Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

Upon leaving a position, what should a fundraising professional do with personal files on major donors?

1. Leave the files for the successor

2. Take the files for future reference

3. Destroy the files to protect donor privacy

4. Transfer files to a legal advisor for safekeeping

The correct answer is: Leave the files for the successor

Leaving the files for the successor is the best approach because it ensures continuity and supports the ongoing fundraising efforts of the organization. Major donor files contain valuable information that can help the new fundraising professional build relationships and maintain engagement with those donors. This transfer of knowledge is crucial for the organization to retain donor trust and loyalty. When a fundraising professional departs, the integration of their insights and history with major donors is essential. These files often include details about donor preferences, past contributions, and engagement strategies that are critical for successful future interactions. Providing this information to the successor not only facilitates a smoother transition but also upholds the organization's commitment to stewardship and relationship management. The other options, while potentially well-intentioned, do not align with best practices in nonprofit fundraising because they might compromise the organization’s ability to engage effectively with donors. Taking the files for personal use does not support the organization's interests and could lead to a loss of important connections. Destroying files might protect privacy, but it also erases valuable institutional knowledge. Transferring files to a legal advisor is unnecessary for most typical fundraising records and does not serve the immediate fundraising needs of the organization.