School Support Organizations
Supporting Schools and Students
When families, alumni, and community members come together to support our schools, great things happen. Whether you're helping organize a field trip, raising funds for classroom materials, or cheering on the band, your involvement enriches the student experience and helps schools thrive.
School Support Organizations — including PTAs, PTOs, booster clubs, and alumni groups — play a vital role in this work. If you’re ready to start, or manage, an organization, we have information to walk you through the process.
State Requirements for School Support Organizations
To be an active School Support Organization with Metro Nashville Public Schools, your organization must:
- Register as a nonprofit organization with the Tennessee Secretary of State
- File an annual report with the Tennessee Secretary of State and the school district
- Receive approval to operate from the principal of your school and from the district
School Support Organizations also are required to follow guidelines and policies as defined in the Tennessee Code Annotated (Title 4, Chapter 2, Part 6), the School Support Organization Financial Accountability Act of 2007, Tennessee Model Financial Policy Manual and Metro Schools' School Support Organization Policy.
To be an active School Support Organization with Metro Schools, your organization must be in good standing with the Tennessee Secretary of State and be approved to operate by both the principal of the affiliated school and by the Metro Schools district.
Visit the School Support Organization registration page for step-by-step instructions on annual registration and training requirements.
Resources for Your SSO
Register your school support organization
- Read the School Support Organization registration page to find step-by-step instructions on annual registration and training requirements.
- School Support Organization documents and additional resources are available to help your organization with its status and effective operations.
Fundraising and Communications
School Support Organizations may use Givebacks, an approved online fundraising tool. In addition, all SSOs and their partner organizations must follow MNPS guidelines for creating websites and social media accounts.
Be sure to review our policies on:
- Using Givebacks for fundraising
- PTA, PTO, and partner websites
- Social media accounts
- Publishing MNPS email addresses
Learn more on our School Support Communications page.
How Else Can You Support a School?
Visit our Get Involved page for additional information on volunteering with Metro Nashville Public Schools.