CFRE Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CFRE exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CFRE Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CFRE Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CFRE Questions & Answers
1. What is the primary purpose of an annual fund in a nonprofit organization?
The annual fund provides broad-based unrestricted operating support, allowing the organization flexibility to meet day-to-day expenses and programmatic needs.
2. Which of the following best describes 'philanthropic inclination' in prospect research?
Philanthropic inclination (or affinity) measures how likely a prospect is to give charitably, based on their demonstrated giving history, values, and personal connection to a cause.
3. What does 'ROI' stand for and how is it applied in fundraising?
ROI (Return on Investment) in fundraising measures how much net revenue is generated for every dollar spent on fundraising activities, helping prioritize the most cost-effective strategies.
4. Giving to charity organizations results in tax savings on income, gifts, and estates.
Tax benefits refer to the financial advantages, such as deductions or credits, that donors receive on their income, gift, or estate taxes when contributing to qualified charitable organizations. These benefits are designed to incentivize philanthropy by reducing a donor's overall tax liability. They are a significant motivator for many charitable gifts.
5. What is the typical response rate range for a direct mail renewal letter sent to lapsed donors?
Lapsed donor reactivation mailings typically achieve 2%–5% response rates, higher than cold acquisition but lower than active donor renewal.
6. What is a 'bequest society' in planned giving?
A bequest society (or legacy society) acknowledges and recognizes donors who have made or expressed intention to make a planned gift, helping to cultivate and retain these long-term relationships.