CFRE – Certified Fund Raising Executive Exam Study
Guide (2026/2027 Syllabus)
Disclaimer: This is a simulated study guide for illustrative purposes. The actual CFRE
exam is proprietary and administered by CFRE International. Candidates should use
official resources from for preparation.
Part 1: Strategic Management (25 Questions)
1. Which of the following is the FIRST step in developing a strategic fundraising
plan?
A) Setting financial goals
B) Conducting an environmental scan
C) Identifying prospective donors
D) Developing a case for support
ANSWER ✓ B) Conducting an environmental scan
2. The "case for support" should primarily address:
A) The organization's annual operating budget
B) Why the cause matters and the impact of gifts
C) Staff compensation and overhead costs
D) Detailed program timelines
ANSWER ✓ B) Why the cause matters and the impact of gifts
3. A SWOT analysis in fundraising planning assesses:
A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
B) Strategy, Workflow, Objectives, Tactics
C) Donor Surveys, Wealth, Outreach, Timing
D) Systemic, Worldwide, Operational, Technical factors
ANSWER ✓ A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
4. The fundraising planning process should be aligned with:
A) The organization's strategic plan
, B) The board chair’s personal priorities
C) Latest social media trends
D) Competitors’ fundraising calendars
ANSWER ✓ A) The organization's strategic plan
5. Ethical fundraising principles require that restricted gifts be used:
A) However the CEO sees fit in a crisis
B) Only for the purposes specified by the donor
C) After deducting a 15% administrative fee
D) For any program within the same department
ANSWER ✓ B) Only for the purposes specified by the donor
Part 2: Relationship Building (20 Questions)
6. Moves Management refers to:
A) Relocating the nonprofit’s office
B) A systematic process to advance donor relationships
C) Reassigning staff roles annually
D) Moving events to new venues
ANSWER ✓ B) A systematic process to advance donor relationships
7. The donor cultivation stage before solicitation is best described as:
A) Stewardship
B) Qualification
C) Engagement
D) Acknowledgement
ANSWER ✓ C) Engagement
8. A major donor likely moves from cultivation to solicitation when:
A) They ask about the organization's impact metrics
B) They have received 5+ mail appeals
C) They express passion for the mission and ask about gift opportunities
D) The fiscal year is ending
ANSWER ✓ C) They express passion for the mission and ask about gift opportunities
Guide (2026/2027 Syllabus)
Disclaimer: This is a simulated study guide for illustrative purposes. The actual CFRE
exam is proprietary and administered by CFRE International. Candidates should use
official resources from for preparation.
Part 1: Strategic Management (25 Questions)
1. Which of the following is the FIRST step in developing a strategic fundraising
plan?
A) Setting financial goals
B) Conducting an environmental scan
C) Identifying prospective donors
D) Developing a case for support
ANSWER ✓ B) Conducting an environmental scan
2. The "case for support" should primarily address:
A) The organization's annual operating budget
B) Why the cause matters and the impact of gifts
C) Staff compensation and overhead costs
D) Detailed program timelines
ANSWER ✓ B) Why the cause matters and the impact of gifts
3. A SWOT analysis in fundraising planning assesses:
A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
B) Strategy, Workflow, Objectives, Tactics
C) Donor Surveys, Wealth, Outreach, Timing
D) Systemic, Worldwide, Operational, Technical factors
ANSWER ✓ A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
4. The fundraising planning process should be aligned with:
A) The organization's strategic plan
, B) The board chair’s personal priorities
C) Latest social media trends
D) Competitors’ fundraising calendars
ANSWER ✓ A) The organization's strategic plan
5. Ethical fundraising principles require that restricted gifts be used:
A) However the CEO sees fit in a crisis
B) Only for the purposes specified by the donor
C) After deducting a 15% administrative fee
D) For any program within the same department
ANSWER ✓ B) Only for the purposes specified by the donor
Part 2: Relationship Building (20 Questions)
6. Moves Management refers to:
A) Relocating the nonprofit’s office
B) A systematic process to advance donor relationships
C) Reassigning staff roles annually
D) Moving events to new venues
ANSWER ✓ B) A systematic process to advance donor relationships
7. The donor cultivation stage before solicitation is best described as:
A) Stewardship
B) Qualification
C) Engagement
D) Acknowledgement
ANSWER ✓ C) Engagement
8. A major donor likely moves from cultivation to solicitation when:
A) They ask about the organization's impact metrics
B) They have received 5+ mail appeals
C) They express passion for the mission and ask about gift opportunities
D) The fiscal year is ending
ANSWER ✓ C) They express passion for the mission and ask about gift opportunities
