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Table of Content

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Key Takeaways for CSR Donors and Funders

• CSR spending is legally mandatory for qualifying companies under Section 135 of the Companies Act.
  
• Eligible sectors include education, healthcare, environment, skill development, sanitation, rural development, and more (Schedule VII).
  
• To receive CSR funds, NGOs must:
  • Be a Trust, Society, or Sec-8 Company
  • Have valid CSR-1, 12A, and 80G registrations
  • Show at least 3 years of credible track record

• Filing Form CSR-1 with MCA is compulsory to appear on the National CSR Portal.
• Find CSR donors via csr.gov.in, company reports, foundations, or LinkedIn outreach.
• Avoid mistakes like generic proposals, missing documents, or weak online presence.

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In India, CSR funding is not a goodwill gesture — it's a legal mandate.
Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, India became the first country in the world to legally require corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending by qualifying companies.

According to the law, companies that meet any of the following criteria must allocate at least 2% of their average net profits over the past 3 financial years toward CSR activities:

• Net worth of ₹500 crore or more
  
• Annual turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more
  
• Net profit of ₹5 crore or more
  

Source: Companies Act, 2013 – Section 135

This requirement has unlocked thousands of crores every year for nonprofits, social enterprises, and grassroots development. In FY 2021–22 alone, over ₹25,000 crore was spent on CSR activities across India. Source: National CSR Portal, Ministry of Corporate Affairs – CSR Dashboard 2022

The intent is not just donation—but impact-driven, accountable development aligned with national priorities.

From healthcare and education to climate action and rural infrastructure, CSR funds are reshaping India’s social sector—but only for organizations that are compliant, proposal-ready, and aligned with Schedule VII of the Companies Act.

Eligible CSR Sectors (Schedule VII of Companies Act):

For purpose-driven NGOs and non profits, here’s the construction company making infrastructure truly impactful.

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To receive CSR funds, your organization must meet specific criteria. Here’s a checklist:

Planning to build a hospital? Don’t miss this breakdown of licensing costs in India.

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To receive CSR funds in India, an NGO must complete multiple statutory registrations — not just CSR-1.

Step-by-Step: How to File CSR-1

1. Visit the MCA Website – https://www.mca.gov.in
   
   
2. Download and fill Form CSR-1
3. Attach:
   
   
   • PAN of the NGO
     
   • Registration Certificate (Trust/Society/Sec-8 Company)
     
   • 12A & 80G Certificates (see steps below)
     
   • Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) of authorized signatory
     
     
4. Submit online through MCA portal
   
   
5. Receive your unique CSR Registration Number
   
   

Note: Only NGOs with valid CSR-1 registration are listed on the National CSR Portal.

Other Mandatory Registrations (With Mini Steps)

To ensure impact and accountability, check for:

Recommended (But Not Mandatory)

• NGO DARPAN ID – Useful when approaching PSUs or government-backed CSR donors
• ‍Website, Impact Report, Pitch Deck – Helps in digital discovery and proposal strength

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A well-crafted proposal is often the first and only chance your NGO gets to make an impression on a company’s CSR decision-makers. It must communicate credibility, alignment, and impact—clearly and concisely.

Instead of repeating everything here, we’ve broken down the full proposal-building process in a dedicated blog and also provided a free downloadable template to help you get started instantly.

Explore Our Deep Dive Guide How to Write a CSR Proposal That Gets Funded – Step-by-Step Guide

Grab Your Free Proposal Template CSR Proposal Template (Editable Word Format) – Download Now

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Here are 5 ways to build a list of companies providing CSR funds:

1. National CSR Portal

• https://csr.gov.in
  
• Search by state, sector, or company
  
• Data available: disbursed amount, implementing partner, projects
  

2. Annual CSR Reports of Companies

• All listed companies publish CSR spending in annual reports
  
• Look under “CSR Expenditure” or “Annexure to Board’s Report”

Read this blog to understand about CSR Annual Reports

3. Websites of Major CSR Foundations

• Tata Trusts, HCL Foundation, Infosys Foundation, Reliance Foundation
  
• Dedicated “Grants” or “Partners” section
  

4. CSR Consultants or Grant Aggregators

• Samhita, GuideStar India, CSRBox
  
• They often release RFPs or call for proposals
  

5. LinkedIn + Email Outreach

• Find CSR Heads, ESG Managers, or Foundation Leaders on LinkedIn
  
• Send tailored outreach with relevant project details
  

Check out the list of top CSr donors in Healthcare 2025

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1. Customize the Ask: Align with the company’s CSR themes and geographical focus.
   
   
2. Build Relationships First: Start with a call, event connection, or webinar follow-up before a hard ask.
   
   
3. Keep Your Website Updated: Companies research online before engaging. Add case studies, impact dashboards, and registration docs.
   
   
4. Use a One-Pager Pitch Deck: Send a single-slide overview with key impact and credentials before the full proposal.
   
   
5. Offer Co-Branding Opportunities: Show how their contribution will be visible (media, plaque, annual impact report).
   

Choose the right way to pitch for CSR funds

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• Using one generic proposal for all companies
• No CSR-1 registration
• Overestimating the budget without justification
• Not showcasing measurable impact metrics
• Ignoring follow-ups after initial contact
• Weak digital presence or outdated contact details
• Expecting funding without project readiness

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Q1. Can a new NGO get CSR funding?
A: Yes, if you have a valid CSR-1 and strong team/project plan. A 3-year track record is generally required unless you partner with an established implementation agency.

Q2. Can I use CSR funds for admin salaries or rent?
A: CSR funds can cover admin costs, but it should be capped (usually 5–10%) and clearly justified.

Q3. Can individuals or unregistered groups get CSR funding?
A: No. Only registered Trusts, Societies, or Section 8 Companies with CSR-1 approval can receive CSR funds.

Q4. Can one project be funded by multiple companies?
A: Yes. You can pool CSR contributions from more than one donor as long as reporting is clear.

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India’s CSR landscape is evolving fast — with greater transparency, tighter compliance, and rising competition. Companies are more open than ever to supporting impactful causes, but they also expect professionalism, clarity, and measurable results.

To stand out:

• Ensure all legal registrations are in place: CSR-1, 12A, 80G, PAN, and audit reports
  
  
• Tailor your proposal to match each company’s CSR themes and geography
  
  
• Highlight outcomes with clear data, real stories, and alignment with SDGs
  
  
• Stay proactive in your communication — smart follow-ups matter
  
  

BuiltX is India’s only construction firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofits. We specialize in designing and delivering purpose-driven infrastructure—from hospitals and schools to skilling centers and shelters—on time and within budget.

Whether you're based in Delhi NCR, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, or anywhere across India, if you're planning to build infrastructure that creates lasting social impact, partner with BuiltX.

Let’s build change together. Book your free consultation today.‍