How to Start an NGO? Step by step guide, Registration, Document, etc.

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How to Start an NGO: There are many questions about NGOs, and if anybody wants to start an NGO, what do they do, and how do they start? Here is the solution. We share all the questions regarding NGOs. So let’s begin, NGO exists as a non-governmental organization, while there is no utterly agreed-upon meaning of an NGO, typically, it is a voluntary group or institution with a social purpose which functions independently from the government. As per the surveys, NGOs have high public trust and are crucial for helping society in many ways.

An organization related to an NGO may be called a nonprofit organization, citizen sector organization, civil society organization, charity, voluntary organization, social benefit, and many more. Through this article, we are providing complete information about NGOs, like what is NGO? How to Start an NGO? Documents Required?

What is an NGO?

An NGO is an organisation in which the government has no role; It is a Non-governmental organisation. People who have good money or business help people through NGOs. NGOs are a subgroup of organisations established by citizens, including clubs and associations that provide services to their members and others—an organisation aimed at the welfare of society. NGOs do social work, such as housing widowed women, teaching poor orphans, protecting women, etc.

NGOs were formed in the US because in the US, aside from the govt., various social works are done by these organizations. NGO’s can be run by anyone; one person cannot run; it is run by a group of 7 or more people.

It is not run for profit but for the good of others. Individuals who are passionate about bringing a change in the society can do so through a registered or unregistered NGO. But one benefit of registered NGOs is that you can get financial support from the government for social welfare. If a person wants to do social work or social welfare without the government’s help, he can also work by contacting private companies.

Types of NGOs

We have a lot of questions in our mind about NGOs, such as how many types of NGOs are there and their orientation and level of operation may classify it. So, we provide complete knowledge about types of NGOs.

Orientation – In terms of ‘orientation’ NGOs can be classified into four types Charity, Service, Participation, Empowerments, it means

Level of operation – In terms of ‘level of operation’ NGOs can be classified into four types Community-based organizations (CBOs), City-wide organizations, National NGOs, International NGOs.

Charity	Community-based organizations (CBOs)
Service	City-wide organizations
Participation	National NGOs
Empowerment	International NGOs

Before beginning an NGO, you should know the primary difficulties of people in the area you want to reduce. Knowing this, it becomes easier to formulate the purpose and mission of your NGO accordingly. After this, you must decide the NGO’s vision, mission, and objectives.

How to Start an NGO?

Starting an NGO requires a passion to make a difference in the society and lives of people around and a dedication to work selflessly towards the betterment of humankind. Anyone wants to start their NGO has to follow a process which is explained in detail below.

Step by step guide to start an NGO in India

Here, we provide information about How to start an NGO in India; follow these easy steps to start an NGO. Let’s see:

Step 1. Cause and mission of your NGO:

The first and foremost step in starting an NGO is to decide on the cause and mission of your organization. First, understand which cause in society bothers you the most and to which cause you want to dedicate your time and efforts to bring about a positive change. This is a very important step because it will be the foundation of your organization, keeping you motivated. Your cause and mission will always remind you of the reason you started.

Step 2. Board of directors:

The foundation of any organization is always it’s people and to start your NGO you need the right set of people who can help you run your NGO smoothly. In your board you have to find people who are equally passionate for the cause and willing to provide their support. Your Board should have people from diverse backgrounds like financial specialists, technology specially and people who have diverse knowledge about fundraising.

Step 3. Name of your NGO:

Here comes the time to be the most creative and give a name to your NGO that tells a story about your organization and what it does, this decision takes the most amount of time because you want the best name for your NGO.

For Reference: From just reading the name Smile Foundation we can understand what this organization focus on that is spreading smiles among people and the society.

Step 4. Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation (MOA/AOA)

When you start an NGO, it is crucial to prepare both these documents memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of association (AOA)

MOA includes name, address, mission and information regarding founding members of your NGO etc.

AOA includes roles and responsibilities of board of directors, eligibility criteria to become a member, process of financial reporting etc.

Step 5. Get your NGO registered:

In order to register your NGO there are several steps that you have to follow such as submitting the necessary documents (such as MOA, AOA, identity proofs of members, and address proof) to the relevant government authority responsible for NGO registration in your country or region. Also your have to apply for tax-exempt status if your country provides tax benefits for charitable organizations and most importantly open a bank account in the name of your NGO.

Step 6: Fund Collection

To start your operational fund collection is the most critical part for any NGO. There are several ways of fund collection such as individual donations through direct appeals, fundraising events, social media campaigns, government grants etc.

Step 7: Final Process

To build a strong network is extremely crucial for any NGO as it assists organizations in funding opportunities, technical support, research and innovation and if you have credible people in your network, it increases the credibility of your NGO.

Documents Required:

Before beginning an NGO, you need some essential documents.

Memorandum and Rules & Regulations in Duplicate duly signed by a Minimum of Three persons (Each page on the bottom).
Ownership Proof of Registered Office. (Electricity Bill/Sale Deed/ GPA/Water Bill etc.) and residential Proof/office address of all members of society, for example, Telephone bill/Voter ID/Electricity bill/ Driving license/Passport, etc.
NOC from the Owner of the premises & affidavit from the President on Rs.10/- Stamp Paper and all the members of society must sign the list of Desirous persons.
Desirous persons or persons subscribing to the name of the Memorandum should not be (in any case) less than seven. If it is meant to provide All India character to the society, there must be 8 separate persons from various states of the Indian Union to the Memorandum.

There are essential documents like a Trust Deed / Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations / Memorandum, and Articles of Association.

Which of these three documents you will require depends on the nature of your NGO. Complete details of your NGO are within these documents. Such as how many members will be in the NGO, the purpose of the NGO, How to make people members in NGOs, How NGOs work, and the expulsion rules.

If you start an NGO, you must open a separate bank account in the name of the NGO. For this, you should have a PAN card in the NGO’s name as you will be able to open a bank account. If someone donates for your NGO it goes to the NGO’s account.

Top NGO in India

Non-governmental organizations worldwide work for various social and human welfare, working towards constant development and positive societal changes. It performs many functions; its primary purpose is to work on social causes. It educates poor orphans, provides books to children, provides good food for children in school, etc.

1. CRY (Child Rights and You)
2. Smile Foundation
3. Give India Foundation

To read the complete list, follow the link: Top 10 NGOs in India.

Read also:

Section 8 Company Registration	Charitable Trust Registration Process
FCRA Registration	12A and 80G Registration for NGO
CSR Registration	Society Registration Process
NGO Darpan Registration	–