Legal Services for NGOs & Non-Profits
INDUSTRIES · NGO & NON-PROFIT · BHOPAL, SERVING ALL INDIA
Legal Services for NGOs & Non-Profits
Trust, Society and Section 8 registration, 12A and 80G, FCRA, CSR eligibility and annual compliance — the complete legal backbone for your NGO, so you can focus on the mission while we keep you compliant and funding-ready. Your first consultation is free.
Your NGO runs on trust — and on compliance
Donors, grant-makers and CSR partners fund NGOs that are properly registered and demonstrably compliant. Getting the structure, tax exemptions and filings right is what unlocks funding and protects your organisation.
An NGO can be a Trust, a Society, or a Section 8 company — each with different registration, governance and compliance implications. On top of that sit the tax exemptions (12A and 80G), foreign-funding registration (FCRA), CSR eligibility, and a calendar of annual filings. Get any of these wrong and funding — or your exempt status — is at risk.
We set up NGOs in the right structure, secure 12A and 80G exemptions, handle FCRA registration and renewals, position you for CSR funding, and manage the ongoing annual compliance — so your organisation stays credible, compliant and eligible for every source of funds.
Who this is for
- Founders starting an NGO unsure whether to form a Trust, Society or Section 8 company.
- NGOs seeking 12A & 80G to become tax-exempt and offer donor deductions.
- Organisations needing FCRA to legally receive foreign contributions.
- NGOs pursuing CSR funding from companies.
- Existing NGOs behind on annual filings or facing compliance notices.
Our legal services for NGOs
Everything a non-profit needs to be registered, tax-exempt, funding-ready and compliant.
NGO Registration
Trust, Society and Section 8 company registration — structured for your mission and funding.
12A & 80G Registration
Income-tax exemption (12A) and donor deduction (80G) registration and renewals.
FCRA Registration
FCRA registration, prior permission and renewal for receiving foreign contributions.
CSR Compliance
CSR-1 registration and positioning to receive corporate CSR funding.
Annual Compliance
Audits, annual returns, filings and governance to keep exemptions safe.
Governance & Documentation
Trust deeds, MOA/bye-laws, board resolutions and internal policies.
Why NGOs choose Prospect Legal
We pick the right structure
Trust, Society or Section 8 — we advise the form that fits your mission, funding and governance, not a default.
Funding-readiness built in
12A, 80G, FCRA and CSR-1 done right so no funding source is closed to you.
A registered firm, not an agent
You deal with an accountable private limited company (CIN U74999MP2016PTC041343).
Exemptions protected
We keep your filings current so your hard-won 12A/80G status is never jeopardised.
One partner for everything
Registration, tax, foreign funding and annual compliance under one roof — no juggling agents.
Transparent, mission-friendly fees
Clear pricing that respects a non-profit’s budget, agreed upfront.
How we set up and support your NGO
Advise
We recommend the right structure for your mission, funding and governance.
Register
We incorporate the Trust, Society or Section 8 company and draft its charter.
Exemptions
We secure 12A, 80G and, where needed, FCRA and CSR-1 registration.
Comply
We set up and run your annual audit, returns and filings.
Support
We advise on governance, funding and any notices as you grow.
Documents we usually need
- Identity and address proof of founders / trustees / directors
- Proposed name and objects of the organisation
- Registered office address proof
- Details of the governing body and members
- For 12A/80G/FCRA — registration and activity records
- For existing NGOs — prior registration and past filings
NGO structures compared
The right structure depends on your mission, scale and funding plans. We recommend the best fit in the free consultation.
NGO legal services — frequently asked questions
Should I register my NGO as a Trust, Society or Section 8 company?
It depends on your goals. A Trust is simple and founder-led; a Society suits membership-based groups with broader participation; a Section 8 company offers the most formal governance and is often preferred by larger funders and for CSR. We assess your mission, scale and funding plans and recommend the structure that serves you best — and won’t need changing later.
What are 12A and 80G, and do we need both?
12A gives your NGO exemption from income tax on its surplus, while 80G lets your donors claim a tax deduction on their donations — which makes giving to you far more attractive. Most NGOs need both: 12A to protect your funds and 80G to attract donors. We handle the applications and renewals for both.
When does an NGO need FCRA registration?
FCRA registration is required before your NGO can legally receive foreign contributions — donations or grants from foreign sources. Receiving foreign funds without it is a serious violation. If foreign funding is part of your plan, we handle FCRA registration (or prior permission for a specific grant) and the strict ongoing compliance it requires.
How can our NGO receive CSR funding from companies?
To receive CSR funds, your NGO generally needs to be registered on the MCA’s CSR portal via Form CSR-1, which requires prior 12A and 80G registration and a track record. We complete your CSR-1 registration and help position your organisation to be an eligible, attractive CSR implementation partner.
What ongoing compliance does an NGO have to maintain?
NGOs must maintain proper books, conduct annual audits, file income-tax returns and, depending on structure, annual returns with the Registrar of Societies or MCA — plus FCRA returns if applicable. Lapses can cost you your 12A/80G status. We manage this annual calendar so your exemptions and credibility stay intact.
We started an NGO but haven’t kept up filings — can you help?
Yes. We regularly help NGOs get back into good standing — bringing pending audits and returns up to date, responding to any notices, and restoring or safeguarding 12A/80G and FCRA status. The sooner it’s addressed the better, as lapses compound. Send us your registration details and we’ll assess where you stand.
Do you work with NGOs outside Bhopal?
Yes. We set up and support NGOs across India, handling registration, tax exemptions, FCRA and compliance remotely, with local steps coordinated where required. Tell us where you’re based and what you’re planning, and we’ll confirm the process and timeline.
FREE NGO CONSULTATION
Tell us about your NGO
Share a few details and we’ll call you back within 2 hours with the right structure and a clear, fixed quote.
Focus on your mission — we’ll keep you compliant and funded
Talk to our team for a free discussion of your NGO’s registration, exemption or compliance needs.
