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How to Get a DUNS Number for a Nonprofit Organization

If your nonprofit organization plans to apply for federal grants, receive government funding, or work with foundations that require formal business identification, you will almost certainly need a DUNS number. This guide walks you through the entire process — from understanding why nonprofits need a DUNS number to completing your application and keeping your information current.

Why Nonprofits Need a DUNS Number

A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) that serves as a universal business identification code. For nonprofits, the need for a DUNS number is driven by several critical requirements.

Federal Grant Applications

The single most common reason nonprofits obtain a DUNS number is to apply for federal grants. The federal government requires every entity that receives federal funding — including nonprofits, universities, hospitals, and tribal organizations — to have a DUNS number. This requirement has been in place since 2003 under OMB guidance and continues through the transition to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system.

If you want to apply for grants through agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, or any other federal body, you need a DUNS number as a prerequisite.

Foundation and Private Grant Requirements

Many private foundations and corporate giving programs have adopted the DUNS number as a standard identification tool. Organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and numerous community foundations ask for your DUNS number on grant applications. Even when it is not strictly required, having one demonstrates organizational maturity and credibility.

SAM.gov Registration

To receive federal funds, your nonprofit must register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). A DUNS number is a key part of that registration process. SAM.gov has transitioned to using the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), but your DUNS number remains an important part of your organizational record. See our guide on DUNS numbers and SAM registration for details.

Credibility and Transparency

A DUNS number gives your nonprofit a verified commercial identity. Donors, partners, and oversight bodies can use it to confirm your organization's legitimacy. For nonprofits that work with government contracts, it is also essential for procurement processes.

Is Getting a DUNS Number Free for Nonprofits?

Yes, obtaining a DUNS number is completely free. Dun & Bradstreet does not charge nonprofits (or any organization) for a basic DUNS number. Be cautious of third-party services that offer to obtain a DUNS number on your behalf for a fee — you can do this yourself at no cost.

D&B does offer paid services like expedited processing, credit monitoring, and enhanced business profiles. None of these are required to get your DUNS number. The standard free process is sufficient for grant applications and SAM.gov registration.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a DUNS Number

Follow these steps to obtain a DUNS number for your nonprofit.

Step 1: Check If You Already Have One

Before applying, verify whether your organization already has a DUNS number. D&B may have created a record for your nonprofit based on public data such as state incorporation filings or IRS records. Use our DUNS number lookup tool to search for your organization.

Step 2: Gather Required Information

Before starting your application, collect the following details:

  • Legal name of the organization — exactly as it appears on your articles of incorporation or IRS determination letter.
  • Doing Business As (DBA) name — if applicable.
  • Physical address — P.O. boxes are generally not accepted as primary addresses.
  • Mailing address — if different from physical address.
  • Phone number — a working number where D&B can reach your organization.
  • Name of the executive director or principal officer.
  • Number of employees — including full-time, part-time, and volunteers if they are on payroll.
  • Annual revenue or budget — approximate figures are acceptable.
  • Year the organization was established.
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number) — your federal tax ID from the IRS.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website and navigate to the DUNS number request page. Fill in the required fields using the information you gathered. Double-check every entry — errors in your legal name or address can cause delays or result in duplicate records.

For detailed instructions, see our how to get a DUNS number guide.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

The standard free application takes up to 30 business days to process. D&B may contact you by phone or email to verify your information. Make sure the contact person listed on the application is available and aware that D&B may call.

If you have an urgent grant deadline, D&B offers expedited processing (typically one to five business days) for a fee. Plan ahead whenever possible to avoid this cost.

Step 5: Confirm and Record Your Number

Once issued, record your DUNS number in a secure location. You will need it for every federal grant application, SAM.gov registration, and many foundation grant forms. Share it with your finance team, grant writers, and anyone involved in applications.

