CFRE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the purpose of list segmentation in a direct mail annual fund program? → To tailor messages and ask amounts to different groups based on their giving history
2. What is 'capacity' in the context of major gift prospect research? → The estimated financial ability of a prospect to make a significant charitable gift
3. When training board members for fundraising, the MOST effective approach is: → Teaching board members to share personal stories about why the mission matters to them
4. The names and addresses of a company's current and recently expired donors and members. → house file
5. Under AFP ethical standards, a fundraiser who learns of illegal activity within their organization should: → Report it through appropriate channels, which may include legal authorities
6. A 'campaign readiness assessment' typically evaluates which of the following factors? → Leadership capacity, donor base strength, staff readiness, and organizational credibility
7. Which metric best measures the effectiveness of a direct mail acquisition campaign? → Cost per dollar raised (CPDR)
8. In stewardship, what is the purpose of a 'gift impact report'? → To show donors the tangible outcomes their contribution achieved
9. What does a 'sustainer' or 'recurring donor' program offer a nonprofit organization? → Predictable, steady revenue through automatically recurring gifts
10. Which strategy is most effective for upgrading mid-level annual fund donors to a higher giving level? → Making a personal phone call with a tailored ask amount
11. Which compensation arrangement is considered unethical by the AFP Code of Ethical Standards? → Percentage-based compensation tied directly to the amount of funds raised
12. A donor who has given every year for 5 or more consecutive years is typically categorized as which type of donor? → Loyal or consecutive donor
13. Which of the following is the most common type of planned gift in the United States? → Bequest through a will or living trust
14. What is a 'gift range chart' (also called a table of gifts) used for in campaign planning? → Showing how many gifts at various levels are needed to reach the campaign goal
15. A donation made to a company or organization for whatever reasons the trustees or officers decide. → unrestricted gift
16. The AFP Code of Ethical Standards requires fundraisers to disclose which of the following? → Conflicts of interest that could affect professional judgment
17. A nonprofit's annual fund raised $200,000 from 1,000 donors last year. This year it raised $210,000 from 950 donors. What is the most accurate assessment? → The program has a concerning donor retention problem despite revenue growth
18. Delivery of informational materials via mass mailing and requests for donations or volunteer work. → both unrestricted gift and direct mail
19. In a major gifts campaign, what is the recommended ratio of prospects to gifts needed at each level? → 3:1 to 4:1
20. Which of the following is a best practice for gift acknowledgment timing? → Within 48–72 hours of receiving a gift
21. Expenditures that are directly tied to campaign budget forecasts and are judged necessary for the organization and planning of a campaign. → campaign costs
22. Which ethical principle requires fundraisers to be honest about how funds will be used in a solicitation? → Truthfulness and honesty
23. Which of the following best describes 'telefundraising' as a component of annual giving? → Soliciting donors or prospects by telephone to secure or renew gifts
24. Which of the following is considered a best practice for direct mail copy in a fundraising appeal? → Writing in a personal, conversational tone with a clear, specific ask
25. An organization receives a restricted gift for a specific program that has since been discontinued. What is the appropriate first step? → Contact the donor to discuss redirecting the gift with their approval
26. Why is it important for fundraisers to maintain accurate and complete donor records? → To fulfill fiduciary responsibilities and enable accurate stewardship and reporting
27. A mailing to potential funders or prospective members. → acquisition mailing (or prospect mailing)
28. Giving to charity organizations results in tax savings on income, gifts, and estates. → tax benefits
29. Which of the following is the correct sequence for conducting a capital campaign? → Feasibility study → campaign planning → silent phase → public phase
30. Which element of a direct mail appeal package has the greatest impact on response rate? → The list and offer