Introduction to Non-profit Pre-certification

This pre-certification workshop will help you decide whether you may be eligible for certification and what documents you must provide.

When SDO staff members review your application, they are looking to evidence that you and your organization meet criteria that are spelled out in Massachusetts laws and regulations.

Applicants for non-profit organization certification must submit the non-profit application and the required supporting documents. You can register to fill out the application online. Please be sure to carefully read the following pre-certification workshop contents before completing the application.

What are the Benefits of SDO Certification?

The Commonwealth targets a portion of public dollars to minority and women non-profit organizations. If you bid on a state contract, agencies may take into account your certification status when evaluating your bid or proposal. Being certified can enhance your changes of being awarded a contract.

SDO certification is good with all state agencies, Massachusetts quasi-public authorities, general and prime contractors who hold major state contracts with affirmative purchasing benchmarks and with many cities and towns. Many private companies have affirmative purchasing programs, and those companies may also recognize SDO certification.

SDO-certified non-profit organizations are listed in the SDO Directory of Certified Businesses  which is circulated to all state agencies with affirmative market programs.