This document includes a variety of terms and references that fundraising professionals commonly use - we've collected them into one helpful glossary for those new to the fundraising community, as well as those more experienced professionals who might be looking for a refresher.

If you have questions about any of these terms or references -- or are inspired to incorporate any of these strategies into your fundraising plans – talk to your Personal Fundraising Coach. They will be more than happy to further explore these concepts with you!

A professional membership organization for fundraisers with local chapters around the world.

A specific instruction that asks recipients to do something right away, such as donate, volunteer, or sign a petition. Designed to create a sense of urgency and is brief, clear, and easy to do.

A fundraising effort that is established with a particular theme, purpose, monetary goal, and time frame (usually shorter than a year) to raise funds.

A highly structured fundraising initiative typically led by volunteers and supported by staff with consultants to raise funds for specific needs, to be met in a specific time frame (5-7 years).

A globally recognized certification/credential for fundraisers

A commonly-used term to describe an organization's contacts, donors or members.

A method of raising capital through the collective effort of friends, family, customers, and individual investors. This approach leverages their networks for greater reach and exposure.

A category that represents a particular mission area, fund, or directed use for donations received.

Seasonal plans uploaded directly into Network for Good customers’ fundraising software that include email and direct mail templates, and sample scripts for personal video messages with suggested language for text messages and social media posts.

A document that organizes fundraising activities over a certain time period (usually 1-3 years). Plans typically outline goals, include campaign dates and engagement strategies, special event details, and a targeted communication schedule.

The pages available in Network for Good’s fundraising software for organizations to collect donations online. These include general donation pages called Everyday Giving Pages, event ticketing and registration pages called Events Pages, and Peer-to-Peer Campaign Pages, which allow supporters to fundraise for an organization.

A gift of goods and services, instead of a gift comprised or either cash, stock, or other fiscal options.

Launched in 2017 and led by the Young, Black, and Giving Back Institute, this giving day initiative urges people to financially support black-led and black-benefiting organizations.

A global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. Created in the U.S. in 2012 and observed annually the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Identifies both the beneficiaries of an organization’s activities and the benefits the organization provides—that is, the change in behavior, knowledge, or status quo it aims to effect.

A gift of significant amount (size of gift may vary according to organization's needs and goals); may be repeated periodically and/or presented as a program designation.

The process by which a prospective major donor is moved from cultivation to solicitation. “Moves” are the actions an organization takes to engage individuals, establish relationships, increase support and steward donors.

A gift provided for legally during the donor’s lifetime, but whose principal benefits do not accrue to the institution until some future time, usually at the death of the donor.

Acknowledging the efforts of someone, other than the legal donor, who facilitated a gift by providing ‘soft’ (or associated) credit for that gift.

Everyone supporting an organization - board members, volunteers, donors, etc..

A method of giving for donors who elect to support an organization on a recurring basis, typically monthly. Subscription donors often receive special and/or exclusive engagement opportunities.

An event for supporters to convene online, utilizing live-streaming video and/or pre- recorded segments, silent and live auctions as well as peer-to-peer fundraising.

A method for an organization to assess a supporters' assets and giving patterns to estimate how much they can contribute.

Searching for a term not listed above? Visit CFRE's glossary - they've compiled a helpful and comprehensive list of terms you may want to familiarize yourself with while you explore your fundraising software and coaching opportunities.