Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape for Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives requires expert legal support. At The Jurists International Advocates & Solicitors, our dedicated team of legal professionals is adept at handling the complexities faced by NPOs and businesses engaged in CSR activities. We offer comprehensive legal advisory services, ensuring that organizations not only comply with statutory requirements but also operate in a manner that aligns with their mission and values.

Our NPO & CSR practice focuses on providing legal solutions to non-profit entities, charitable trusts, foundations, and companies seeking to implement socially responsible business practices. We support clients at every stage—from formation, compliance, and governance to project execution, tax exemptions, and regulatory approvals. Whether you are establishing a new charitable organization, running an NGO, or implementing CSR projects, our team ensures your operations remain compliant with the applicable legal framework.

At The Jurists International, we recognize the unique challenges that NPOs and CSR projects face, from governance issues to legal compliance and funding regulations. Our approach is strategic, practical, and personalized. We work closely with non-profit entities and corporations to ensure their initiatives are legally sound, well-structured, and capable of achieving their social impact objectives.

1. Holistic Legal Advisory: We offer a full spectrum of legal services to NPOs and companies with CSR programs, from incorporation and governance to compliance with regulations under the Companies Act, 2013 and other relevant laws. Our team provides advisory services that address all aspects of non-profit operations, including tax exemptions, regulatory compliance, fundraising, and partnership agreements.

2. Compliance with CSR Laws: For corporate clients, we help ensure compliance with CSR provisions under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013. This includes advisory services on how to strategically design and implement CSR initiatives that align with corporate goals while meeting the statutory requirement of spending 2% of net profits on CSR activities.

3. Tax & Regulatory Support: We assist NPOs in obtaining tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 1961, such as 80G and 12A registration, as well as foreign contribution approvals under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA). We also help corporations navigate CSR-related tax implications, ensuring that their contributions qualify for tax benefits.

4. Corporate-NGO Collaborations: Collaboration between corporates and NGOs is essential for impactful CSR initiatives. Our firm facilitates partnerships between companies and non-profit organizations by drafting and reviewing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), contracts, and collaboration agreements, ensuring that both parties' interests are protected and aligned for effective project implementation.

Areas of Expertise

Our NPO & CSR practice covers a wide range of legal services designed to support the operational and regulatory needs of non-profit entities and businesses committed to corporate social responsibility.

Setting up an NPO requires careful legal structuring to ensure compliance with local regulations and to align with the organization’s mission. We assist clients in forming and registering NPOs under various legal frameworks, including trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies (formerly known as Section 25 companies).

• NPO Registration: We assist in registering charitable trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies, guiding clients through the process to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Our services also include drafting governing documents such as trust deeds, bye-laws, and articles of association.

• Governance & Compliance: Good governance is crucial for the success and sustainability of non-profit organizations. Our legal team provides governance advisory services, helping organizations implement transparent management practices, adhere to compliance requirements, and mitigate risks related to governance failures.

The implementation of CSR initiatives requires not only compliance with legal mandates but also alignment with corporate values and societal needs. We offer strategic and legal advisory services to help companies design, implement, and report on their CSR initiatives effectively.

• CSR Strategy & Compliance: Our team helps corporates develop a CSR strategy that complies with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, while ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term goals. We assist in identifying appropriate projects, selecting NGO partners, and ensuring legal compliance in the execution of CSR programs.

• CSR Impact Assessment & Reporting: We guide corporates on how to measure the impact of their CSR activities and report the same as per the requirements of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Our services also include drafting CSR reports that can be included in the company’s annual financial statements.

• Statutory Approvals & Certifications: We assist in obtaining the necessary approvals and certifications for CSR activities, including project approvals from government bodies or ministries where required. Our team ensures that CSR spending meets statutory obligations and qualifies for any available tax benefits.

Non-profits and CSR initiatives face a unique set of tax and regulatory challenges. We provide expert guidance on the tax benefits available to NPOs under the Income Tax Act and help companies leverage tax incentives for CSR contributions.

• Tax Exemptions for NPOs: Our services include assistance in obtaining 12A and 80G certification for NPOs, enabling them to receive tax-deductible donations and be eligible for tax exemptions. We also advise on other applicable tax provisions and the legal framework governing charitable entities.

• FCRA Registration & Compliance: We help NGOs comply with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), which governs foreign donations to NPOs. This includes assistance in obtaining FCRA registration, compliance with reporting requirements, and navigating the complexities of receiving foreign contributions.

• Tax Implications for CSR: For corporates, we provide guidance on the tax treatment of CSR spending, helping companies take full advantage of available deductions and ensure that their CSR initiatives meet the legal requirements under the Income Tax Act.

Non-profits often rely on external funding sources such as grants, donations, and foreign contributions. We assist clients in structuring fundraising campaigns and applying for grants while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

• Fundraising & Donations: We provide legal advice on structuring fundraising campaigns, drafting donation agreements, and ensuring that fundraising efforts comply with legal requirements. This includes compliance with the Income Tax Act and other regulations governing donations to NPOs.

• Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Compliance: Foreign funding is a vital source of income for many NGOs, but it comes with stringent regulatory requirements. Our firm helps NPOs navigate the complexities of the FCRA, including registration, renewal, and compliance with reporting requirements for foreign contributions.

• Grant Applications & Contracts: We assist NPOs in applying for grants from government bodies, foundations, and international organizations. Our team drafts and reviews grant agreements to ensure that they are aligned with the organization’s goals and comply with the relevant legal standards.

Our firm provides tailored legal advisory services for CSR projects, helping companies identify eligible projects, draft project agreements, and ensure that the funds are utilized for the intended purposes.

• Eligible CSR Projects: We assist companies in identifying eligible CSR projects, ensuring that their initiatives comply with the legal mandate under the Companies Act. Our team helps develop CSR strategies that focus on education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, rural development, and other approved sectors.

• Project Agreements & MOUs: We draft and review CSR project agreements, MOUs between corporates and NGOs, and partnership agreements to ensure that all parties’ roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. This includes ensuring that the projects meet legal requirements and reporting standards.

• CSR Impact Audits & Legal Compliance: We assist companies in conducting legal audits of their CSR initiatives, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements, financial transparency, and the effectiveness of CSR spending.

For legal advice or assistance with Non-Profit Organizations and Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact The Jurists International Advocates & Solicitors. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through every aspect of compliance, governance, and strategic legal support for your non-profit or CSR initiatives.

Why Choose The Jurists International for NPO & CSR Legal Services?

1. Experienced Legal Team:

   Our team of seasoned legal professionals has extensive experience working with NPOs and advising corporates on CSR matters, offering specialized knowledge and practical solutions.

2. Tailored Solutions for NPOs & CSR:

   We understand that every NPO and CSR initiative is unique. Our approach is to provide personalized legal advice that aligns with the specific goals of the organization or business, ensuring maximum impact and legal compliance.

3. Expertise in Regulatory Compliance:

   Navigating the regulatory landscape for NPOs and CSR initiatives can be challenging. Our firm offers expert guidance on compliance with FCRA, Companies Act, Income Tax Act, and other applicable laws.

4. Strategic Partnerships & Collaborations:

   We facilitate successful collaborations between corporates and NGOs, ensuring that their partnerships are legally sound and aligned with their mutual objectives.

5. Full-Service Legal Support:

   Whether it’s setting up a new NPO, advising on CSR compliance, or handling complex taxation issues, we provide full-service legal support to help our clients achieve their goals and create lasting social impact.