NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Supporting Purpose-Driven Organisations

KBD advises not-for-profit organisations, including NGOs, charitable trusts, societies, foundations and international development organisations on a broad range of legal matters. The Firm assists clients in navigating the complex regulatory frameworks governing the not-for-profit sector in India, including registration and governance, foreign contribution compliance and ongoing statutory obligations.

Our experience spans domestic civil society organisations as well as the Indian affiliates and programme offices of international foundations and multilateral agencies. We bring a practical, mission-sensitive approach to advising clients whose work serves the public good.

Scope of Services

Registration & Structuring

• Trust, society and Section 8 company formation
• Structure advisory for NGOs, foundations and implementing organisations
• Conversion and restructuring of not-for-profit entities
• Liaison with regulatory authorities for registration and approvals

Governance & Compliance

• Governing document drafting and review (trust deeds, MoAs, bye-laws)
• Board and committee advisory
• Statutory compliance and annual filing obligations
• Internal governance frameworks and policies

FCRA & Foreign Funding

• FCRA registration and renewal
• Foreign contribution compliance and reporting
• Advisory on permissible utilisation and restrictions
• Liaison with Ministry of Home Affairs on FCRA matters

Agreements & Transactions

• Grant agreements and donor contracts
• Memoranda of Understanding with government and implementation partners

• Partnership, collaboration and sub-grant agreements
• Employment, consultant and vendor contracts

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

• Advised and assisted international development organisations on FCRA registration and compliance, including preparation of annual returns and advisory on permissible foreign contribution utilisation.
• Assisted in the formation and registration of trusts, societies and Section 8 companies for clients establishing charitable and not-for-profit structures in India.
• Advised an international foundation on governance restructuring of its Indian programme office, including revision of governing documents, board composition and statutory compliance obligations.
• Drafted and negotiated grant agreements, sub-grant arrangements and MoUs for not-for-profit organisations working in the fields of education, environment and healthcare.