Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

Which of the following is a consideration when assessing a donor’s capacity for major gifts?

1. Age of the donor

2. Donor's previous philanthropy history

3. Donor's public persona

4. Donor's relationship with the community

The correct answer is: Donor's previous philanthropy history

When assessing a donor's capacity for major gifts, understanding their previous philanthropy history is crucial. This history provides insight into the donor's past giving patterns, amount, and the types of causes they have supported. Such information can help fundraisers identify not only the donor's financial ability but also their commitment to philanthropy and potential interest in specific projects. Previous giving behaviors can indicate a predicted capacity for future donations; for instance, a donor who has consistently contributed larger amounts to various causes may be more likely to give a significant donation in the future. Analyzing the context of their past philanthropy—such as the frequency of donations, the scale, and whether they have engaged in major campaigns—can help in tailoring approaches to solicit major gifts effectively. Considerations like the age of the donor, public persona, and community relationships, while relevant in broader donor engagement strategies, do not directly equate to a donor's financial capacity and willingness to contribute major gifts in the same way that past philanthropy does.