DUNA (Decentralized Unincorporated Network Association)

Definition

A Decentralized Unincorporated Network Association (DUNA) is a legal entity structure created under Wyoming state law that allows for unincorporated, member-led organizations to operate with certain legal protections without filing as a traditional corporation.

Significance

DUNAs provide a lightweight legal structure for commons-based organizations and decentralized networks to:

• Operate with member governance rather than top-down boards
• Maintain transparency and democratic decision-making
• Hold assets (bank accounts, property) without full incorporation
• Preserve flexibility and reduce bureaucratic overhead

Key Requirements:

• Minimum 100 members
• Core organizational document (governing principles, membership criteria, decision-making mechanisms)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number) for bank accounts
• $100 Wyoming state filing fee
• Legal fees typically $20,000-$60,000

Compared to Traditional Nonprofits:

• Less restrictive governance requirements
• No mandatory IRS filings beyond EIN
• Member-led vs. board-led structure
• Lower ongoing compliance burden

Related Concepts

• Commons - Resource governance by communities
• Bioregional Coordination - Place-based organizing
• Subsidiarity - Decision-making at appropriate scale

References

• Wyoming DUNA legislation
• Spirit of the Front Range - Example implementation