Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

What is the term for arranging meetings between prospective donors and an organization's leaders?

1. Cultivation

2. Solicitation

3. Stewardship

4. Recognition

The correct answer is: Cultivation

The term that refers to arranging meetings between prospective donors and an organization's leaders is cultivation. Cultivation is a critical phase in the fundraising process, focusing on developing relationships with potential donors to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the organization’s mission and needs. This careful and intentional engagement helps to establish trust and rapport, which can lead to future donations. In this context, arranging meetings becomes an essential activity within cultivation as it allows leaders to personally connect with prospective donors, share their vision, and demonstrate the impact of the donor's potential contributions. This personalized interaction is crucial for fostering long-term relationships and aligning the interests of the donor with the organization’s goals. Other options such as solicitation, stewardship, and recognition have distinct meanings in the fundraising process. Solicitation refers to asking for financial support, stewardship involves managing the relationship with donors after they have contributed, and recognition pertains to acknowledging and honoring donors for their contributions. While all are important in the overall fundraising strategy, none specifically define the action of arranging meetings aimed at building relationships preceding the ask for funds, which is precisely what cultivation entails.