Do you have experience with writing grant proposals?
Grant seeking is a vital part of many nonprofit organizations. If you have exposure to this type of work, walk the interviewer through some of your grant-seeking successes. Don't be shy about sharing the financial yields of some of your grant-seeking efforts! If you do not have experience in this area, discuss how you could assist and learn.
"I fully understand the importance of grant proposals as this process accounts for millions of dollars awarded every year to a variety of causes. Because of my undergraduate and graduate research in public policy, I have developed strong writing skills. Although my current organization employs professional writers to do these tasks, I have provided data for grant proposals and understand the grant-seeking cycle. I would be thrilled to further develop my skills in this area by completing grant proposals for the Salvation Army."
"I have written hundreds of grant proposals throughout the years seeking funding from private foundations, corporations, individual entities, and government agencies. These proposals have resulted in fully-funding five programs providing food and shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. I understand that roughly 10% of the Salvation Army's funding comes from local, state, and federal governments, and I have years of experience sourcing funding from private foundations and corporations in addition to government agencies. Consequently, not only is my portfolio vast but so is my knowledge on how to find new sources."
The Salvation Army receives funding from a variety of sources but highlighting any experience you might have securing government funding would be especially beneficial. Although the Salvation Army does not receive a large amount of government funding relative to its fundraising, government grants tend to be the most complicated. Therefore, demonstrating that you have the knowledge and skillset to procure one of these grants will impress the interviewer.
