Like with every other functioning non-profit, First Book has a variety of rules, policies and practices.  A policy is typically described as a principle or rule to guide decisions and achieve universal outcome(s). First Book and Advisory Board Policies are generally developed and adopted by the National Board, First Book staff and our volunteers and partners. 

However, its important to note that policies are dynamic; they are not just static lists of goals or laws.  And often they can change as the life of the organization changes. But we will insure that any changes, new policies or removal of policies will be addressed to you the volunteer and the Advisory Board with proper communication and clarity.

But in the meantime, please familiarize yourself with some of the primary First Book policies below while you are starting to build the process to begin your journey as an Advisory Board.  And as always, feel free to contact your Community Development Representative with any questions.

What is an Administrative Budget?

As you grow and develop your Advisory Board the need for items such as brochures, envelopes, and brochures becomes more and more needed and important.  You may also encounter the need to purchase space for an event or rent tables and chairs for a Speed Read.  At First Book, we afford you the opportunity to utilize up to 4% of all unrestricted monies raised as an Advisory Board (monies which are not specified by the donor to be used exclusively for book purchases or other costs) for administrative purposes.

However, we'd like to also suggest that many of the items you may need can be financed through in-kind donations or local requests; therefore First Book strongly encourages Advisory Boards to be creative in their Administrative needs in order to utilize the majority of their funds for the purpose of book grants.

Please remember that Advisory Boards are unable to apply, register, enter into agreements or do anything else that creates a legal obligation on behalf of First Book, including applying for a state tax sales exemption, unless the action has first been approved by the national office.

• All financial transactions are handled through the First Book national office. First Book Advisory Boards are not permitted to open any bank or stock accounts or enter into any legal agreements on behalf of First Book.
• If the minimum fundraising goal ($2,000 for Advisory Boards/$1,000 for Campus Advisory Boards) is not met within each calendar year, the Board is rendered inactive at the start of the following year.
• Once an Advisory Board becomes inactive, remaining ledger balances will be converted into First Book Marketplace credits by the national office or–if there is another First Book Advisory Board operating in the same community–the remaining ledger balance may be transferred to the other Board at the discretion of the national office.
• All donations received by Advisory Boards must be forwarded to the national office within 5 days of receipt and accompanied by a Transmittal Form.
• First Book does not provide “petty” cash for Advisory Boards.
• First Book does not accept contributions from the beer, tobacco or firearms industries.

The policies listed below have been established to protect volunteers, First Book and the children that we serve.

These policies safeguard the integrity and mission as set forth by the First Book Board of Directors and staff. Adherence to these policies is required of all First Book Advisory Board members. If you have any questions, please contact First Book.