If you’re planning to start a non-profit organization in India, you’ve probably come across terms like NGO registration, trust registration, society registration, and Section 8 company. This often leads to confusion: Is NGO registration the same as trust registration? Or are they different?
The answer is: Trust registration is just one of the types of NGO registration. In other words, all trusts are NGOs, but not all NGOs are trusts. Let’s explore the difference between the two, and help you decide what’s right for your cause.
What is an NGO?
NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. It is a broad term that refers to any legally registered, non-profit entity that works for charitable, religious, cultural, educational, environmental, or social welfare purposes.
In India, NGOs can be registered under three different legal forms:
-
Trust
-
Society
-
Section 8 Company
So, NGO registration refers to the overall legal process of registering any of these three types of non-profit entities.
What is Trust Registration?
Trust registration is one of the three main ways to legally register an NGO. It is governed by:
-
Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (for private trusts)
-
State-specific public trust acts (for charitable trusts, like Maharashtra Public Trust Act)
Trusts are typically used for:
-
Charitable hospitals, schools, old-age homes
-
Religious organizations
-
Family-run or privately governed charitable initiatives
Key Differences Between NGO Registration and Trust Registration
| Feature | NGO Registration | Trust Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Umbrella term for all non-profit registration types | Specific legal structure under NGO types |
| Legal Form | Can be a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company | Only a Trust |
| Governing Law | Depends on the type of registration | Indian Trusts Act or State Trust Act |
| Registration Authority | RoC (MCA), Registrar of Societies, or Sub-Registrar | Sub-Registrar (district-level) |
| Minimum Members | Varies: 2 (Section 8), 7 (Society), 2 (Trust) | Minimum 2 Trustees |
| Structure | May have board or executive committee | Usually governed by a trust deed & trustees |
| Compliance Requirement | Moderate to High (Section 8) | Low to Moderate |
| Popular Use Cases | National NGOs, CSR projects, donor funding | Religious, family or local charities |
Summary: NGO vs Trust Registration
To simplify:
-
NGO Registration is a broad process that includes registering as a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company.
-
Trust Registration is one type of NGO registration, often used for local or family-run charitable purposes.
-
If you’re starting an NGO and want to operate professionally, raise funds, and apply for CSR or FCRA, you may prefer a Section 8 Company or Society.
-
If your purpose is religious or social work on a small scale (e.g., running a temple, community school), Trust registration is a simple and cost-effective route.
When to Choose a Trust for Your NGO
Choose Trust registration if:
-
You have a small team (2-3 trustees)
-
Your focus is charitable or religious work in a single state
-
You don’t need extensive compliance or fundraising structures
-
You’re not applying for CSR funds or foreign grants immediately
Choose Society or Section 8 Company if:
-
You want to operate across multiple states
-
You plan to apply for CSR, 12A/80G, or FCRA
-
You want a structured, compliant, and nationally/internationally credible NGO model
Conclusion
Yes, NGO registration and trust registration are different, but they are closely related. Trust registration is one method of legally registering an NGO. Depending on your goals, reach, and funding plans, you should choose the type of NGO registration that aligns with your mission.
Still confused? Let experts like NGOExperts guide you through the decision. From choosing the right structure to completing your registration, compliance, and funding strategy — they help your nonprofit start strong and stay compliant.
