Can a PTA Require School Staff to be Members to be Eligible for Classroom Grants?
Let’s consider the question of whether a PTA can require staff to be members in order to qualify for classroom grants. The short answer to that is NO, and requiring it would jeopardize the PTA’s tax-exemption. Charging a fee (dues) to apply for or receive a charitable grant violates the IRS private benefit rules. Charitable…
Can a PTA Require Participants in its Programs to be Members?
In this blog, we will address a common question about whether a PTA can restrict eligibility for a program, for example after school enrichment classes, to students whose parent/guardian is a PTA member. In a separate post, we’ll consider the question “Can a PTA require school staff to be members to be eligible for classroom…
October Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
Ongoing Tasks Review the Standards of Affiliation (SOA) Checklist. Host a training or roundtable at council membership meetings addressing timely SOA requirements. Offer support to local PTAs who may be struggling with any of the SOA requirements. At each council membership meeting, share the SOA items that your council has completed to model best practices. …
July Checklist for Councils Supporting Local PTAs
Ongoing Tasks Remind PTAs to make sure their online membership is set up and ready to receive membership for 2026-2027. Please also use Givebacks to report your newly elected 2026-2027 officers. Offer support to local PTAs who may be struggling with any of the SOA requirements. Check in on any PTAs that received a membership waiver to…
Jumpstart Next Year: Offer an Early Bird PTA Membership Option
By: Dianna Bailey, WSPTA Membership Director As the school year winds down, it might seem like a natural time to hit pause, but it’s actually the perfect moment to set up your PTA for success in the year ahead. One great way to build early momentum is by offering an Early Bird Membership Option. This allows families, staff, and community members to…
Category:
Membership
Celebrate and Share: Why Membership Growth Success Matters
By: Dianna Bailey, WSPTA Membership Director Membership growth isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of your PTA’s impact, your school community’s engagement, and the collective power of families, staff, and community members working together. When your PTA experiences growth, it’s worth celebrating and even more important to share those successes with your community. Recognition Inspires Engagement Sharing your membership milestones shows…
Category:
Membership
Celebrate March with a Membership Challenge!
By: Dianna Bailey, WSPTA Membership Director Membership is what powers our PTA; every member strengthens our voice, expands our impact, and helps us advocate for students, schools, and families. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish together! To celebrate, we’re kicking off a March Membership Mania Challenge: Add 5 new members during the month of March, submit dues…
Category:
Membership
Mark Your Calendars: Membership Awards Deadline is March 12, 2026!
By: Dianna Bailey, WSPTA Membership Director Each year, WSPTA celebrates and recognizes the incredible work of PTAs across the state through our Membership Awards Program. These awards highlight the impact of strong membership outreach and the creative efforts local PTAs make to grow and engage their communities. Membership Awards Application Deadline: March 12, 2026 This…
Category:
Membership
WSPTA Membership Committee Brings You: Membership Mania, Every Member Counts!
By: Dianna Bailey, WSPTA Membership Director March is the perfect time to build momentum—and have a little fun while doing it! We’re excited to kick off March Membership Mania, a special opportunity to celebrate growth, recognize effort, and strengthen our collective voice for children. How March Membership Mania Works From March 1st to March 31st every PTA…
Category:
Membership
Stay Current: Submit Membership Dues Monthly in Givebacks
By: Dianna Bailey, WSPTA Membership Director Your PTA is growing—great job! But to ensure your membership numbers are accurate and your members receive the full benefits of joining, it’s important that your president or treasurer is logging into Givebacks each month and submitting dues to WSPTA and National PTA. When new members join, they aren’t officially recognized—and don’t have access to valuable member benefits—until their state and…
Category:
Membership