Accreditation
Special Olympics accredits Programs to ensure the worldwide quality, and ultimately the growth, of the Special Olympics Movement. These downloadable and viewable resources will help Programs complete the process.
Accreditation in the General Rules
What Accreditation Offers
What Accreditation Offers (PDF)
Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) accredits Programs to ensure the worldwide quality, and ultimately the growth, of the Special Olympics movement. In turn, accredited Programs bring the mission of Special Olympics to life in communities around the world.
When a Program satisfies the accreditation requirements, Special Olympics signs that Program’s Accreditation License Agreement, which grants the Program the legal right to use the Special Olympics name, logo and other trademarks within its jurisdiction, to conduct Special Olympics sports and related activities, and to raise funds under the Special Olympics name.
In addition, Programs gain access to numerous benefits of accreditation, including shared strategy and vision, global leadership and resources, international competitions and summits, risk management guidance and support, global brand marketing, and access to financial resources through grants, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
Read about the value of Special Olympics accreditation for your organization and the global movement.
When a Program satisfies the accreditation requirements, Special Olympics signs that Program’s Accreditation License Agreement, which grants the Program the legal right to use the Special Olympics name, logo and other trademarks within its jurisdiction, to conduct Special Olympics sports and related activities, and to raise funds under the Special Olympics name.
In addition, Programs gain access to numerous benefits of accreditation, including shared strategy and vision, global leadership and resources, international competitions and summits, risk management guidance and support, global brand marketing, and access to financial resources through grants, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.
Read about the value of Special Olympics accreditation for your organization and the global movement.
Accreditation System Login
Accreditation System Login (website)
All Programs use the online accreditation system for submission of applications and other materials.
2025 Accreditation Guide
This guide includes everything you need to know in order to complete your Program’s accreditation requirements (in PDF format).
Adjusted Gross Revenue Form 2023
(Use this form for the 2025 fee)
Accredited Programs outside the United States submit financial information annually on the AGR Form (PDF).
Accredited Programs outside the United States submit financial information annually on the AGR Form (PDF).
Accreditation License Agreement 2025 – 2026
This license agreement sets forth the legal requirements and rights of accreditation. A copy of the English version must be signed by the Program’s Board Chair when applying for accreditation.
Accreditation Fees Policy
Each accredited Program is required to pay accreditation fees annually. This policy includes fee formulas and procedures.
Letterhead Template
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A4 Letterhead (DOCX)
For Programs outside of the United States. -
US Letterhead (DOCX)
For Programs in the United States. -
Ubuntu Font Download (external website)
Download the Ubuntu font on your Mac or PC before downloading letterhead Word documents.
Related Resources
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Athlete Registration Forms (webpage)
Instructions and templates for athlete registration. -
Founding Committee Application (PDF)
Using this application, a founding group of at least six persons may apply to be recognized as a Founding Committee for a nation or other territory that does not yet have a Special Olympics Accredited Program. -
Model Program Bylaws (DOCX)
This document is a template of the recommended terms to be used in the governing documents of Special Olympics Programs. Note that accreditation requires two specific provisions to be included in a Program’s governing documents: (1) the Special Olympics Mission Statement, and (2) a board rotation provision limiting the Program’s board members to no more than nine consecutive years of service. -
Audit Waiver Request 2025 (DOCX)
Programs with total revenues more than US$100,000 are required to submit audited financial statements to SOI. This template can be used to request a temporary waiver from the requirement. Programs requesting a waiver must have a plan to begin annual financial audits by the end of the waiver period. Programs with total revenues less than US$100,000 automatically receive a waiver and do not need to make a request. See the Accreditation Fees Policy for details. -
Operational Plan Template (Single-Year) 2025 (DOCX)
This template can be used to create your Program's single-year operational plan.
English • French • Russian • Spanish -
Operational Plan Template (Multi-Year) 2025 (DOCX)
Optionally, this template can be used instead of the single-year plan if your Program prefers a multi-year plan.
English • French • Russian • Spanish -
Board of Directors List Accreditation Template 2025 – 2026 (XLSX)
This document can be used to submit your Board of Directors list and years of service under application question 2.1. - Board Term Waiver Request Template (DOCX)
- General Waiver Request Template (DOCX)
- International Deadline Extension Request Template 2025 (DOCX)
- US Deadline Extension Request Template 2025 (DOCX)
- Budget Template (XLSX)
- Accreditation Fee Invoice Payment Instructions (PDF)
Invoice Resources
- Accreditation Fee Calculation Explanation (video)
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Bank Information Form (PDF)
Use this form to submit your bank information when signing SOI grant agreements. User tip: Save the completed form so you can easily resubmit it with your next grant agreement if your bank information has not changed. - Accreditation Fee Invoice Payment Instructions (PDF)
- SOI Accreditation Invoice Sample (PDF)
Training Materials
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Accreditation Training Presentation 2025 – 2026 - English (PDF)
This 2025 – 2026 Accreditation presentation accompanies the 2025 webinar presented to Special Olympics Programs worldwide. -
Accreditation Webinar Recording (English)
2025 Webinar presented to Special Olympics Programs worldwide. (Video recording)
Program Quality Standards Self-Assessment Tool
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Program Quality Standards Self-Assessment Tool
Please note, PQS is now part of the mandatory Accreditation requirements. Programs applying for the full 2025 – 2026 Accreditation cycle will be required to complete the PQS self-assessment using the below self-assessment tools.
Need More Information?
For more information
Please contact the Special Olympics Legal Department.