In 2003, there were over 3,000 regional, national, and international organizations represented within the District. Service and patriotic organizations with headquarters in the District include the Air Force Association, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the 4-H Program. Among the cultural, scientific, and educational groups are the American Film Institute, American Theatre Association, Federation of American Scientists, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Sciences, National Geographic Society, Association of American Colleges, American Council on Education, National Education Association, American Association of University Professors, American Association of University Women, and US Student Association.
District cultural and educational organizations include the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington and the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
Among the environmental and animal protection organizations in the District are the Animal Welfare Institute, Humane Society of the US, and National Wildlife Federation. Medical, health, and charitable organizations include the American Red Cross. Groups dealing with the elderly include the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the American Association of Retired Persons. Among ethnic and religious bodies with headquarters in the District are the National Association of Arab Americans, B'nai B'rith International, and the US Catholic Conference.
Trade, professional, and commercial organizations include the American Advertising Federation, American Federation of Police, American Youth Hostels, National Aeronautic Association, Air Line Pilots Association, American Bankers Association, National Cable Television Association, Chamber of Commerce of the US, American Chemical Society, International Association of Firefighters, Health Insurance Association of America, American Council of Life Insurance, National Association of Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute, and National Press Club.
Virtually every major public interest group maintains an office in Washington, D.C. Notable examples are the Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League, National Abortion Rights Action League, National League of Cities, Common Cause, US Conference of Mayors, National Organization for Women, and National Rifle Association of America.
Among the important world organizations with headquarters in the District are the Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.