A Comprehensive Guide to CSR Reporting in India: Forms, Importance, and Penalties
Why choose us for CSR Advisory and Structuring?
As a Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) consulting services firm ThinkCap Advisors is one of the top CSR consulting firm in India. We provide end-to-end CSR advisory & consulting services. Our sector experts, comprising of chartered accountants and professionals from the social sector background, assist companies in meeting their CSR obligation by providing end-to-end support through all stages of the CSR life cycle. We have worked with leading companies across industries by providing customized CSR advisory services to help them comply with the regulations.
Latest Case Study
Preparation of CSR policies, annual action plan and other supporting documents
We work with clients to draft a comprehensive CSR policy covering the required elements in accordance with the CSR law. We also review the action plan & disclosures mandated by regulations & suggest modifications.
Quantification of CSR obligation
Part of our CSR consulting services includes accurate calculation of the net profit, to be allocated for CSR activities. Accurate quantification of the net profit is crucial for CSR compliance and effective planning & utilization of CSR funds.
Baseline studies and needs assessment for inclusive CSR programs
Our corporate social responsibility consultants conduct baseline studies to identify the social, economic, and environmental challenges in the targeted areas. This ensures CSR programs address the specific needs and contribute to sustainable development.
Identifying implementing agencies
Part of our CSR consulting services includes identifying and selecting suitable implementation agencies & NGOs. This involves evaluating the agencies' capabilities, track records, and its alignment with the company's CSR goals.
Undertaking due diligence/fact finding reviews of the implementing partners
We conduct due diligence and fact-finding reviews of implementation partners covering areas such as performance on past programs, staff skill set, systems and processes, data flow and management, governance and compliance related matters
Concurrent monitoring of CSR activities
We monitor CSR activities by conducting regular field visits and review of project-related documents submitted by implementing partners. Regular monitoring enables us to identify gaps in project outcomes and address issues promptly.
Impact assessment studies for large projects to aid future strategies
Our CSR consultants conduct impact assessment studies to measure tangible outcomes of the CSR programs by deploying various quantitative and qualitative methods. This data helps in refining future CSR strategies and demonstrating the company's social impact
Advising on tax treatments of CSR spend and suggesting tax-efficient mechanisms
We offer guidance on tax implications of CSR spend, suggesting tax-efficient mechanisms to ensure compliance with tax regulations
Advising on year-end reporting of CSR activities as required by the regulations
As a CSR consulting firm, we provide guidance and support in maintaining comprehensive records, preparing annual reports, and disclosure of CSR initiatives. This ensures our clients are well-prepared for audits, and any regulatory scrutiny
Identifying appropriate legal structure for setting up a corporate foundation
As part of our CSR consulting services, we advise corporates on the timing and the structure of setting up a corporate foundation. Considering factors such as tax implications, governance, and operational flexibility.
Setting up the Corporate Foundation
We set up corporate foundations, including obtaining the necessary registrations and approvals required for legal operations
Setting up Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for running the Foundation
Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultants design Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the foundation, outlining guidelines for project selection, finance disbursement, monitoring mechanisms, and overall governance.
Testing and review of the operating and governance framework
We conduct testing and review of the operating and governance framework of the Corporate Foundation to identify and address any operational inefficiencies or gaps
Assistance in preparation and submission of statutory filings for the Foundation
We assist in the preparation and submission of statutory filings for the Corporate Foundation, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements
Accounting & payroll processing for the foundation
As part of our outsourcing services, we provide accounting and payroll processing services for the Corporate Foundation, in compliance with relevant regulations.
Our Key CSR Consulting Services
Clients we have worked with
At ThinkCap, we value each client relationship. We are proud to have partnered with some of the industry leaders, start-ups & innovative companies for their growth, sustainability, stability and prowess. We have led, walked with and founded new markets for more than 100 brands in the last few years. Here are a few of them.
FAQs
The Answers You Need
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) means the activities undertaken by a Company in pursuance of its statutory obligation laid down in section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 as per the activities listed under schedule 7.
Which companies are required to comply with CSR ?
Every company having net worth of rupees 500 crore or more, or turnover of rupees 1000 crore or more or a net profit of rupees 5 crore or more during the immediately preceding financial year.
Who are CSR consultants/CSR consulting services firms ?
A CSR consulting services firm works with an organization to develop and execute a properly defined & structured CSR strategy. It provides a range of CSR advisory services which does not only ensure compliance with the law but also enables the organization to deploy CSR programmes successfully and reap benefits from it.
What are the services provided by a CSR consulting services firm ?
A CSR consulting services firm provides the following CSR advisory services • Preparation/review of CSR documentation and ideation on CSR projects CSR consulting services firm reviews Company's documentation such as such as CSR policy, action plan, disclosures mandated by regulations etc. and suggests modifications. It also reviews existing and new CSR projects proposed for execution by the company from a regulatory perspective and offers the necessary advice • Devising CSR strategy and monitoring & evaluation framework for companies A CSR advisory services firm help companies identify thematic areas, assist in program design, promotion and communication approaches and evaluation procedures. A CSR consulting services firm assesses execution of projects on ground via review of project-related documents submitted by implementing partners and by conducting field visits. It also highlights gaps between planned and actual outcomes and provides recommendations on suitable way forward based on its findings • Conducting pre-grant due diligence of implementing partners As part of its CSR advisory service, CSR consulting services firm supports in conducting due diligence of implementing partners covering areas such as performance on past programs, staff skill set, systems and processes, data flow and management, governance and compliance related matters etc. • Undertaking impact assessment of projects Impact evaluation encourages a long-term perspective on CSR efforts. Companies use Impact assessment to strategically build their CSR programmes as they are able to measure efficacy of programs which helps in scaling and replicating impactful initiatives in other geographies. A CSR consulting services firm undertakes impact assessment of CSR projects to evaluate impact created by projects implemented while also identifying improvement areas in the delivery process.