DUNS Numbers and Grants.gov

Grants.gov is the federal government's central portal for finding and applying to grant opportunities. Here is how the DUNS number fits into the Grants.gov workflow:

  1. Get your DUNS number first. You cannot register on Grants.gov without one.
  2. Register in SAM.gov. After obtaining your DUNS number, register your organization in SAM.gov. This registration must be active and current to submit applications through Grants.gov.
  3. Create a Grants.gov account. With your SAM.gov registration complete, create an organizational account on Grants.gov and designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR).
  4. Apply for grants. Your DUNS number (and now your UEI) will appear on every application you submit.

The entire process — from DUNS application to Grants.gov readiness — can take six to eight weeks if you are starting from scratch. Do not wait until you find a grant opportunity to begin. Start the process now so you are ready when opportunities arise.

Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make with DUNS Numbers

Using the Wrong Legal Name

Your DUNS number must match the exact legal name on your IRS determination letter and state registration. "Community Health Alliance" is not the same as "Community Health Alliance, Inc." Even small discrepancies can cause problems with SAM.gov registration and grant applications.

Letting SAM.gov Registration Lapse

SAM.gov registrations must be renewed annually. If your registration expires, you cannot receive federal funds — even if you have an active grant award. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your SAM.gov expiration date.

Creating Duplicate Records

If your nonprofit has gone through a name change, address change, or leadership transition, you may accidentally create a second DUNS record. Having duplicate records causes confusion in federal databases and can delay grant processing. Always search for your existing record before applying for a new one.

Not Updating Information After Changes

If your organization moves, changes its legal name, gets a new executive director, or undergoes any other significant change, update your DUNS record with D&B. Outdated information can cause mismatches with other federal databases and create problems during grant reviews.

Confusing DUNS with EIN

Your EIN (from the IRS) and your DUNS number (from D&B) are separate identifiers used for different purposes. Grant applications typically ask for both. Make sure your staff and board members understand the distinction. Our article on what a DUNS number is explains this in detail.

Maintaining Your DUNS Information

Getting a DUNS number is not a one-time task. Treat it as a living record that needs regular maintenance.

Annual Review Checklist

At least once per year, verify the following information in your D&B record:

  • Legal name and DBA name are correct.
  • Physical and mailing addresses are current.
  • Phone number is working and monitored.
  • Principal officer or executive director name is accurate.
  • Employee count and revenue figures are reasonably current.
  • No duplicate records exist for your organization.

How to Update Your Record

Contact Dun & Bradstreet directly to update your information. You can do this through their website or by calling their customer service line. Updates typically process within a few business days. Keep documentation of any changes you request.

Monitoring Your D&B Profile

Even as a nonprofit, D&B maintains a business credit profile tied to your DUNS number. If your organization has vendor accounts or credit lines, payment data may be reported to D&B. Periodically review your D&B profile to ensure accuracy — errors in your credit file could affect your organization's credibility with funders and partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a new nonprofit get a DUNS number before receiving 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. You can apply for a DUNS number as soon as your organization is legally formed (incorporated with your state). You do not need IRS tax-exempt determination in hand. However, many grant applications require both a DUNS number and 501(c)(3) status.

Do fiscal sponsors need a separate DUNS number for sponsored projects?

Generally, the fiscal sponsor uses its own DUNS number when applying for grants on behalf of a sponsored project. The sponsored project does not need its own DUNS number unless it is a separately incorporated entity.

Can a nonprofit have business credit?

Yes. Nonprofits can establish business credit profiles with D&B, just like for-profit businesses. If your nonprofit has vendor accounts, credit cards, or loans that report to D&B, these will contribute to your organization's credit profile. Learn more about DUNS numbers and business credit.

What if my nonprofit operates in multiple states?

If your nonprofit is a single legal entity operating in multiple states, you need only one DUNS number. If you have separately incorporated affiliates in different states, each affiliate needs its own DUNS number.

Get Started

Ready to find or obtain your nonprofit's DUNS number? Start with our free DUNS lookup tool to check if your organization already has one. If you need a new number, follow our step-by-step guide to apply. For small businesses exploring similar questions, we have a dedicated guide as well.