2 min readNew DelhiApr 25, 2026 11:55 AM IST
In a move that will enable it to receive foreign funding for its initiatives, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted registration to the American India Foundation (AIF) Trust under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
According to the website, following the devastating earthquake in Bhuj, Gujarat, in 2001, a small group of individuals in the United States was galvanized not only by the deep desire to contribute their time, energy, and resources for disaster relief, but also were motivated to sustain the impact they generated, scale it, and expand it to more underserved communities across India.
Bolstered by then-President Bill Clinton and then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, they also saw a unique opportunity to create a trusted bridge of civic engagement between these two largest democracies. The non-profit organisation is built on the three pillars of values: philanthropy, community, and purpose. It has evolved into a juggernaut of social impact, positively affecting over 21 million people since its inception.
Earlier this month, MHA also granted FCRA for Baba Bageshwar Dham, the religious organisation led by Madhya Pradesh godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, Shikhar Dhawan Foundation, the charitable arm of former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and Sri Palmozhi Amman Sri Nallur Mathar Sri Varadharaja Perumal Trust.
Till April 25, 53 NGOs have received such approvals this year, according to officials.
An MHA official said that 444 organisations were granted FCRA registration last year, reflecting a steady processing of applications despite heightened regulatory oversight.
NGOs that want to receive foreign funds must apply online in the prescribed format, along with the required documentation. FCRA registrations are granted to individuals or associations that have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programmes.
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Following an NGO’s application, MHA, through the Intelligence Bureau, conducts inquiries into the applicant’s antecedents and processes the application accordingly.
Last month, the Centre introduced the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in Lok Sabha amid protests by Opposition members. The Bill proposes creating a “designated authority” to seize and manage the assets of non-profits that lose their licences.
