Navigating the intricate landscape of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) can be daunting for any organization. At Harchandani & Associates, we specialize in providing expert FCRA advisory services tailored to your unique requirements. Our team of dedicated professionals ensures your compliance journey is smooth, mitigating risks effectively while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our Comprehensive FCRA Services:Any association — NGOs, trusts, Section 8 companies, registered societies — that receives or intends to receive foreign contributions for cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social purposes must register under the FCRA, 2010. FCRA registration allows the organisation to legally accept foreign donations and grants. Organisations without registration can apply for Prior Permission (PP) for a specific donor and amount.
FCRA registration (Section 11) is a general 5-year permission allowing an established organisation to receive foreign contributions from any permissible source on an ongoing basis. Prior Permission (Section 11(2)) is a one-time, case-specific permission for newer organisations receiving funds for a specific project from a specific donor. PP typically requires the organisation to have existed for 3+ years and spent ₹15 lakh on core activities in the past 3 years.
FCRA-registered organisations must: (1) receive all foreign contributions only in the designated FCRA bank account at SBI NDMB, (2) file Form FC-4 (Annual Return) by 31st December annually even if no funds were received, (3) maintain separate FCRA accounts and records, (4) report receipt of foreign contributions above ₹1 crore within 48 hours, and (5) use funds only for their stated purpose. Violations can lead to registration cancellation.
Receiving foreign contributions without valid FCRA registration is a criminal offence under Section 35 of the FCRA, 2010. Consequences include imprisonment up to 5 years, substantial fines, freezing and forfeiture of the received foreign funds, and cancellation of any existing FCRA registration. The Ministry of Home Affairs has significantly tightened enforcement in recent years.
We guide organisations through the complete FCRA process — eligibility assessment, preparation of Form FC-3A/FC-3B, collation of required documents, filing on the FCRA portal, and follow-up with the Ministry of Home Affairs. We also assist with FCRA annual returns (Form FC-4), internal audit of FCRA funds, and compounding applications to regularise any past violations.