Understanding legal and regulatory compliance for NGOs

Skill-labs are part of ISDM’s efforts to build sector-wide capacities in compliance and governance. They are designed as case-led, peer-learning sessions featuring sector practitioners and domain experts. This video is a recording of experience led disucssion that is a comprehensive FAQ-style guide to legal and regulatory compliance for non-profit organizations in India. It addresses key frameworks like Section 12AB, Section 80G, GST, and FCRA, explaining their significance and the common challenges NGOs face. The guide highlights the increased scrutiny and evolving donor expectations within the sector, and it emphasizes that compliance is crucial for maintaining credibility and securing funding. It also covers common pitfalls, such as failing to distinguish between foreign and domestic contributions or overlooking state-level labor laws.

Skill-labs are part of ISDM’s efforts to build sector-wide capacities in compliance and governance. They are designed as case-led, peer-learning sessions featuring sector practitioners and domain experts. This video is an expert discussion around strengthening internal financial controls and preventing mismanagement in non-profit organizations. It emphasizes that financial controls are essential for ensuring accountability, preventing fraud, and building credibility with donors and regulators. The report differentiates between financial systems and controls, identifies the three main types of controls (operational, financial, and compliance), and highlights that effective implementation is more about organizational culture and discipline than cost. It also outlines the collective responsibility of the board, management, and staff in upholding financial integrity.