Domain 5: Key Terms & Concepts

Question 1

Annual Report

Answer 1

A review of the revenue, expenditures, program results, and general state of the organization from the previous 12 months.

Question 2

Cash Flow

Answer 2

The amount of money being transferred in or out of an organization.

Question 3

Constituency

Answer 3

The broad population of people who have been or are currently involved with an organization, including supporters, volunteers, participants, recipients, staff, and leadership.

Question 4

Data Intergrity

Answer 4

The accuracy and consistency of stored data. It is typically confirmed by the absence of discrepancies between two instances or updates of a data record.

Question 5

Development

Answer 5

All the encompassing elements of a continuing fundraising program (annual giving, special gifts, planned gifts, public relations).

Question 6

Director of Development

Answer 6

The individual responsible for leading the development (advancement and fundraising) efforts of an organization.

Question 7

Elements of a Fundraising Plan

Answer 7

Mission, goals, tactics, budget, and timeline. The mission should inform the goals for the upcoming plan, specifically what you want to accomplish and what time requirements and financial resources (budget) are required to accomplish theses goals. Tactics include the types of fundraising to be used (annual giving, direct mail, events, corporate giving, etc.), and a timeline gives you a projection of how long it will take to meet your goals.

Question 8

Feasibility Study

Answer 8

An assessment of the fundraising potential of an organization, typically conducted by a third-party consultant. The results are usually submitted in report form with findings, recommendations, and plan.

Question 9

Fundraising Counsel

Answer 9

An individual or firm that advises nonprofit organizations in a variety of fundraising aspects.

Question 10

GAAP

Answer 10

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Question 11

Gift Range Chart

Answer 11

A chart of gifts that enables management to know, in advance of a campaign, the size and number of gifts necessary at each level of giving in order to achieve the campaign goal.

Question 12

Market Research

Answer 12

The process of gathering, organizing, and interpreting data regarding donor and prospective donor preferences, attitudes, interests, and giving ability.

Question 13

Mission Statement

Answer 13

A brief definition of the purpose of an organization, who it serves, and how it will carry out that service.

Question 14

Performance Measurement

Answer 14

The routine measurement of outcomes and results for a program or individual employee in order to compile the data needed to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of a program or employee. May include metrics such as number of contacts, number of proposals or solicitations, money raised, etc.

Question 15

Strategic Planning

Answer 15

A comprehensive process that identifies strategies that will position an organization to further its mission. The process often begins with a SWOT analysis. The process will usually result in either a reaffirmation of or adjustment to the mission, a definition of the internal and external context of the organization, and the creation of a set of definable and measurable objectives for the organization.

Question 16

Vision Statement

Answer 16

Defines the overall goals of an organization and what it aspires to look like in the future. It is a future-looking declaration of the organization’s intended destination.