Mixed Deck — All CFP Topics Flashcards

What should a fundraiser do if they suspect unethical behavior?

Answer: Report the issue through appropriate channels

Fundraisers have an ethical responsibility to uphold the integrity of the profession and their organization. If unethical behavior is suspected, reporting it through established internal or external channels is crucial. This action ensures accountability, protects the organization's reputation, and maintains public trust in philanthropy.

Why is consistent branding important in fundraising?

Answer: To create familiarity and trust

Consistent branding across all fundraising materials and communications is vital for building recognition and trust. A unified brand image creates familiarity, reinforces the organization's identity, and conveys professionalism. This consistency helps donors easily identify and connect with the organization, fostering confidence and loyalty.

What is the goal of a donor stewardship program?

Answer: To thank, recognize, and engage donors in ways that build loyalty and encourage future giving

Stewardship builds long-term donor relationships by demonstrating gratitude, reporting on impact, and keeping donors meaningfully connected to the mission.

What is the primary purpose of a feasibility study conducted before a capital campaign?

Answer: To assess organizational readiness and community support for the campaign goal

A feasibility study evaluates whether the organization has the leadership, donor base, and community support needed to achieve the campaign goal.

What is 'prospect portfolio management' in a major gifts program?

Answer: Assigning a defined caseload of prospects to each gift officer for systematic cultivation and solicitation

Portfolio management assigns each major gifts officer a manageable caseload (typically 100–150 prospects) to ensure each prospect receives intentional, personalized attention.

Which platform is most effective for visual storytelling in fundraising?

Answer: Instagram and Facebook

Instagram and Facebook are highly visual platforms that excel at sharing stories through images and videos. This makes them exceptionally effective for visual storytelling in fundraising, allowing organizations to showcase their impact, beneficiaries, and mission in a compelling and engaging way. Visual content often resonates more deeply and can inspire greater emotional connection than text alone.

How should financial planning performance be reported to clients?

Answer: Provide accurate, complete, and timely performance reporting with appropriate benchmarks

Accurate, complete, and timely reporting with appropriate benchmarks enables informed decision-making by clients.

According to industry benchmarks, what is the average donor retention rate for most nonprofits?

Answer: 40–45%

The average donor retention rate for most nonprofits hovers around 40–45%, meaning more than half of donors do not give again the following year.

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.

How should risk be assessed in estate planning?

Answer: Evaluate risk tolerance, capacity, time horizon, and investment objectives systematically

Comprehensive risk assessment considers tolerance, capacity, time horizon, and objectives to create appropriate strategies.

How should conflicts of interest be managed in portfolio management?

Answer: Identify, disclose, and mitigate all actual and potential conflicts of interest

All actual and potential conflicts of interest must be identified, disclosed to clients, and mitigated to maintain trust and compliance.

What is a naming opportunity in the context of major gifts?

Answer: A recognition benefit that names a facility or program after a significant donor

Naming opportunities recognize major donors by attaching their name to a building, room, program, or endowed fund in exchange for a significant gift.

In major gift fundraising, what does 'capacity rating' mean?

Answer: An estimate of how much a prospect is financially able to give

Capacity rating uses wealth screening and research to estimate the maximum philanthropic potential of a prospective major donor.

Which of the following best describes a 'peer-to-peer' fundraising campaign?

Answer: A strategy where existing supporters are empowered to solicit their personal networks on behalf of the organization

Peer-to-peer fundraising empowers supporters to create personal fundraising pages and solicit gifts from their own networks, extending the organization's reach beyond its existing donor base.

According to best practices, within how many hours should a major donor receive a personal thank-you after making a significant gift?

Answer: 48 hours or less

AFP best practices recommend acknowledging major gifts within 48 hours, ideally with a personal phone call from the CEO or board chair before a written receipt follows.

How should portfolio management performance be reported to clients?

Answer: Provide accurate, complete, and timely performance reporting with appropriate benchmarks

Accurate, complete, and timely reporting with appropriate benchmarks enables informed decision-making by clients.

What regulatory compliance requirement applies to investment analysis?

Answer: Full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and industry regulations

Full regulatory compliance is mandatory regardless of practice size, ensuring market integrity and client protection.

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.

Which tool is most commonly used to research a prospect's real estate holdings to estimate giving capacity?

Answer: County property tax records

County property tax records are publicly available and provide reliable data on real estate values used in prospect wealth screening.

What regulatory compliance requirement applies to tax strategies?

Answer: Full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and industry regulations

Full regulatory compliance is mandatory regardless of practice size, ensuring market integrity and client protection.