NGO Registration Under the Society Act

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) can be registered under a variety of legal frameworks. One common framework is the Societies Registration Act, which allows groups to form a society for various purposes including cultural, educational, religious, or charitable activities. The specific rules and regulations vary from one country to another. Here are the general steps and requirements for registering an NGO under the Society Act.

Steps for NGO Registration under the Society Act:
1. Choose a Name: Firstly, you need to select a unique name for your society. It should not be similar to the existing registered societies or entities.
2. Draft a Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Bylaws:
• Memorandum of Association (MOA): This is the charter of the society and outlines the aims and objectives.
• Bylaws: These detail the rules and regulations governing the society, such as the membership process, management, meetings, and dissolution.
3. Gather Founding Members: The Society Act generally requires a minimum of 7 founding members to form a society. Founding members should have clear roles, such as President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.
4. Prepare the Application and Supporting Documents:
• Application Form: Fill out the official application form for society registration.
• Supporting Documents: You need to prepare:
a. Memorandum of Association
b. Bylaws
c. Identity proofs and address proofs of founding members.
d. Details of the first meeting (including the decision to form the society).
e. List of governing body members.
f. Registered office address proof.
5. Submit the Application: Submit the application form along with supporting documents to the Registrar of Societies in your jurisdiction. A fee is charged for the registration process.
6. Verification and Registration: The Registrar of Companies (RoC) will verify the application and documents. If everything is in order, the Registrar will register the society and issue a certificate of registration.
7. Obtain a PAN Card and Open a Bank Account: After registration, obtain a PAN (Permanent Account Number) card, if applicable. Then, open a bank account in the society's name to handle financial transactions.
8. Comply with Regulatory and Reporting Requirements: Maintain proper books of accounts and adhere to reporting requirements. An NGO must hold annual meetings and file returns as required by the law.
9. Special Considerations:
• Legal Advice: Consulting a legal advisor or lawyer is recommended for drafting the MOA and bylaws and for navigating the registration process.
• Funding and Sustainability: Plan for sustainable funding sources and a solid organizational structure for effective management.
• Tax Exemptions: Check for potential tax exemptions available to NGOs under the Societies Act.

Types of NGO:
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) may exist in different forms based on their purpose, size, scope, and the type of work they do. Here are some of the main types of NGOs.
1. Operational NGOs:
This type of NGO focuses on the design and implementation of specific development projects or programs.
Examples include NGOs that work on building infrastructure, providing healthcare, education, and other services.
2. Advocacy NGOs:
These aim to promote or defend a specific cause or policy change.
Examples include human rights organizations, environmental advocacy groups, and organizations working on social justice issues.
3. Membership-Based NGOs:
These types of NGO are organizations that are based around a membership structure.
Examples include professional associations, unions, and community-based organizations.
4. Charitable NGOs:
These focus on providing charitable activities such as relief work, humanitarian aid, or supporting marginalized communities.
Examples include organizations that provide food, clothing, and shelter to the needy.
5. Development NGOs:
These work towards long-term development goals such as poverty alleviation, economic development, and empowerment.
Examples include NGOs working on education, rural development, or water and sanitation projects.
6. Funding NGOs:
These organizations primarily provide funding and resources to other NGOs or community-based projects.
Examples include philanthropic foundations and grant-making organizations.
7. Research and Policy NGOs:
These focus on conducting research and analysis to inform policy and decision-making.
Examples include think tanks, policy research institutes, and organizations focused on data and statistics.
8. Religious or Faith-Based NGOs:
These are affiliated with a particular religion or faith and often focus on religious education, community service, and charitable activities.
Examples include church-based organizations and religious charities.
9. International NGOs (INGOs):
These operate across national boundaries and work in multiple countries on a variety of issues.
Examples include international relief agencies and organizations like Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders.
10. Grassroots NGOs:
This type of NGOs are typically small organizations that work directly with communities to address local issues.
Examples include community-based organizations and local cooperatives.

Benefits of NGO Registration:
Registering an NGO provides several benefits that can help the organization operate more effectively and achieve its goals.
Here are some of the key advantages of registering an NGO:
1. Legal Recognition:
Registering as an NGO provides with a legal identity, allowing the NGO to enter contracts, own property, and engage in legal actions.
2. Access to Funding:
Many funding sources, such as government grants, international aid, and private donations, are available only to registered NGOs. Donors often prefer to support registered organizations because they are seen as more credible and accountable.
3. Tax Exemptions and Benefits:
In many jurisdictions, registered NGOs can qualify for tax exemptions on income and property. This allows them to allocate more funds towards their programs and projects.
4. Credibility and Trust:
Registering an NGO enhances the credibility with stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and partners. This can lead to greater trust and collaboration opportunities.
5. Limited Liability:
In some legal frameworks, registering an NGO can provide limited liability protection to its members and officers, safeguarding their personal assets.
6. Organizational Structure:
Registration formalizes the NGO's structure, including governance, management, and decision-making processes. This can improve efficiency and accountability.
7. Eligibility for Foreign Funding and Collaboration:
Registered NGOs may be eligible to receive foreign funding and collaborate with international organizations, which can expand their reach and impact.
8. Access to Government Resources and Partnerships:
Many governments provide resources, grants, and subsidies to registered NGOs, and registration may also facilitate partnerships with government agencies.
9. Ability to Employ Staff and Volunteers:
Registered NGOs can legally hire staff and recruit volunteers to support their work.
10. Protection of the Organization's Name:
Registration typically protects the NGO's name, preventing others from using it without permission.
11. Perpetual Succession:
Registered NGOs often have perpetual succession, meaning they can continue to exist even if their founders or original members leave.
12. Access to Networking Opportunities:
Registered NGOs can join networks and associations of other organizations, providing opportunities for collaboration, learning, and advocacy.

Registering an NGO makes it easier to achieve the goals as well as serving the community.

Published on: January 1, 1970, 12:00 am