Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important potential source of funding for eligible Indian NGOs working in education, healthcare, rural development, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment and other social development areas.
However, finding CSR funding requires more than collecting a list of companies. NGOs need to understand the eligibility requirements, identify companies whose CSR priorities match their work, prepare suitable project proposals and follow the correct application process.
This guide explains how and where Indian NGOs can find CSR funding and approach potential corporate partners.
For an overview of all major funding sources, visit our main guide: How and Where to Get Funds for Indian NGOs.
Understand CSR Funding in India
CSR is governed by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended, and Schedule VII of the Act.
Companies that meet the prescribed financial criteria are subject to CSR requirements. Eligible activities include areas such as education, healthcare, sanitation, environmental sustainability, rural development and other activities covered by Schedule VII.
Companies determine their CSR priorities, select projects and decide how to implement them within the applicable legal framework. An NGO should therefore research each company’s priorities before submitting a proposal.
Check Whether Your NGO Is Eligible
Not every NGO automatically qualifies to implement CSR projects. The applicable requirements depend on the organisation’s legal form and its relationship with the company.
Eligible implementing agencies may include certain Section 8 companies, registered public trusts, registered societies, government-established entities and statutory bodies, subject to the conditions prescribed under the CSR Rules.
For many independent charitable trusts, societies and Section 8 companies, eligibility includes the relevant registrations under Sections 12A and 80G of the Income-tax Act and an established track record of at least three years in similar activities. Different provisions apply to certain entities established by companies or governments and to statutory bodies.
Before applying, check the current rules and the specific company’s requirements.
Understand CSR-1 Registration
Eligible implementing agencies generally need to register through Form CSR-1 on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ MCA21 system to undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies, subject to the applicable rules.
CSR-1 registration results in a CSR Registration Number. This number is also required for eligible implementing agencies registering on the National CSR Exchange Portal.
CSR-1 is not a grant application and does not guarantee that a company will fund the organisation.
Official resource: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
https://www.mca.gov.in/
Where to Find CSR Funding Opportunities
A. National CSR Exchange Portal
The National CSR Exchange Portal is an official platform of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that connects companies and eligible implementing agencies.
Official website:
https://www.csrxchange.gov.in/
Eligible implementing agencies can register, list projects, submit requests for funding and manage project-related interactions through the portal. Companies can explore proposed projects and potential implementing partners.
According to the portal’s guidance, an implementing agency needs registration on MCA21 and a valid CSR Registration Number to register.
The portal is a useful starting point, but listing a project does not guarantee that a company will select or fund it. Organisations should conduct their own due diligence and follow up appropriately.
B. Research CSR Companies
NGOs can also identify potential funders by researching companies operating in their project areas or supporting their sectors.
Review the company’s official website, CSR policy, annual reports and information about previous projects. Look for its priority sectors, project locations, intended beneficiaries and published proposal-submission procedures.
Explore our existing NGOPortal resources:
CSR Companies in India
https://ngoportal.org/csr-companies-india/
CSR Funding India
https://ngoportal.org/csr-funding-india/
These resources can help NGOs research companies and identify potential CSR partners. Always verify current information through the company’s official channels.
How to Identify the Right CSR Company
Before approaching a company, consider the following:
Sector alignment: Does the company support your NGO’s area of work?
Geographical relevance: Does it support projects in your state, district or proposed implementation area?
Beneficiary alignment: Does your project serve the communities the company intends to support?
Project size: Is your budget consistent with the company’s published programmes or previous projects?
Application process: Does the company accept proposals, invite expressions of interest, use a portal or work through selected implementing agencies?
Track record: Can your organisation demonstrate the capacity to implement the proposed activities and report results?
Preparing a shortlist of suitable companies is usually more productive than sending the same proposal indiscriminately to dozens of organisations.
Prepare a CSR Project Proposal
A CSR proposal should explain the development problem, the proposed intervention and the results the project intends to achieve.
