Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

What is a primary reason people tend not to donate to charities?

1. They lack financial resources

2. They are not aware of the organization's needs

3. They are not asked to give

4. They are skeptical about charity efficacy

The correct answer is: They are not asked to give

A primary reason people tend not to donate to charities is that they are not asked to give. Many potential donors may have a willingness to contribute but have not been directly approached or invited to do so by the organization. Effective fundraising relies heavily on solicitation; when people are specifically asked to donate, it can serve as the motivation they need to engage and support the cause. This highlights the importance of outreach and communication in fundraising strategies. Nonprofits often find that individuals who are aware of a campaign or initiative and receive a personal request are much more likely to consider supporting it financially. The challenge for many organizations lies in ensuring that their message reaches potential donors and that asks are done strategically, often personalized based on the donor's interests and history with the organization. Thus, the act of asking plays a critical role in driving donations.