Form CSR-1 — registration to receive CSR funds

In short

Form CSR-1 is the gateway for non-profits into the CSR funding system. Without it, a company legally cannot count a grant to your organisation as CSR — making it effectively mandatory for any NGO seeking corporate funding.

Who it applies to

Section 8 companies, registered public trusts, and registered societies that intend to receive CSR funds.

Key points

• —One-time online filing on the MCA portal; generates a unique CSR Registration Number (CSRxxxxxxxx).
• —Requires existing 12A and (in practice) 80G registration.
• —Must be signed/verified by a practising professional (CA/CS/CWA).
• —The registration number is quoted by funding companies in their CSR reporting.

Deadlines & renewal

Required before receiving any CSR disbursement; no annual renewal of CSR-1 itself, but underlying 12A/80G renewals must be maintained.

What to do

File CSR-1 early; keep your 12A/80G valid so the CSR-1 remains usable.

Worth knowing

An NGO without CSR-1 will be passed over by compliance-conscious funders even if otherwise excellent.