Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

How is accuracy in constituents' records measured in a donor database?

1. By the number of total records

2. By the number of valid addresses

3. By the engagement levels of constituents

4. By the frequency of database updates

The correct answer is: By the number of valid addresses

Accuracy in constituents' records in a donor database is primarily measured by the number of valid addresses because this validation directly impacts the reliability of communication with donors. Having valid addresses ensures that fundraising communications are directed to the correct individuals, which is essential for effective engagement. If the addresses are not accurate, it can lead to undeliverable mailings, wasted resources, and lost opportunities to connect with donors. The number of total records does not provide insight into the quality of those records; it merely indicates quantity. Engagement levels can reflect how constituents interact with your organization, but they do not measure the accuracy of the information within their records. The frequency of database updates is important for maintaining current information; however, updates alone do not guarantee that the data being entered is accurate or valid at the time of entry. Valid addresses serve as a clear and direct metric for assessing how accurate the constituent records are in enabling meaningful communication and support from donors.