Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

What is considered the best indicator of an individual's capacity for support in fundraising?

1. Personal connections to the organization

2. Level of personal wealth

3. Past donations made to other organizations

4. Active participation in community events

The correct answer is: Level of personal wealth

The best indicator of an individual's capacity for support in fundraising is typically considered to be their level of personal wealth. This measure directly correlates to the potential financial contributions an individual can make to an organization. Wealth reflects not only the financial resources available but also suggests the individual’s ability to contribute significantly without compromising their own financial stability. While personal connections to the organization can influence an individual's willingness to give, they do not necessarily indicate the ability to give at higher levels. Likewise, past donations to other organizations may reveal an individual’s engagement with philanthropy but do not provide a definitive measure of their capacity, as those contributions could vary widely based on the context or need. Active participation in community events indicates a level of engagement, yet it does not inherently demonstrate an individual’s financial capacity, as people can be involved for various reasons that do not include substantial financial backing. Therefore, when seeking to ascertain support capacity, assessing personal wealth offers a more concrete understanding of potential contributions.