NGO affiliation with Social Welfare Council Nepal is the mandatory legal process through which a non-governmental organization registers and affiliates with the Social Welfare Council to lawfully implement social projects, receive grants, and coordinate development activities in Nepal.
Affiliation with the Social Welfare Council (SWC) is not a procedural formality—it is a statutory compliance requirement. Any NGO intending to work in social development, humanitarian assistance, education, health, women and children, disability, environment, or community development must affiliate with SWC to operate legally.
Without SWC affiliation, an NGO in Nepal cannot:
Receive foreign grants or donations
Implement donor-funded projects
Partner with INGOs or UN agencies
Obtain project approval from ministries or local governments
Maintain regulatory credibility
SWC affiliation ensures transparency, coordination, accountability, and alignment with national development priorities.
NGO affiliation with the Social Welfare Council is governed by the following laws and policies:
Social Welfare Act, 2049 (1992)
Social Welfare Rules, 2050 (1993)
Association Registration Act, 2034 (1977)
National Integrity Policy and SWC Directives
Foreign Aid Policy and Project Approval Guidelines
Under Section 9 of the Social Welfare Act, all NGOs must affiliate with SWC to conduct social welfare activities.
Social Welfare Council affiliation is the official recognition granted to a registered NGO allowing it to carry out social welfare activities under national coordination mechanisms.
Purpose and scope include:
Legal authorization to operate as an NGO
Eligibility to receive foreign and domestic funding
Government oversight and coordination
Project-level approval and monitoring
Institutional legitimacy for donors and partners
Affiliation does not replace NGO registration; it complements it.
To be eligible for affiliation with SWC, an NGO must meet the following criteria:
Registered under the Association Registration Act
Non-profit and non-political in nature
Clearly defined social welfare objectives
Independent governing body
Functional office address in Nepal
Compliance with existing laws and policies
Political, profit-driven, or unregistered entities are ineligible.
Complete document checklist:
Application letter to Social Welfare Council
NGO registration certificate
Registered constitution (statute) of the NGO
Latest renewal certificate from District Administration Office
PAN/VAT registration certificate
Board decision approving SWC affiliation
Details of executive committee members
Office address verification
Work plan or proposed activity description
Submitting expired NGO renewal certificates
Objectives in constitution not aligned with social welfare
Missing board resolutions
Inconsistent NGO name across documents
Incomplete executive committee details
Prepare all required documents in updated and consistent format
Submit affiliation application to the Social Welfare Council
Administrative review by SWC officials
Clarification or correction if documents are incomplete
Approval decision by SWC
Payment of affiliation fee
Issuance of affiliation certificate
Once approved, the NGO is officially recognized by SWC.
Affiliation fees are prescribed by the Social Welfare Council and may be updated periodically.
| Particulars | Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Initial SWC Affiliation Fee | 2,000 |
| Annual Renewal Fee | 1,000 |
| Project Agreement Fee (if applicable) | As prescribed |
Fees are subject to change based on SWC circulars.
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | 3–7 days |
| SWC review process | 2–4 weeks |
| Issuance of affiliation certificate | Upon approval |
Delays usually occur due to document inconsistencies or incomplete submissions.
Affiliation is valid for one fiscal year
Annual renewal is mandatory
Renewal requires submission of:
NGO renewal certificate
Annual progress report
Audit report (if applicable)
Failure to renew may result in suspension or cancellation.
Affiliated NGOs must:
Submit annual activity and financial reports to SWC
Obtain project approval before implementation
Inform SWC of any changes in executive committee
Maintain transparent accounting practices
Cooperate with monitoring and evaluation
Non-compliance may lead to blacklisting or project suspension.
Affiliation alone does not permit project execution.
For each project, NGOs must:
Submit project proposal to SWC
Obtain project agreement approval
Register donor funding details
Comply with reporting and monitoring terms
This requirement is especially strict for foreign-funded projects.
To verify an NGO’s SWC affiliation:
Request a copy of the affiliation certificate
Check validity and renewal date
Verify NGO name consistency
Confirm project approvals (if applicable)
Cross-check with SWC records
This verification is essential for donors and partners.
Proper affiliation:
Protects NGOs from regulatory action
Builds donor and government trust
Enables lawful fund utilization
Prevents project disruption
Strengthens institutional credibility
Affiliation is a compliance safeguard, not just a license.
Yes. Any NGO conducting social welfare activities or receiving funding must affiliate with the Social Welfare Council under the Social Welfare Act, 2049. Operating without affiliation is unlawful.
No. Foreign grants, donations, and project funding require prior SWC affiliation and project approval. Banks and donors typically demand SWC documentation.
The process generally takes two to four weeks if documents are complete. Delays occur when objectives or registrations are inconsistent.
Yes. SWC affiliation is annual and must be renewed by submitting updated NGO renewal certificates and reports.
Yes. SWC may suspend or cancel affiliation for non-compliance, misuse of funds, false reporting, or violation of governing laws.
Yes. Affiliation grants institutional recognition, while project approval authorizes specific activities and funding utilization.
NGO affiliation with Social Welfare Council Nepal is a foundational legal requirement for lawful social sector operations. Proper affiliation ensures regulatory compliance, funding eligibility, and institutional legitimacy. NGOs that understand and follow the prescribed framework can operate sustainably, transparently, and in alignment with national development priorities.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, fees, and procedures may change based on government or Social Welfare Council directives. For complex NGO structuring or foreign-funded projects, professional consultation is recommended.
February 03, 2026 - BY Admin