"I understand that United Way fundraises billions of dollars every year, and I feel that I am uniquely qualified to contribute to this impressive figure. Over the course of my twenty-year career, I have amassed over 50 million in individual and corporate donations by utilizing the proven method of identifying, qualifying, engaging, asking, and stewarding donors. I focus my efforts on building lasting relationships with highly-qualified individuals who have great potential for long-term giving. This strategy has allowed the organizations I have worked for to meet their operating costs and shore up endowment efforts."

"Because I work for a smaller nonprofit, I am not required to raise vast sums to sustain our programs. However, I do have an extremely limited budget, and as a result, I have developed a talent for creatively using any budget given to me to maximize its fundraising return. For example, last year I was given a budget of 2,000 to host an event where local faith leaders would participate in a panel discussion about violence in the community. Normally, we only set up a donation table at these events. However, I was able to use the budget to procure a nicer location for the event and more sophisticated food and drinks. A local business donated items for a silent auction. Because of the moving nature of the panel discussion and the enhancements to the event, we were able to turn a 2,000 budget into over 40,000 for our anti-violence programs."

After offering a brief overview of your overall fundraising experience, talk about your process for soliciting large gifts. Share your fundraising budget with the interviewer and explain how you use that funding creatively to enhance your organization's financial resources via individual donor relationships, special events, or corporate and foundational giving.