Trust and Society Difference: Understanding the Framework with NITI Aayog NGO Registration
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In India’s development ecosystem, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in supporting communities, promoting social welfare, and strengthening public services. While many people use the words Trust and Society interchangeably, they are quite different in structure, legal requirements, management, and purpose. Understanding the difference between a Trust and a Society becomes even more important when you plan to register your NGO with NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s planning body responsible for evaluating and supporting development organisations.
This article explains the difference between Trust and Society, highlights their advantages, and describes how they relate to NITI Aayog NGO registration, in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What is a Trust?
A Trust is a legal arrangement where the founder trust and society difference (called the author or settlor) transfers property or funds to trustees for the benefit of the public, community, or a charitable purpose. Trusts are regulated under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
Key Features of a Trust
Governed by a Trust Deed
Managed by Trustees
Easy to form with minimum two members
Focused on charitable, educational, medical, or religious work
Has permanent membership (trustees cannot easily be removed)
Advantages of a Trust
Simple and quick to register
Strong stability due to fixed members
Ideal for long-term charitable programs
A Trust is perfect for people who want a stable, less politicised structure with long-term goals.
What is a Society?
A Society is a group of individuals who come together to promote a common purpose such as education, culture, sports, social research, or welfare activities. Societies are governed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Key Features of a Society
Governed by Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules & Regulations
Managed by a Governing Body
Requires minimum seven members
Flexible membership (members can be added or removed)
Suitable for community-driven development projects
Advantages of a Society
Democratic structure with voting rights
Easy to grow membership
More accepted for government collaborations and grants
A Society works best for large-scale development projects needing active participation from many people.
Trust and Society Difference: Key Points
Below is a simple comparison to help understand the differences clearly:
| Aspect | Trust | Society |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Members | 2 | 7 |
| Governing Document | Trust Deed | MOA + Rules |
| Management | Trustees | Governing Body |
| Structure Type | Rigid, stable | Flexible, democratic |
| Best For | Long-term charity, education, healthcare | Social work, community development, awareness campaigns |
| Government Grant Preference | Moderate | High |
| Changes in Members | Difficult | Easy |
Both Trusts and Societies can run an NGO, but the choice depends on purpose, team size, and future plans.
Role of NITI Aayog in NGO Registration
To receive government funding, take part in national development programs, or increase transparency, an NGO must register on the NITI Aayog’s NGO Darpan Portal.
This platform helps:
Validate the legitimacy of NGOs
Build trust between the government and civil society
Facilitate grants, CSR funding, and collaboration
Whether you run a Trust or Society, you must complete NITI Aayog registration to work on government-supported projects.
Requirements for NITI Aayog NGO Registration
To register on NGO Darpan, you need:
Basic Documents
Registration certificate (Trust Deed or Society Registration Certificate)
PAN of NGO
PAN and Aadhaar of members
Office address proof
Annual reports (if available)
Process
Visit the NITI Aayog NGO Darpan portal
Create a user ID
Enter organisation details
Upload documents
Submit for verification
Once verified, the NGO receives a Unique ID (UID) that is essential for government schemes.
Which Is Better for NITI Aayog Registration? Trust or Society?
Both can register, but Societies are often preferred because of their democratic structure, transparency, and larger scope for government partnership.
However:
If your goal is long-term charity or running a school/hospital → Trust
If you want to work on community projects and government schemes → Society
The final choice depends on your vision and operational style.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Trust and Society is essential before setting up an NGO in India. A Trust offers stability and long-term commitment, whereas a Society provides flexibility and a democratic setup. Regardless of the structure you choose, registering with NITI Aayog is important to gain recognition, participate in development programs, and build trust with the government.
By choosing the right legal framework and completing NITI Aayog NGO registration, you can strengthen your organisation and make a positive impact on society.
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