What do you know about our programs, and the reason why we are raising funds?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

With any job interview, it is a good idea to know key facts about the organization prior to arriving. Most nonprofits have dedicated pages on their websites to highlight programs. Investigate details of specific programs the organization operates and familiarize yourself with the impact they have.

Share what knowledge you have gained about the programs the organization offers. Explain what you have discovered about how funds are used to support these efforts. Most nonprofits' financials are publicly available online, so your answer will be greatly enhanced by including any relevant financial details you find.

"Based on the information available on your website, I understand that your organization provides legal support for refugees and asylum seekers. You accomplish this with a team of six multi-lingual lawyers who volunteer their time to advise clients on individual cases. The organization then connects them with any additional community resources they might need in order to make their adjustment to America easier. When I examined your annual report, I was pleased to see over ninety percent of the three million dollars raised in the most recent fiscal year went directly to financing legal resources for clients."

"As a former volunteer with your organization, I know first-hand that your programs support and enhance local community educational resources. You offer reading groups, teacher training and professional development, afterschool tutoring, and more. After looking over your public financial records, I was excited to see the incredible transparency your organization is committed to providing for its supporters. This makes a fundraiser's job easier because it allows them to share data directly with potential donors, thereby assuring them their donation will be used appropriately. Five million dollars is a large goal, but I am certain I could contribute to helping your fundraising team surpass this goal."