CSR Proposal Format 2025 – Free Template & Checklist

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July 8, 2025

Table of content

Introduction
CSR 101-Quick legal checklist
The 7 Simple Steps to Build a CSR Proposal
Anatomy of a winning CSR proposal
Common mistakes that sink proposals
Download your fill-in-the-blank template
FAQs

Introduction

Indian corporates spent ₹ 34,909 crore on CSR in FY 2023-24, up 13 % year-on-year. Yet fewer than one in five proposals make it past the first screening, largely because they miss statutory or strategic details. This guide shows you how to avoid that fate. (Source1, Source2)

Quick stat: 27,188 companies reported CSR spending in FY 2023–24—but deep regional imbalances mean Tier‑II/rural districts receive only a small fraction (as little as ~1 % in some regions). A sharp, compliant proposal is your ticket to tapping into that under‑allocated pool.

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CSR 101—legal checkpoints in 60 seconds

Must-check	Why It Matters	Source Document
CSR-1 registration	Mandatory to receive corporate funds	MCA Form CSR-1
12A & 80G	Tax exemption for donor and NGO	IT Act
3-year track record	Required by Rule 4(2)	CSR Rules 2021

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The 7 Simple Steps to Build a CSR Proposal

Identify the Problem
Start with real data—surveys, government reports, or local studies. Show why your project is needed.
Match with CSR Rules
Connect your project goals with relevant clauses under Schedule VII of the Companies Act.
Make a Practical Budget
Break down costs clearly. Keep admin expenses low (ideally under 5%) and show how each rupee will be spent.
Decide What You’ll Measure
Pick 3–5 impact metrics (KPIs). For example: % improvement in learning, number of beneficiaries, or energy saved.
Think About Risks
List possible risks (e.g., delays, low attendance) and explain what you’ll do if they happen.
Attach All Legal Documents
Add your CSR-1, 12A, 80G, FCRA (if applicable), financials, board resolutions, and project MoUs.
Plan Reporting & Monitoring
Mention how often you’ll report progress—typically quarterly MIS updates and one full impact report at the end.

Still confused? understand in detail

Anatomy of a winning CSR proposal

#	Material	Why It’s Cheaper	Best Uses
1	Fly-Ash Bricks	Up to 15× lower embodied energy than burnt clay; often sold 10–20% cheaper where coal-plant ash is abundant	Load & non-load walls
2	AAC Blocks	Hollow micro-air pockets reduce weight, mortar, and steel; red clay bricks are now ~20% costlier	External & partition walls
3	Bamboo	Fast-growing, locally available; needs only simple tools; 50% lighter than steel for equivalent tensile capacity	Trusses, screens, tie-beams
4	Recycled Steel Rebar	Same structural grade, 12–18% cheaper in bulk; lowers CO₂ footprint	All RCC elements
5	Recycled Plastic Lumber	Zero rot, low maintenance; replaces wood joinery; costs 20–25% less over lifecycle	Door/window frames
6	GI Corrugated Sheets	Quick roofing—labour + time savings override sheet cost; excellent for sheds	Roofs, site offices
7	Micro-Concrete Tiles	Thin, high-strength; 30% lighter than clay tiles, lowering rafter size	Pitched roofs
8	Geopolymer / Ferrock Concrete	Utilises slag, fly ash; 17% less cement cost, very low CO₂	Slabs, pavers
9	Bagasse-Ash Blended Cement	Sugar-mill waste replaces 15% OPC; 8–10% cheaper per tonne	Mortar, plaster
10	Hollow Concrete Blocks	25% less concrete per m³ than solid blocks, easier handling	Boundary & infill walls
11	uPVC Frames	Factory-finished, no paint; 10–12% cheaper than powder-coated aluminium	Windows & doors
12	Low-E Coated Single Glass	Gives near-double-glazing insulation at 60% of the cost	Windows in hot regions

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Common mistakes that sink proposals

Generic need statements: “Lack of education” is not a need; “42 % female drop-out rate in Block X (DISE 2024)” is.
Mis-matched budgets: A ₹ 50 lakh ask with no benchmark costing screams red flag.
Ignoring SDGs: Corporates increasingly tag CSR spends to SDG goals—map yours.
‍Single-line M&E: Bare metrics ≠ evaluation. Show who collects data and how it’s verified.

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About company-issued CSR templates

Many large corporates (e.g., Tata Steel, HUL, Infosys Foundation) provide their own CSR proposal formats—usually an Excel or PDF form where NGOs simply fill in project data and attach annexures. Always check the target company’s CSR page first:

Download their official template (if available).
Mirror the exact section order and character limits.

If no template exists, or if the format is too generic, feel free to use the comprehensive template linked below. It’s designed to tick every legal and strategic checkbox most CSR committees expect.

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