What is an NGO?
An NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit entity formed with the objective of promoting charitable causes such as:
- Education and skill development
- Healthcare and sanitation
- Women and child welfare
- Rural development and poverty alleviation
- Environmental protection
- Cultural and social awareness programs
Unlike profit-making companies, NGOs do not distribute profits among members. Instead, all surplus funds are reinvested to achieve social objectives.
Why Lucknow is Ideal for NGOs
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s fastest-growing cities while retaining its deep cultural heritage. It is also a hub for educational institutions, healthcare services, social enterprises, and welfare programs. The Uttar Pradesh government actively collaborates with NGOs under welfare schemes like:
Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM)
National Health Mission (UP-NHM)
Mission Shakti (Women Empowerment)
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban & Rural UP)
Types of NGO Registration in Lucknow
When you decide to establish an NGO in Lucknow, you can choose from three main legal structures:
Trust Registration
- Governed by: Indian Trusts Act, 1882
- Suitable for: Charitable activities, religious institutions, and community-based initiatives.
- Key document: Trust Deed registered with the Sub-Registrar in Lucknow.
Society Registration
- Governed by: Societies Registration Act, 1860
- Suitable for: Educational institutions, welfare societies, cultural associations, and community groups.
- Requires: Minimum 7 members for registration with the Registrar of Societies, Uttar Pradesh.
Section 8 Company Registration
- Governed by: Companies Act, 2013.
- Suitable for: Large NGOs, social enterprises, and organizations seeking high credibility.
- Registered with: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
- Requires: Minimum 2 directors and 2 shareholders.
Each option under NGO Registration in Lucknow serves different goals, from grassroots work to nationwide operations.
Key Requirements for NGO Registration in Lucknow
The requirements depend on the type of NGO structure you choose (Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company). However, the following are common essentials:
Minimum Members:
- Trust: Minimum 2 trustees
- Society: Minimum 7 members
- Section 8 Company: Minimum 2 directors/shareholders
Registered Office in Lucknow:
A valid address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.) is required. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) must be obtained from the property owner if the office premises are rented.
Unique Name:
The NGO name must be unique and not identical to existing registered organizations or trademarks.
No Capital Requirement:
NGOs can be registered without mandatory share capital.
Charitable Objective:
The NGO must have a clearly defined purpose like education, healthcare, rural development, women empowerment, environment protection, or cultural promotion.
Benefits of NGO Registration in Lucknow
Registering your NGO in Lucknow opens doors to multiple benefits:
Tax Exemptions
NGOs can obtain 12A registration (income tax exemption) and 80G certification (donor tax deduction benefits). This makes fundraising easier and encourages individuals and corporates to contribute.
Legal Recognition
Registered NGOs are legally recognized under Indian law. This recognition boosts trust among stakeholders, government agencies, and donors.
Access to Government Grants
Uttar Pradesh provides a variety of welfare schemes where NGOs play an active role in grassroots implementation. Grants are more easily available to registered NGOs.
CSR Funding Opportunities
Corporates are mandated to spend at least 2% of profits on CSR activities. Registered NGOs in Lucknow can tap into CSR funding from large companies operating in Uttar Pradesh and nearby industrial hubs like Noida, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
Structured Governance
NGOs registered as Section 8 Companies follow structured governance under the Companies Act, which enhances transparency and accountability.
Nationwide Operations
While Trusts and Societies generally have state-level operations, Section 8 Companies can operate across India from the date of incorporation.
Public Trust & Credibility
Being a registered NGO increases public confidence and helps build long-term credibility, especially when approaching donors, banks, or government departments.
By opting for NGO Registration in Lucknow , your organization not only gains credibility but also eligibility for financial and institutional support.
Documents Required for NGO Registration in Lucknow
The documents vary slightly depending on the structure, but the following are generally required:
For Members / Trustees / Directors
Passport-size Photograph
PAN Card Copy
Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport / Driving License
Bank Statement / Utility Bill (not older than 2 months)
For Registered Office
Latest Electricity Bill / Water Bill (Lucknow address)
Rent Agreement (if rented property)
NOC from Property Owner
Additional Documents
Trust: Draft Trust Deed
Society: Memorandum of Association (MOA) + Rules & Regulations
Section 8 Company: MOA, AOA, INC-15 declaration, financial projections
Step-by-Step Process for NGO Registration in Lucknow
Decide the Structure
Choose whether to register your NGO as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company depending on your long-term goals.
Name Reservation
- Trust: Ensure the trust name is unique.
- Society: Apply for name approval with the Registrar of Societies, Lucknow.
- Section 8 Company: File SPICe+ Part A for MCA approval.
Drafting Documents
- Trust Deed (Trust)
- MOA & Rules & Regulations (Society)
- MOA & AOA (Section 8 Company)
Filing with Authorities
Certificate of Registration
After approval, you’ll receive:
- Registered Trust Deed
- Society Registration Certificate
- Section 8 License + Certificate of Incorporation
Post-Registration Compliance
- For Section 8 Company: PAN & TAN are automatically generated along with the Certificate of Incorporation, so no separate application is required.
