Certified Nonprofit Professional Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a typical annual giving vehicle?

1. Annual fund drive

2. Recurring donations

3. Capital campaign

4. Special events

The correct answer is: Capital campaign

A capital campaign is typically focused on raising substantial funds for specific long-term projects or major capital expenditures, such as building a new facility or launching a significant program. This type of fundraising is often not intended to provide yearly operational support, which distinguishes it from annual giving vehicles. On the other hand, annual fund drives, recurring donations, and special events are designed to solicit contributions that support the ongoing operational costs and annual budget of the organization. Annual fund drives usually involve a concentrated appeal aimed at securing funds over a specific time period each year. Recurring donations refer to contributions made on a regular schedule (e.g., monthly or quarterly), making them a sustainable way to generate funding over the year. Special events also serve as fundraising opportunities that ideally produce revenue annually, promoting donor engagement and community involvement. Thus, while all the other options are typical components of an organization's annual giving strategy, a capital campaign serves a different purpose, primarily focusing on larger, specific financial goals rather than routine annual contributions.