Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

What are prospective donors for major gifts most interested in?

1. The tax benefits of their donation

2. The marketing materials from the organization

3. What their gift will accomplish

4. The recognition they will receive

The correct answer is: What their gift will accomplish

Prospective donors for major gifts are primarily motivated by the impact their contribution will make. This interest is rooted in the desire to support a cause or mission that resonates with them personally, and they want to see tangible outcomes from their philanthropy. Donors often seek to understand how their gift will help advance the organization’s goals, enable programs, or improve services for beneficiaries. By focusing on what their donation will accomplish, they are more likely to feel connected and committed to the mission, leading to higher engagement and possibly larger gifts. While tax benefits, marketing materials, and recognition can also play a role in a donor's decision-making process, they are generally secondary to the donor's desire to effect real change through their financial support. A major gift's emotional and philanthropic motivations often outweigh considerations of personal gain or status. Thus, highlighting the specific outcomes and success stories linked to potential donations is crucial in cultivating relationships with prospective major donors.