CFP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What role does a fundraising manager play? → Manage strategy, team, and ethics
2. How should conflicts of interest be managed in estate planning? → Identify, disclose, and mitigate all actual and potential conflicts of interest
3. What is the best indicator that a prospect is ready to be solicited for a major gift? → They have demonstrated capacity, interest, and engagement through cultivation
4. Which of the following best describes a donor-centered message? → Your support changes lives
5. Why is donor stewardship important after a gift is made? → To build ongoing engagement and loyalty
6. Which behavior upholds ethical standards in donor relations? → Providing honest and respectful communication
7. What does SYBUNT stand for in annual giving segmentation? → Some Years But Unfortunately Not This Year
8. What is the key to successfully securing a major gift? → Building trust and aligning donor interests
9. Which platform is most effective for visual storytelling in fundraising? → Instagram and Facebook
10. What is a donor recognition program? → A way to honor and thank contributors
11. What fiduciary duty applies to client relations? → Act in the client's best interest with loyalty, care, and full disclosure
12. Which metric best measures the health of an annual giving program over time? → Donor retention rate
13. What is one benefit of using a donor management system? → Organize donor data and enhance relationships
14. What fiduciary duty applies to investment analysis? → Act in the client's best interest with loyalty, care, and full disclosure
15. What does the AFP Code of Ethical Standards promote? → Ethical and professional conduct
16. What is the primary purpose of an annual fund in a nonprofit organization? → To provide unrestricted, current-use operating revenue
17. What fiduciary duty applies to risk assessment? → Act in the client's best interest with loyalty, care, and full disclosure
18. What fiduciary duty applies to estate planning? → Act in the client's best interest with loyalty, care, and full disclosure
19. What is a key goal of fundraising communication? → To inspire, inform, and engage donors
20. In direct mail fundraising, what is a 'control package'? → The best-performing mail package used as the baseline for testing new approaches
21. Which of the following enhances long-term donor retention? → Consistent communication and involvement
22. How can organizations demonstrate fiscal responsibility? → Following a clear budget and reporting system
23. What is a 'phonathon' or 'telefunding' program in the context of annual giving? → A telephone-based solicitation program targeting annual fund donors and prospects
24. According to best practices, within how many hours should a major donor receive a personal thank-you after making a significant gift? → 48 hours or less
25. What fiduciary duty applies to portfolio management? → Act in the client's best interest with loyalty, care, and full disclosure
26. Which is an effective method of acknowledging a donor’s gift? → Personalized thank-you communication
27. How should risk assessment performance be reported to clients? → Provide accurate, complete, and timely performance reporting with appropriate benchmarks
28. How should conflicts of interest be managed in regulatory compliance? → Identify, disclose, and mitigate all actual and potential conflicts of interest
29. What is the purpose of performance metrics in fundraising? → To evaluate success and improve performance
30. What continuing education requirement supports tax strategies competence? → Ongoing education in regulatory changes, market developments, and best practices