If you’ve ever wanted to work with a group of like-minded people without the oversight and restrictions of the public marketplace, a Private Membership Association (PMA) or Unincorporated Association might be the answer.
What Is a PMA?
A PMA is a private agreement between members to come together for a common purpose — whether that’s running a business, sharing resources, or providing mutual aid.
Unlike public-facing businesses, a PMA operates in the private domain and serves only its members.
What Can a Standard PMA Do?
A Standard PMA (non-faith-based) can be created for almost any lawful purpose, including:
- Coordinating access to specific products or services
- Offering wellness or medical services to members only
- Pooling resources for legal or financial assistance
- Building a private, cooperative community where members help one another
The beauty of a PMA is in its flexibility — members decide together what services, products, or practices they’ll use.
Why Choose a Standard PMA Over Other Structures?
- Privacy: Activities are conducted within the membership, not in the open public domain.
- Control: Members set their own rules and procedures.
- Customization: Bylaws, agreements, and policies can be tailored to fit your exact goals.
Important: A PMA is still subject to the law. It must be properly structured and operated to maintain its private status and legal protections.
How to Get Started
Building a PMA from scratch can be time-consuming and risky if you don’t know what clauses to include or how to ensure compliance. That’s why our Standard PMA Service provides:
- Professionally drafted Articles of Association, Bylaws, and Membership Agreements
- A clear, step-by-step process for establishing your association
- Guidance on operating privately and in alignment with your documents
If you’re ready to create your own Standard Private Membership Association, click here to get started or visit our shop to learn more.