First Book-Collier County is one of the leading chapters of the national organization, First Book, founded in 1992 when current President, Kyle Zimmer, and two friends joined together to create an organization to deliver books to children in need. In that first year, First Book distributed 12,000 books in three communities. Approaching its 20th year, First Book has distributed over 85 million books nationally to children in need.

First Book’s business model is designed for maximum efficiency. Non-programmatic costs total less than 3 percent of revenue meaning that 97% of revenue is devoted to programmatic costs.

2010 RECOGNITION

CHARITY NAVIGATOR RATING
Four Star “Exceptional” rating from Charity Navigator, a national nonprofit service that evaluates the financial health of America’s largest charities (2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009).

CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL IMPACT AWARD
2010 Impact Award:
Kyle Zimmer, First Book’s President and co-founder, received the 2010 Impact Award during the Children’s Choice Book Awards Gala in New York City for her vast contribution to the promotion of literacy and the love of reading among young people. Upon receiving this award, Kyle thanked the Children’s Book Council, the Every Child a Reader Foundation and the entire children’s book industry for their continued dedication to children from low income families and First Book’s mission.