Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

What is a guideline regarding staff solicitation in foundation fundraising?

1. They cannot solicit in any situation

2. They may solicit in carefully selected situations

3. They should avoid all direct solicitations

4. They only solicit during board meetings

The correct answer is: They may solicit in carefully selected situations

In foundation fundraising, it is generally accepted that staff may solicit support in carefully selected situations. This means that staff members can engage in fundraising activities, but there are specific contexts and parameters within which this solicitation should occur to maintain ethical standards and professionalism. For example, staff solicitation is often encouraged when they have established relationships with donors or potential donors, as they may have a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission and how it impacts the community. Moreover, staff members can be instrumental in communicating the organization's needs and how contributions will be utilized effectively. In addition, careful selection of situations implies that there should be a strategic approach to fundraising efforts. This may encompass timing, audience, and method of solicitation, ensuring that staff is not intruding on donor relationships or overstepping boundaries that could lead to conflicts of interest. The other options suggest a more restrictive or different approach to solicitation that does not align with the common practices in the field. Being overly prohibitive regarding solicitation could hinder the organization’s fundraising efforts and limit the potential for building strong relationships with donors, which are fundamental in foundation fundraising dynamics.