CFRE Donor Relations and Stewardship 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a donor stewardship program?
- To solicit new major gifts
- To acknowledge, report back, and maintain relationships with existing donors (Correct answer)
- To recruit volunteers for fundraising events
- To manage grant applications
Correct answer: To acknowledge, report back, and maintain relationships with existing donors
Donor stewardship focuses on acknowledging gifts, reporting impact, and nurturing long-term relationships to retain and upgrade donors.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'lapsed donor'?
- A donor who gave within the last 12 months
- A donor who has never given to your organization
- A donor who previously gave but has not donated within a defined period (typically 1–2 years) (Correct answer)
- A donor who declined a major gift ask
Correct answer: A donor who previously gave but has not donated within a defined period (typically 1–2 years)
A lapsed donor is one who gave previously but has not renewed their gift within a defined timeframe, often 12–24 months.
Question 3: The CFRE exam domain 'Relationship Building' primarily encompasses which activity?
- Writing grant proposals
- Identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donor relationships (Correct answer)
- Processing gift acknowledgments in accounting software
- Designing fundraising event logistics
Correct answer: Identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donor relationships
The Relationship Building domain covers identifying prospects, cultivating engagement, and stewarding donors over time.
Question 4: Which communication strategy is most effective for retaining mid-level donors?
- Sending only annual fund appeal letters
- Providing personalized impact reports that demonstrate how their gift was used (Correct answer)
- Calling donors only when a new campaign launches
- Limiting contact to tax receipts
Correct answer: Providing personalized impact reports that demonstrate how their gift was used
Personalized impact reporting shows donors their contribution mattered, which is the strongest driver of mid-level donor retention.
Question 5: What does 'moves management' refer to in fundraising?
- Scheduling logistics for donor events
- A strategic process of planning and tracking steps to move prospects toward a major gift commitment (Correct answer)
- Moving donor records between databases
- Transferring fundraising staff between departments
Correct answer: A strategic process of planning and tracking steps to move prospects toward a major gift commitment
Moves management is a systematic approach to planning intentional contacts and activities that advance a prospect toward making a significant gift.
Question 6: Which of the following is a best practice for gift acknowledgment timing?
- Within 48–72 hours of receiving a gift (Correct answer)
- Within 30 days of receiving a gift
- Only at year-end for tax purposes
- After the donor makes a second gift
Correct answer: Within 48–72 hours of receiving a gift
Best practice calls for acknowledging gifts within 48–72 hours to reinforce the donor's positive giving experience and build trust.
CFRE Donor Relations and Stewardship 1
What is the primary purpose of a donor stewardship program?