Q&A

Does the PTO have to be a separate 501(c)(3)?

If the school is a 501(c)(3) does the PTO have to be a separate organization that is also a 501(c)(3)?
- cleslie

Hi clieslie,
The short answer is yes -- if your PTO wants to be an independent group. The school's status can't be "shared,'' so to speak. Many groups establish themselves as an independent parent group and then set the process in motion to become a 501(c)(3).

Here's a basic look at what it means to operate as a 501(c)(3)

Good luck!

- Rose H
Links in this post:

what it means to operate as a 501(c)(3): https:/classic.ptotoday.com//pto-today-articles/article/394-501c3-for-ptos