CFP CFP Major Gifts & Capital Campaigns 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a feasibility study conducted before a capital campaign?
- To finalize the campaign budget
- To assess organizational readiness and community support for the campaign goal (Correct answer)
- To identify potential major gift prospects
- To train volunteer fundraisers
Correct 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.
Question 2: In a major gifts program, what does the term 'moves management' refer to?
- Relocating the development office
- A systematic process of strategically cultivating and soliciting major donors through planned interactions (Correct answer)
- Managing volunteer movements during events
- Transferring donor records between databases
Correct answer: A systematic process of strategically cultivating and soliciting major donors through planned interactions
Moves management is a disciplined approach to advancing donor relationships through a series of intentional contacts toward a major gift ask.
Question 3: What is the typical gift range structure in a capital campaign pyramid?
- All gifts are equal in size
- The top 10–20% of donors provide 80–90% of the total campaign goal (Correct answer)
- Mid-level donors provide the majority of funds
- Every donor is asked for the same amount
Correct answer: The top 10–20% of donors provide 80–90% of the total campaign goal
Capital campaigns rely on a gift pyramid where a small number of lead gifts at the top account for the majority of the total goal.
Question 4: Which phase of a capital campaign is conducted quietly with major donors before the public announcement?
- Kickoff phase
- Cultivation phase
- Quiet phase (Correct answer)
- Wrap-up phase
Correct answer: Quiet phase
The quiet (or silent) phase secures 50–70% of the goal from lead donors before the campaign is announced publicly.
Question 5: What is a naming opportunity in the context of major gifts?
- A policy to anonymize all donors
- A recognition benefit that names a facility or program after a significant donor (Correct answer)
- A technique for identifying new donor prospects
- A legal process for establishing a named endowment
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is the recommended length of a typical capital campaign?
- 6 months
- 1 year
- 3–5 years (Correct answer)
- 10 years
Correct answer: 3–5 years
Most capital campaigns run 3–5 years, allowing sufficient time to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors while maintaining momentum.
CFP CFP Major Gifts & Capital Campaigns 1
What is the primary purpose of a feasibility study conducted before a capital campaign?