Who can be a Sponsoring Organization?

[katieinny]

An organization that for all practical purposes operates like a chamber of commerce, would like to be able to sponsor a retirement plan document for its members. I am not talking about a multiple employer plan. The ERISA Outline Book says that a Sponsoring Organization is usually a bank, TPA or law firm. It's the word "usually" that makes me think that other types of businesses might be able to do the same thing. They are hoping to retain the services of a TPA firm to help with the administration, but they want to use their own plan, not the TPA's. Any thoughts?