CFRE study guide
CFRE · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is an internationally recognized, voluntary certification that recognizes a fundraiser's professional growth and commitment to the philanthropic sector. It is aimed at working fundraising professionals who can document education, months of professional practice, and professional performance - actual funds raised or communications and management projects - rather than at newcomers to the field. The CFRE study guide has 6 sections and about 2,066 words.
01Current and Prospective Donor Research
Prospect research answers three questions before anyone makes an ask: who has the capacity to give, who has a linkage to your organization, and who has the interest and readiness to be asked. The standard rating model combines all three.
341 words, about 2 min02Securing the Gift
Securing the gift is the discipline of moving a qualified prospect to a completed commitment of the right size. The mechanics are unglamorous: a written pre-solicitation plan (who asks, for what purpose, how much, and in what order), a specific ask amount drawn from the prospect's rated range, and a deliberate pause after the ask so the donor can respond.
354 words, about 2 min03Relationship Building
Relationship building is the engine that makes solicitation possible. Candidates must know the cycle cold: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship - and then back to cultivation, because stewardship is the front end of the next gift.
351 words, about 2 min04Volunteer Involvement
The governance board holds fiduciary duty - duty of care, loyalty, and obedience - and sets policy; staff execute. Beyond the board, volunteers serve as solicitors, ambassadors, connectors, campaign cabinet members, and advisory council members.
351 words, about 2 min05Leadership and Management
Development leadership translates the institutional strategic plan into a fundraising plan with goals, budgets, staffing, and a calendar. Candidates should understand campaign readiness - feasibility or planning studies, case for support, goal setting through a gift range chart, volunteer leadership recruitment, and a quiet phase before any public announcement.
313 words, about 2 min06Ethics, Accountability, and Professionalism
Candidates should know the AFP Code of Ethical Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights as governing frameworks: gifts are solicited honestly, donor intent is honored, confidentiality is protected, and fundraisers never accept compensation based on a percentage of funds raised. Know also the Model Standards of Practice for the Charitable Gift Planner, and the role of gift acceptance, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower, and records-retention policies.
356 words, about 2 min