Can foreigner be member of an Indian Charitable Society?

Diana · Sep 30th, 2007, 03:16

I'm getting mixed answers on this and need to get the right one.

I'm trying to get the special needs preschool I run in Kerala registered as a charitable society. One step is to create a "governing body or board of directors." My preference in this as in all aspect of the larger program I've embarked upon, is to have a governing body reflective of the people being served and with a nice mix of skills that members can contribute (e.g. fund raising, education info, medical, accounting, etc.) Also, as I am the founder and do most of the funding so far...I'd like to be on this body. But, one advocate has said that a foreigner (I'm American) cannot be on the society's governing body and another as said, "I am pretty sure you can."

Does anybody know for sure?

Or know someone who does know?

Or is a non-Indian and a member of an Indian charitable society?

Or is omniscient?

I've been burning my eyes out looking online (to no avail) and even send a guy to visit the Reserve Bank and ask. No help there either.

Aarrrgh. Help!

Diana

desertrose · Sep 30th, 2007, 03:58

A swiss friend is running an NGO here in Jodhpur called the Veerni project, at the same time this project is funded by her through her own Non Profit called the Global fund for humainty. She is the founder of the NGO but she can not be on the board here, therefore all the moneys and everything in Jodhpur is taken care by one other NGO here, Both the parties are bound with an MOU(memorandum of understanding ).Maybe the www.veerni.org website will give some informations on your querry.
I did 2 MOU's this year with 2 American organisations.

poipleshadow · Sep 30th, 2007, 11:06

Not sure if it applies to a society, but foreigners it is possible to have trustees of a registered indian trust... So as they can be 'in power' in a trust I don't see a difference for a society... If you'd asked 9 months ago it would have been fresh in my mind but I think the consitution of India says something that will work in your favour (something about aliens still having a right to do something or other....... It will add to your woes, it also makes other things more of a hassle, FCRA etc as one of the reasons for not allowing FCRA status is foriegn trustees etc - just to warn you in advance... It's a hard battle but it is possible.... Just don't let them get to you, get a really good lawyer who know's their stuff and cross your fingers as it all helps!!!

Rob

Sep 30th, 2007, 03:16	#1
Diana Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Washington State & Kerala Posts: 259	Can foreigner be member of an Indian Charitable Society? I'm getting mixed answers on this and need to get the right one. I'm trying to get the special needs preschool I run in Kerala registered as a charitable society. One step is to create a "governing body or board of directors." My preference in this as in all aspect of the larger program I've embarked upon, is to have a governing body reflective of the people being served and with a nice mix of skills that members can contribute (e.g. fund raising, education info, medical, accounting, etc.) Also, as I am the founder and do most of the funding so far...I'd like to be on this body. But, one advocate has said that a foreigner (I'm American) cannot be on the society's governing body and another as said, "I am pretty sure you can." Does anybody know for sure? Or know someone who does know? Or is a non-Indian and a member of an Indian charitable society? Or is omniscient? I've been burning my eyes out looking online (to no avail) and even send a guy to visit the Reserve Bank and ask. No help there either. Aarrrgh. Help! Diana __________________ “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” - Rabindranath Tagore

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Sep 30th, 2007, 03:58	#2
desertrose Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: India Posts: 222	A swiss friend is running an NGO here in Jodhpur called the Veerni project, at the same time this project is funded by her through her own Non Profit called the Global fund for humainty. She is the founder of the NGO but she can not be on the board here, therefore all the moneys and everything in Jodhpur is taken care by one other NGO here, Both the parties are bound with an MOU(memorandum of understanding ).Maybe the www.veerni.org website will give some informations on your querry. I did 2 MOU's this year with 2 American organisations.

Sep 30th, 2007, 11:06	#3
poipleshadow Help Where You Can... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Goa Posts: 171	Not sure if it applies to a society, but foreigners it is possible to have trustees of a registered indian trust... So as they can be 'in power' in a trust I don't see a difference for a society... If you'd asked 9 months ago it would have been fresh in my mind but I think the consitution of India says something that will work in your favour (something about aliens still having a right to do something or other....... It will add to your woes, it also makes other things more of a hassle, FCRA etc as one of the reasons for not allowing FCRA status is foriegn trustees etc - just to warn you in advance... It's a hard battle but it is possible.... Just don't let them get to you, get a really good lawyer who know's their stuff and cross your fingers as it all helps!!! Rob

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