A practical proposal generally includes:
- NGO profile and registration details.
- Project title, location and duration.
- Background and evidence of the problem.
- Target beneficiaries and selection criteria.
- Objectives, activities and implementation schedule.
- Expected outputs and measurable outcomes.
- Detailed budget and funding requested.
- Staffing and implementation arrangements.
- Monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan.
- Sustainability and risk-management measures.
- Relevant experience and evidence of previous work.
The proposal should be tailored to the company’s priorities and comply with its prescribed format and application requirements.
How to Approach a CSR Department
First, find the company’s official CSR contact or application route. Follow any published procedure for submitting proposals.
If unsolicited proposals are accepted, send a concise introduction explaining your organisation, the proposed project, the location, the intended beneficiaries and the funding requirement. Attach the project concept note or proposal in the format requested.
If the company uses an invitation-only process, an empanelment system or a dedicated portal, follow that process instead.
Avoid sending lengthy, generic proposals without establishing whether the company supports the proposed activity.
Documents to Prepare
Depending on the company and project, an NGO may be asked to provide:
- Registration certificate or incorporation documents.
- PAN of the organisation.
- CSR-1 registration details, where applicable.
- Relevant 12A and 80G documentation, where required.
- Audited financial statements and annual reports.
- Governing body or board details.
- NGO profile and project implementation history.
- Project proposal and detailed budget.
- Bank details and declarations requested by the company.
- Monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements.
This is a general checklist. The actual requirements depend on the organisation’s legal status, applicable rules and the company’s application process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without checking eligibility: A company may not fund your sector, location or type of organisation.
Ignoring CSR-1 requirements: Eligible implementing agencies must comply with the applicable registration requirements.
Sending generic proposals: Companies need to see a clear connection between their CSR priorities and the proposed project.
Preparing unrealistic budgets: Costs should be reasonable, justified and linked to planned activities.
Assuming that CSR registration guarantees funding: CSR-1 and portal registration do not guarantee project approval.
Paying unverified intermediaries: Verify contacts and application instructions through official company websites and recognised government portals.
- How NGOportal Can Help
Explore these NGOPortal resources to research potential CSR funding partners and related opportunities:
CSR Companies in India
https://ngoportal.org/csr-companies-india/
CSR Funding India
https://ngoportal.org/csr-funding-india/
Indian Funding Guide
https://ngoportal.org/funds-for-indian-ngos/
How and Where to Get Funds for Indian NGOs
https://ngoportal.org/how-and-where-to-get-funds-for-indian-ngos/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every NGO apply for CSR funding?
No. The organisation must meet the applicable legal requirements for the relevant implementing-agency category, and its proposed project must fit the company’s CSR priorities.
Is CSR-1 registration compulsory?
Eligible implementing agencies generally need CSR-1 registration to undertake CSR activities on behalf of companies, subject to the applicable rules. Registration does not guarantee funding.
Where can NGOs find CSR companies?
NGOs can research company websites, CSR policies and annual reports, use the National CSR Exchange Portal where eligible, and explore NGOPortal’s CSR company resources.
Can an NGO send a proposal directly to a company?
That depends on the company’s process. Some accept proposals, while others use formal calls, empanelment systems or selected implementing partners.
Does the National CSR Exchange Portal guarantee funding?
No. It provides a platform for eligible implementing agencies and companies to connect, but funding decisions remain subject to company selection and due diligence.
Conclusion:CSR funding can support eligible NGOs undertaking meaningful social development projects, but obtaining it requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the applicable requirements.
NGOs should identify suitable companies, verify eligibility, prepare credible proposals and follow official application procedures. Use the National CSR Exchange Portal and NGOPortal’s CSR resources to begin identifying potential corporate partners.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. CSR laws, implementing-agency requirements and company application procedures may change. Verify the current requirements through official sources and obtain professional advice where necessary. NGOportal does not guarantee CSR funding or project selection.