Welcome to Washington District of Columbia
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty
Start a Nonprofit - Checklist

You may print this checklist to keep track of your progress.

Establish Your Organization
  Determine the Mission
  Draft a Concept Paper
  Determine the Organization Type
        501 (c)(3)   501 (c)(4)   501 (c)(5)   501 (c)(6)
        501 (c)(7)   501 (c)(8) or (10)   501 (c)(19) or (23)   501 (c)(4) or (9)
  Establish a Board of Directors
  Develop the Bylaws
  Develop a Strategic Plan

Fulfill Tax and License Requirements

   Incorporate with the District of Columbia
        DCRA Corporations Division (202) 442-4432
  Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number
        US Internal Revenue Service (866) 816-2065
  Complete the Combined Business Tax Registration for DC
        Office of Tax and Revenue (202) 727-4829
  Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy
        Office of Zoning (202) 727-6311
        DCRA Permit Service Center (202) 442-9475
  Register the Nonprofit's Trade Name(s)
        DCRA Basic Business License (202) 442-4311
  Determine Whether Required to Apply for Basic Business License
        DCRA Basic Business License (202) 442-4311
  File the Federal Application for Recognition of Exemption
        US Internal Revenue Service (877) 829-5500
  Apply for a DC Tax Exemption
        Office of Tax and Revenue (202) 727-4829

Grow and Maintain Your Nonprofit

   Report to the IRS and DC on an Ongoing Basis
  Find Sustainable Funding
  Apply for a DUNS Number
        Dun & Bradstreet (866) 705-5711
  Dissolve a Nonprofit Corporation
For general assistance with starting or operating a nonprofit in the District of Columbia,
contact the Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grants Development at (202) 727-8900.

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