Practice Test Geeks(CNE) Certified Nonprofit Executive Practice Test
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Major Gift & Capital Campaigns Flashcards

7 cards from real CNE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Major Gift & Capital Campaigns flashcards as text

  1. Which ratio best indicates a healthy return on investment for a mature major gifts program?

    Answer: $10 raised for every $1 spent

    A well-run major gifts program typically achieves a 10:1 return, though ratios vary by organization size and donor maturity.

  2. A donor offers to give $250,000 to a capital campaign but stipulates it must be matched dollar-for-dollar. This type of gift is called a:

    Answer: Challenge grant

    A challenge grant motivates other donors to give by promising to match contributions up to a set amount within a defined period.

  3. When a capital campaign extends beyond its original timeline, what is the most common cause?

    Answer: Underestimating the number of prospects needed in the pipeline

    Campaigns stall when the prospect pool is too small relative to the goal, leaving too few qualified donors to close the remaining gap.

  4. A nonprofit executive director makes a major gift solicitation call without a volunteer or board member present. What risk does this create?

    Answer: The donor may feel the organization lacks broad community support

    Peer-to-peer solicitation is more persuasive; staff-only asks can signal weak volunteer engagement and reduce donor confidence.

  5. Which document formally commits a donor to fulfilling a multi-year capital campaign gift?

    Answer: A pledge card or pledge agreement

    A signed pledge card or pledge agreement documents the donor's commitment, payment schedule, and any gift restrictions.

  6. A capital campaign's 'case for support' should primarily communicate:

    Answer: Why the project matters to the community and how the donor's gift makes a difference

    The case for support articulates the community need, the organization's solution, and the impact of the donor's investment.

  7. What is 'prospect research' primarily used for in major gift fundraising?

    Answer: Assessing a prospect's financial capacity, philanthropic interests, and linkage to the organization

    Prospect research evaluates capacity (wealth), affinity (passion for the cause), and linkage (relationship to the org) to prioritize cultivation efforts.