Standards of Affiliation (SOA)

Standards of Affiliation (SOA) represent the required annual operational, educational, and legal benchmarks set by Free State PTA and National PTA to maintain local unit "Good Standing." Maintaining good standing ensures your unit remains protected under non-profit tax-exempt status, liability insurance, and full voting privileges.

At the core of meeting these standards is the fulfillment of essential fiduciary duties by all elected officers and board members:

  • Duty of Care: Exercising reasonable care, sound judgment, and operational diligence in governing the PTA. This includes maintaining an approved budget, actively managing financial reporting, ensuring timely completion and submission of state/federal forms, and completing required leadership training modules within 120 days of taking office.
  • Duty of Loyalty: Placing the interests of the PTA above personal, private, or professional interests, avoiding conflicts of interest, and preserving organizational assets.
  • Duty of Obedience: Ensuring strict compliance with all statutory laws, adhering faithfully to local bylaws, and upholding the ethics, policies, resolutions, and mission of National PTA and Free State PTA.

Free State PTA maintains official, up-to-date Standards of Affiliation guidelines and state policies. To review official state requirements directly, visit the Free State PTA Website.

For additional local unit resources, templates, and guidance, please navigate to the Local Unit Support tab in our main navigation bar.

Free State PTA Local Unit SOA Compliance Checklist Highlights

  • Access Latest FSPTA SOA Checklist: Download and review the official Free State PTA Standards of Affiliation Checklist to verify current fiscal year standards and submission policies.
  • Officer List (July 1): Submit/update all elected officers and committee chairs in Givebacks every fiscal year or if officers change within a fiscal year (President, Treasurer, and Secretary must include home addresses).
  • AIM Insurance (July 1): Upload your Certificate of Insurance policy declaration page into Givebacks.
  • First Dues Remittance (September 30): Initial state/national dues remittance due via Givebacks or mail, continuing monthly thereafter.
  • Leadership Trainings (Within 120 Days of Taking Office): Complete FSPTA-approved Treasurer's Training (President and Treasurer) and Boardsmanship Training (President and one other officer).
  • Financial Review (October 31): Upload completed Review Form and year-end financial report into Givebacks.
  • IRS Form 990 (November 15): Upload 990-N acceptance confirmation or full 990-EZ copy into Givebacks.
  • MD Charitable Renewal (December 31): Upload annual registration/update proof to Givebacks.
  • MD Personal Property Report (April 15): Upload SDAT Form 1 annual report copy to Givebacks.
  • Bylaws Review: Revise bylaws every 3 years; upload approved revision with General Membership meeting minutes into Givebacks.