FBL • FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

Financial Stewardship Policy

This policy protects FBL’s nonprofit standing and member trust by establishing clear requirements for handling money, reimbursements, receipts, approvals, and financial transparency at the chapter level.

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Core rule: No personal benefit, no off-the-books money, no improvising. When in doubt—escalate.

1. Stewardship Principles

FBL financial stewardship requires transparency, accountability, and strict separation from personal benefit. All funds and spending must align with FBL’s mission and nonprofit compliance boundaries.

We Protect

Nonprofit compliance and public trust
Accurate reporting and documentation
Clear approvals and spending boundaries
Integrity—no private benefit

We Avoid

Cash handling and “side funds”
Personal reimbursements without receipts
Unapproved spending commitments
Ambiguous money movement

I understand all FBL-related spending must align with mission and nonprofit compliance boundaries.

I understand there is no permitted personal benefit or “private inurement” from FBL funds or resources.

2. Handling Funds & Collections

Chapter Leaders must follow central leadership direction for any dues, fees, sponsorships, donations, or collections. Chapters may not create side accounts, cash reserves, or independent funding systems unless explicitly authorized.

I will not create any chapter bank account, payment account, or side fund unless explicitly authorized by central leadership.

I will not collect cash, checks, or payments “off platform” without written approval and a documented process.

I understand all dues/fees/donations/sponsorships must be processed through approved FBL systems and recorded.

If your chapter currently handles money: stop and escalate immediately so the process can be corrected and documented.

3. Expenses, Commitments & Approvals

No one may commit FBL to a financial obligation without approval. “I already told the vendor yes” is not a process.

Allowed With Approval

Venue deposits (if applicable)
Chapter meeting materials
Approved marketing collateral
Approved tech/tools

Not Allowed

Personal travel or meals as “chapter expenses”
Gifts, donations, or political causes
Cash payments without receipts
Anything outside mission scope

I will not commit FBL to expenses or vendor obligations without approval from central leadership.

I understand reimbursements require receipts and must follow the approved process.

I will never classify personal benefit items as chapter expenses.

4. Records, Receipts & Documentation

Documentation protects everyone. Every approved expense must be traceable from request → approval → receipt → record.

I will maintain complete documentation for chapter-related spending (approval + receipt + purpose).

I will not reimburse or request reimbursement without itemized receipts.

I understand “lost receipts” or undocumented expenses may be denied to protect compliance.

5. Sponsorships, Donations & Partnerships

Sponsorships and donations can create reputational and compliance risk if not handled correctly. All sponsorship claims, “partners,” and donation messaging must be approved.

I will not solicit, accept, or represent sponsorships/donations under FBL without central approval.

I will not claim “official partnerships” without written approval and approved language.

I understand all sponsorship/donation funds must be processed through approved FBL systems and recorded.

6. Escalation, Reviews & Audit Cooperation

If something looks unclear, inconsistent, or risky—escalate immediately. Chapters must cooperate with financial reviews.

I will escalate financial concerns immediately (misuse, unclear spending, off-platform money handling).

I will provide requested financial documentation promptly if central leadership conducts a review.

I understand violations may result in corrective action, suspension, removal, and/or repayment obligations.

Simple rule: If it can’t be explained clearly with receipts and approvals, it shouldn’t happen.

Acknowledgment

By signing below, I acknowledge I have read and agree to follow the FBL Financial Stewardship Policy.

Chapter Name

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Submission: Use the email button to submit this acknowledgment to FBL for recordkeeping. The Email button will activate once all required acknowledgments are checked, a membership payment option is selected, and the sign-off fields are completed. If the button appears inactive, click into the date field to confirm today’s date or select a different date. Once all requirements are satisfied, the button will turn blue.