Eligible Expenses

Braver Angels field funds must be used to pay for expenses that progress the Braver Angels mission.  This page describes common expenses that are pre-approved, as well as other special expenses and how to obtain approval for them.

Common Expenses

If a Field Unit has the available balance, no prior approval is needed to spend on these common expenses (up to a maximum of $500 per expense): 
 

1. Consumables: Coffee, snacks, etc. Please note that the purchase of alcohol for Braver Angels events is permitted, however we ask you to limit your purchase to a maximum of 2-3 drinks per attendee. Unopened bottles or cans that remain after an event should be saved for use at future Braver Angels events.
   
   

2. Event Venue Rentals
   
   

3. Printing: Chart paper, photo copying, etc.
   
   

4. Travel: For example, a Regional Lead visit, State Coordinator visit, travel by Alliance Co-Chairs, travel to deliver a workshop. Travel expenses must be consistent with Braver Angels' national policies on travel (e.g., economy travel).  Government per diem rates are good guidelines to follow. 
   
   

5. Outreach: For example, Facebook ads; sponsored posts; marketing flyers; postage; or items from the BA Shop. Marketing language must be vetted by the marketing team.
   
   

6. Technology Infrastructure: For example, a Mailchimp license; calendaring app; web-hosting fee; or other software. Before making an IT purchase, please review our guidelines for software and technology purchases. If needed, the IT leadership from the national organization will purchase the IT license from local sub-account funds.  

Special Expenses

Large Expenses

Requests that exceed the $500 maximum threshold must be reviewed by your State Coordinator.  

If your request is for an item outside of the standard eligible categories, or costs above $500, then it must be approved by your State Coordinator.  Please follow this procedure:

1. Fill out the expense request form (only needed for expenses over $500 or outside the standard eligible categories).

2. Email your State Coordinator for approval and forward the email to fieldfunding@braverangels.org.

Once your request is approved by the field finance team, the requested funds will be loaded to your BILL Spend & Expense card (formerly Divvy) within 2 business days.  

Requests that exceed $1,000 must be reviewed by the Office of Field Operations Co-Chairs.  

If your expense costs more than $1,000, then it must be approved by the Office of Field Operations. Please email us and request that the Co-chairs review your request for spending. 

Personnel

If you wish to hire part-time or full-time staff, please contact the Office of Field Operations, as this will need to be coordinated with the National human resources  and finance teams.

Multi-State Expenses

Funding requests involving multiple States will be vetted by Regional Leads, with eventual approval by Field Operations Directors.  Funding requests for initiatives at a national level are approved by Field Operations Directors. 

Recurring Expenses

Requests which entail recurring payments are not assured of re-funding, based on changing resources.