- For Trusts and Societies: Need to apply for PAN & TAN separately.
- For All Entities: Apply for 12A & 80G tax exemptions.
- If foreign donations are expected: Apply for FCRA registration.
Uttar Pradesh Schemes Supporting NGOs in Lucknow
The Uttar Pradesh government collaborates with NGOs under several development schemes:
| Scheme | Objective | Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| UP Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) | Skill training for unemployed youth | NGOs can run training centers, provide skill courses |
| National Health Mission (UP-NHM) | Affordable healthcare access | NGOs can support immunization, maternal & child health programs |
| Mission Shakti | Women safety & empowerment | NGOs can run awareness campaigns, training & SHGs |
| Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan | Inclusive school education | NGOs can support digital classrooms, remedial programs |
| Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban & Rural) | Sanitation & waste management | NGOs can conduct awareness drives, manage waste systems |
| Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) | Promote SHGs & rural development | NGOs can mobilize women’s groups & support micro-enterprises |
Aligning your NGO with these government schemes after NGO Registration in Lucknow ensures better funding, long-term partnerships, and recognition from both state and central authorities.
Comparison: Trust vs Society vs Section 8 Company in Lucknow
| Criteria | Trust | Society | Section 8 Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Indian Trust Act, 1882 | Societies Registration Act, 1860 | Companies Act, 2013 |
| Authority | Sub-Registrar, Lucknow | Registrar of Societies, Lucknow | MCA (Central Government) |
| Minimum Members | 2 trustees | 7 members | 2 directors/shareholders |
| Legal Entity | Not separate | Semi-legal | Separate legal entity |
| Jurisdiction | State-specific | State-level (can expand nationally) | Pan-India operations |
| Transparency | Low | Medium | High |
| Compliance | Low | Medium | High |
| Tax Benefits | 12A/80G available | 12A/80G available | Easily available |
| CSR Preference | Low | Moderate | High |
| Best For | Small charities | Local clubs & communities | Professional NGOs & CSR tie-ups |
This comparison makes it clear that Section 8 Company Registration in Lucknow is best suited for NGOs aiming for large-scale operations, CSR tie-ups, and nationwide credibility.
Post-Incorporation Compliance for NGOs in Lucknow
For Section 8 Company:
- PAN & TAN are automatically generated with the Certificate of Incorporation.
- Apply for 12A & 80G tax exemptions.
- If foreign donations are expected: Apply for FCRA registration.
For Trusts:
- Apply separately for PAN & TAN.
- Apply for 12A & 80G exemptions.
- File Income Tax Return (ITR).
- Maintain proper books of accounts.
For Societies:
- Apply separately for PAN & TAN.
- Apply for 12A & 80G exemptions.
- Hold annual meetings and maintain records.
- File updated member list with Registrar.
- File ITR annually.
For Section 8 Companies (Ongoing Compliances):
- File MGT-7 (Annual Return).
- File AOC-4 (Financial Statements).
- Complete DIN KYC for directors.
- File annual ITR.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties or even cancellation of registration, so professional guidance is strongly recommended.
Why Choose My Legal Business LLP for NGO Registration in Lucknow?
We make NGO registration simple, transparent, and hassle-free. Our services include:
- NGO structure consultation (Trust/Society/Section 8)
- End-to-end support in drafting and filing documentss
- Quick name approval and registrations
- Assistance with PAN, TAN, 12A and 80G registrations
- Post-registration compliance support
- Guidance in connecting with government schemes & CSR funds
With our expert team, you can complete your NGO Registration in Lucknow quickly and compliantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to register an NGO in Lucknow?
- Trust: 10-15 days
- Society: 20-25 days
- Section 8 Company: 10-12 days
Can I use my residential address for NGO registration in Lucknow?
Yes, with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner.
Which is better -Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company?
- Trust: For small family-run charities
- Society: For community or educational groups
- Section 8 Company: For professional NGOs and CSR tie-ups
Can my Lucknow-based NGO get foreign donations?
Yes, after FCRA approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What tax benefits do NGOs in Lucknow enjoy?
12A registration provides tax exemption, while 80G gives donors tax deductions.
Do NGOs need annual audits?
Yes, NGOs are generally required to undergo annual audits to maintain compliance and tax benefits.
- Trusts: Must file ITR, maintain books of accounts, apply/renew 12A & 80G, and get accounts audited if claiming exemptions.
- Societies: Conduct annual general meetings, file member lists with the Registrar, submit ITR, and undergo annual audit for transparency.
- Section 8 Companies: Audit is compulsory every year along with filing of:
- MGT-7 (Annual Return)
- AOC-4 (Financial Statements)
- DIN KYC (for Directors)
- Annual ITR filing
Note: Non-compliance with audit requirements may result in penalties, cancellation of registration, or loss of 12A/80G tax exemptions.
Can foreigners be members of NGOs in Lucknow?
Yes, but one member must be an Indian resident.
Can I convert a Trust or Society into a Section 8 Company?
- Society: Convertible with legal procedures
- Trust: Must be freshly incorporated as a Section 8 Company