Have you done any volunteer fundraising?

What You Need to Know
Pro Tip
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

If you have never done any paid fundraising work, it would be wise to highlight any volunteer fundraising experience you have. Explain what your responsibilities were, how you went about fundraising, and how much money you were able to raise for the organization. The interviewer wants to know that you have at least been exposed to the activity.

When fundraisers utilize volunteers to support fundraising efforts, they often give the volunteer limited access to donors' private information. Describe to the interviewer how you keep sensitive information private.

"As I am a recent public policy graduate, I have not yet been employed as a fundraiser. However, I did have the opportunity to participate in fundraising efforts during my internship with the local animal shelter. I worked closely with the special events coordinator to learn how to plan and promote events; we also strategized ways to leverage adoption events to attract potential new donors. At first, I was nervous to ask people for financial gifts, but as I grew more accustomed to sharing the difference their money makes in the lives of animals all over the city, I became excited. After my first year, I raised roughly five thousand dollars for the shelter. Now, I look forward to helping people connect their resources to areas they are passionate about that have the greatest impact on the community!"

"Yes, I have! When I knew I wanted to begin a fundraising career, I realized I would need to get some volunteer experience first. I reached out to my city's Meals on Wheels program and asked about internships or specialized volunteer opportunities related to fundraising. As it turns out, the fundraising team was short-staffed that year, so they graciously allowed me to shadow them and taught me everything they could about the fundraising cycle. I learned how to prospect research and qualify leads. I even attended a few meetings with current donors! When the team felt comfortable with my knowledge, they guided me through the steps of creating and enacting a small Facebook fundraiser. I raised almost three thousand dollars! This was an incredible learning experience, and I sincerely hope to take my skills to the next level with your organization."