CSR Funding Partnerships for NGOs
Under India's CSR rules, an NGO implementing a company's CSR project must be a registered trust, society or Section 8 company with 12A and 80G registration, at least three years of relevant track record, and a CSR-1 registration number from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Tree plantation qualifies under Schedule VII item (iv). We connect eligible NGOs with companies and help plan the project.
CSR rules for implementing agencies
- Environmental sustainability, ecological balance, agroforestry and conservation of natural resources are eligible CSR activities under Schedule VII, item (iv).
- An implementing agency must be a Section 8 company, registered public trust or registered society, registered under sections 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act.
- It must have an established track record of at least three years in similar activities.
- Since 1 April 2021, implementing agencies must register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs by filing form CSR-1 to get a CSR registration number.
- The company's board must be satisfied that funds were used as approved; multi-year ongoing projects are allowed.
Sources: Ministry of Corporate Affairs: Companies (CSR Policy) Amendment Rules, 2021; Companies Act, 2013: Section 135 and Schedule VII (India Code); Income Tax Department: registration under sections 12A/12AB and 80G
What we help with
- Finding a funder: We introduce eligible partner NGOs to companies planning CSR plantation in their region.
- Proposal and budget: Project plan, species, community component, budget and timeline, in the format CSR teams expect.
- Compliance documents: A checklist of the registrations and documents companies ask for, so due diligence moves fast.
- Reporting: GreenTrack records and reports for progress, survival and utilisation, ready for the company's CSR filings.
How a CSR partnership works
- Check eligibility: Registrations, CSR-1 number and track record in place.
- Apply as a partner: Share your documents and past projects with us.
- Match with a company: We introduce you to a company whose CSR plan fits your region and work.
- Agree the project: Scope, budget, roles and reporting in a tripartite or bilateral agreement.
- Deliver and report: Plant, track on GreenTrack, care for the trees and report to the company.
Frequently asked questions
Is tree plantation an eligible CSR activity?
Yes. Schedule VII item (iv) of the Companies Act covers environmental sustainability, ecological balance, agroforestry and conservation of natural resources.
What registrations does an NGO need for CSR funding?
Registration as a trust, society or Section 8 company; 12A (or 12AB) and 80G under the Income Tax Act; and a CSR-1 registration number from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Does an NGO need a track record to receive CSR funds?
Yes. The CSR rules require an established track record of at least three years in similar activities for trusts, societies and Section 8 companies.
How do we get a CSR-1 registration number?
By filing form CSR-1 on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs portal, with the required documents and digital signatures.
Do you guarantee CSR funding?
No. We introduce eligible partners to companies and help with the proposal; each company decides whom to fund.
Can CSR funds pay for tree care after planting?
Yes, when maintenance is part of the approved project. Multi-year ongoing projects are allowed under the CSR rules.
