What is the difference between an organization’s legal name and an operating name?


October 15, 2020

When you register on TDF Grant Manager, you will be asked to enter your organization’s “Legal Name” and “Operating Name.” An organization’s legal name is the name listed on your Articles of Incorporation, filed with the Secretary of State and the IRS if your organization has 501(c)(3) status.  

If your organization conducts business using a “doing business as” (DBA) name, that is your organization’s operating name. If your organization has not filed a trade name or DBA with the Secretary of State, your organization’s operating name is the same as your legal name.