CFP Major Gifts & Capital Campaigns Flashcards

What is the role of a campaign cabinet or steering committee?

Answer: To provide volunteer leadership, open doors to prospects, and make early significant gifts

A campaign cabinet is composed of influential volunteers who champion the campaign, make lead gifts, and leverage their networks to solicit other major donors.

Which of the following best describes an endowment campaign?

Answer: A campaign that raises permanent capital invested to generate ongoing income for the organization

An endowment campaign builds a permanent fund whose investment returns provide a sustainable stream of income for operations, programs, or scholarships.

What is 'donor fatigue' and how should it be managed in a capital campaign?

Answer: It is the declining enthusiasm of donors overasked for gifts; managed by spacing asks and demonstrating clear impact

Donor fatigue results from being solicited too frequently without adequate stewardship; pacing asks and communicating meaningful impact helps sustain donor engagement.

In a face-to-face major gift solicitation, what is the best practice immediately after making the ask?

Answer: Remain silent and allow the donor time to respond

After stating the ask, silence is critical — experienced solicitors wait quietly, allowing the donor to process and respond without pressure.

What does 'campaign case for support' mean?

Answer: A compelling narrative explaining why the campaign is important, urgent, and worthy of investment

The case for support articulates the organization's vision, the need being addressed, and why donors should invest in the campaign right now.

What is the purpose of a campaign 'kick-off event'?

Answer: To publicly announce the campaign, celebrate early success, and energize the broader donor community

The public kick-off signals the start of the public phase, leverages the momentum of quiet phase gifts already secured, and motivates wider community participation.