Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

What should a fundraising professional do when offered a personal gift from a donor?

1. Accept the gift and thank the donor

2. Decline the gift and accept it on behalf of the organization

3. Ask the donor to donate to the organization instead

4. Politely refuse the gift without further explanation

The correct answer is: Decline the gift and accept it on behalf of the organization

When a fundraising professional is offered a personal gift from a donor, declining the gift and accepting it on behalf of the organization ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the professional relationship. This approach emphasizes the importance of the mission and the organization over any individual interests, fostering a culture of accountability. By accepting the gift on behalf of the organization, the fundraising professional also ensures that the gift is utilized in alignment with the organization's goals, rather than creating potential conflicts of interest or perceptions of favoritism. This practice is vital in the nonprofit sector, where ethical standards are crucial in maintaining trust with donors and the community. It also reinforces the idea that contributions should be made to support the organization as a whole, rather than to benefit an individual within it.