It actively sponsors grants and scholarships for mandolin education and instruction for children and adults in North America.
The CMSA holds a Convention in a different city in North America each year.
The CMSA serves as a source of information about how to find or create mandolin ensembles around the United States, Canada and the world.
The CMSA membership votes on candidates to fill officer and board member positions in accordance with its bylaws.
The CMSA publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Mandolin Journal, which contains legal notifications for the corporation and current organizational news, along with contributed articles and music.