For Indian NGOs, getting foreign funding starts with a mandatory registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, or FCRA. In recent years, this "green light" from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has become increasingly difficult to obtain as compliance norms tighten.
The numbers say it all: the total count of active FCRA-registered organizations has shrunk by nearly 65% over the past 10 years, mostly because the government has either canceled or refused to renew thousands of licenses over transparency issues.
Now, in 2026, the MHA has approved FCRA registration for just 38 NGOs till now, highlighting just how intense the scrutiny has become. This approval is crucial-it opens the door for these groups to access help and donations from around the world. But getting there isn't easy. Each applicant faces a deep investigation by the Intelligence Bureau, which digs into the group's finances, background checks on key people, and whether their work fits into the law's definitions: cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social.
The most eye-catching names on this year's list? The Shikhar Dhawan Foundation and the Shri Bageshwar Jan Seva Samiti. For former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the clearance comes at a notable time, as he has recently faced scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding a separate investigation. However, the MHA's nod for his foundation-which focuses on education and healthcare-indicates that the charity itself has met all transparency requirements.
The Samiti, led by preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (Baba Bageshwar), also won approval to collect overseas donations in five different categories, giving his organization in Madhya Pradesh the legal means to accept funds from an enormous international fan base.
For context, last year saw 444 FCRA registrations granted, so the current pace underscores the challenge. The environment is only getting tougher, with a proposed FCRA Amendment Bill in 2026 set to give the government more power to control NGO assets if they break the rules. As for the newly registered NGOs, from here on, any foreign donation must go through a specific State Bank of India account in New Delhi. It's yet another requirement, aimed at tracking every rupee and reducing the chances of misuse or risk to national security.
1. Karuna Home For The Disabled
2. Shri Bageshwar Jan Seva Samiti Gadha
3. Maitreey Preksha Seva Mission
4. IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation
5. Kashi Trust
6. Kestopur Jagorani Foundation
7. Mathur Hosahalli Sharada School Betterment Committee
8. Visamo Kids Foundation
9. Jaipur Virasat Foundation
10. Ramakrishna Math Bolpur
11. Samaritan Help Mission
12. Rural Development Trust
13. Pragnachaksu Mahila Seva Kunj
14. Mayo College General Council
15. Shikhar Dhawan Foundation
16. Sri Ramakrishna Sharada Ashrama
17. HCL Foundation
18. Param Foundation
19. NIIT Foundation
20. Foundation Against Contin
21. Ayush Educational Society
22. Muktaa Charitable Foundation
23. Ramakrishna Math Purnea
24. Kai Bapuso N Z Marathe Vidhayak Sanstha Thalner
25. Avatar Meher Baba Perpetual Public Charitable Trust
26. Avatar Meher Baba Trust Firstly
27. Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan
28. The Institution At Dharmasthala
29. Desiya Vidya Kendra Trust
30. Astha Alternative Strategies For The Handicapped
31. Life Wins Foundation
32. Indraprastha Cancer Society And Research Centre
33. Nirman Bahuuddeshiya Vikas Sanstha
34. Radha Soami Satsang Soami Bagh
35. Centre For Research In Schemes And Policies
36. National Institute Of Technology Warangal Alumni Association
37. Chennai Mathematical Institute
38. I Hub Foundation for Cobotics