Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

If a donor shares personal information with a fundraising professional, what is the most appropriate action to take?

1. Disregard the information

2. Record and use the information only with the donor's permission

3. Share it with other staff members

4. Publicly acknowledge the information for transparency

The correct answer is: Record and use the information only with the donor's permission

Recording and using the information only with the donor's permission is the most appropriate action to take when a donor shares personal information with a fundraising professional. This approach values the importance of donor confidentiality and privacy, which are fundamental principles in fundraising ethics. When a donor shares sensitive or personal information, it demonstrates a level of trust, and it is critical to honor that trust by handling the information responsibly. Obtaining the donor's permission before using their personal information ensures that they maintain control over their own data, aligning with best practices in relationship management and stewardship. This practice helps to build a stronger, more trusting relationship between the donor and the organization. Moreover, it can improve communication and engagement by allowing the organization to tailor its outreach in a way that is respectful and relevant to the donor's preferences. Other options would not align with ethical standards. Disregarding the information misses the opportunity to enhance the donor relationship. Sharing the information with other staff members without permission could breach confidentiality and damage trust, and publicly acknowledging it could violate the donor's privacy and potentially lead to discomfort or withdrawal of support. Each of these actions would not reflect a commitment to respectful and ethical fundraising practices.