Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are legally constituted organizations created by natural or legal people that operate independently from any form of government. The term originated from the United Nations, and normally refers to organizations that are not a part of a government and are not conventional for-profit businesses.

Procedure to be followed for starting NGO / Trust / Society Registration:

An NGO can be formed either as a society under societies registration act or as a trust.

In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status by excluding government representatives from membership in the organization. The term is usually applied only to organizations that pursue wider social aims that have political aspects, but are not openly political organizations such as political parties.

Registration of NGO as Society: - Two kinds of society may be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

1. State Level:
1. Under Society: Having jurisdiction within the state of registration. The minimum number of members is seven, in which three persons must be from the respective state to hold post of president, secretary & Treasurer.
2. Under Trust: Having jurisdiction within the state of registration. The minimum number of members is three, in which one person must be from the respective state to hold post of settler.
2. National Level Society: It shall have jurisdiction throughout the country. There has to be seven members from seven different states. And three member from the state in which registration is applied to hold post of president, secretary & treasurer.

 List of Documents required registering a Society:

1. Proposed Name of Society / Trust.
2. Main Object of Society in detail.
3. Any other or further documents which the registrar may ask during registration process.
4. An Affidavit from the president that none of the office bearer is blood relative among themselves.
5. A Power of attorney in our name / advocate to file, represent and collect the certificate of registration.
6. Memorandum of Association of the society & Rules and regulations of the society.
7. List of desirous persons with following details:-Name,- Fathers Name, Date of Birth, -Address, -Occupation, Post held in the society, - Signature, along with Residence.
8. Identity proof of all such persons (self-attested).
9. 2 Photograph of all members.
10. Electricity Bill copies of the premises where the society is to be registered (attested by president, secretary & Treasurer) No Objection from the owner in form of an affidavit on Rs. 10-50 Non judicial stamp paper duly notarised. And also address proof of Owner/Landlord.