society.
You must obtain 12A and 80G certifications under the Income Tax Act: These registrations prove your nonprofit status and allow donors to claim tax benefits on their contributions. Without these, most companies won't even consider your proposal.
Track Record Matters: Organisations must have an established track record of at least three years in undertaking similar activities.
CSR-1 Registration Is Non-Negotiable: Since April 1, 2021, CSR-1 registration has been mandatory for all entities wanting to receive CSR funds. Without this registration, you simply cannot access corporate CSR funding properly
Good Compliance Record: This means your NGO must file annual returns, regular audit reports timely manner, and adhere to all applicable laws governing NGOs in India. Companies want partners they can trust.
Alignment with Schedule VII Activities: CSR projects must align with Schedule VII of the Companies Act, which includes areas like education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, rural development, gender equality, poverty alleviation, and skill development.

CSR Funding

Quick Summary

Introduction

What is CSR Funding?

Understanding CSR Funding for NGO’s

Benefits of CSR Funding

Eligibility For CSR Funding