Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

Why might an organization choose to hire a professional fundraising consultant?

1. To validate their current fundraising strategy

2. Because the project is within their experience

3. Because the fundraising project is beyond the organization's experience

4. To manage their volunteer fundraising team

The correct answer is: Because the fundraising project is beyond the organization's experience

An organization may choose to hire a professional fundraising consultant primarily because the fundraising project is beyond their experience. When an organization is faced with a complex fundraising initiative that requires specific expertise, the experience of a consultant can significantly enhance the likelihood of success. Professional consultants often possess specialized knowledge and skills that may not exist within the organization, such as advanced techniques in donor engagement, strategic planning, and campaign execution. Bringing in a consultant also allows the organization to benefit from an outsider's perspective, which can reveal blind spots and innovative approaches that those within the organization might overlook. Furthermore, when organizations embark on projects that are unfamiliar or require intensive resources, a consultant can provide guidance to navigate these challenges and implement effective strategies. In contrast, simply validating the current fundraising strategy, relying on existing experience, or managing a volunteer team, while all potentially beneficial actions, do not inherently justify the decision to hire a professional consultant. Those scenarios could be managed internally if the organization already has sufficient expertise or capabilities.