First Book Canada is a 5-star charity with High Demonstrated Impact. It has an A- Results Reporting grade, which is above average. Its reserve funds and overhead spending are within Ci's reasonable range.

Founded in 2009, First Book Canada works with educators and partners to remove barriers to learning. It distributes free and low-cost books and resources to educators and kids who need them.  Since its founding, it has distributed over 10 million books and resources. First Book reports that almost 25% of Canadian households do not have a single book and 30% of Canadian third graders lack basic literacy skills. Many schools in economically disadvantaged areas can only afford one new book a year for every three children. First Book is a social enterprise. It helps get books to kids in low-income areas by working with the market instead of relying only on donations. First Book also focuses on providing Canadian stories and Indigenous-authored titles. Its Stories For All project increases access to diverse and affordable children's books. First Book Canada spent $1.4m on its programs in 2024. The charity distributed 368,000 books and reached 350,000 youth, 70% of whom are BIPOC, in 2024.

A Charity Intelligence 2024 Top Impact Charity.

First Book distributes books to the First Book Canada Network. The Network is a community of over 20,000 educators and professionals. Distribution occurs through three main channels: the Marketplace, the Book Bank, and Pop-Ups. The First Book Canada Marketplace provides the Network with access to affordable books and resources and the Book Bank provides donated books and resources to members for only the cost of shipping and handling. In 2024, 104,000 books and resources were ordered from the Marketplace and Book Bank. Pop-Up Book Distributions are local, free distributions of donated books. First Book Canada held six in-person Pop-Up Events, distributing 212,000 books to 770 members, which reached 70,000 youths.

First Book Canada hosted 11 Reading Celebrations for over 900 students in 2024. Reading Celebrations invite authors and illustrators to present to students. First Book Canada also partnered with the LEGO Group to distribute over 10,000 refurbished packages of LEGO to educators.

First Book Canada’s audited financial statements use activity-based costing, which is a best practice.

First Book Canada received $2.5m in donations in 2024, a 170% increase compared to $911k in 2023. The charity also received $2.7m in donated books, and earned $693k in fees from its Marketplace. First Book Canada spent $1.4m on its programs, which is 44% of revenue (excluding donated goods), and recorded a surplus of $1.3m. This is the first time in eight years that First Book Canada recorded a surplus.

First Book Canada does not report any fundraising costs. The charity spent $443k on administration, which is 8% of revenue. For every dollar donated to First Book Canada, 92 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range.

First Book Canada has $1.3m in reserve funds (cash and investments). These reserves can cover program costs for just under one year, which is within Ci’s reasonable range.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to First Book Canada for review.

Updated on June 19, 2025 by Liam Chapleau.