How to Answer: What grant-seeking experience do you have?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Fundraising job interview.
7. What grant-seeking experience do you have?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every year, billions of funds are dispersed through federal, state, private foundation, and corporate grant cycles. As such, grant-seeking is an integral part of fundraising. Many fundraising positions include a grant-seeking component, so the interviewer wants to know that you have experience in this area.
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about any grant-seeking experience you have and provide details about specific amounts raised. If you do not have this experience, research as much as you can about the three main stages of the grant cycle (pre-award, award, and post-award) and explain how you would take advantage of professional development opportunities to build your knowledge in this essential area.
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I have researched and crafted grant proposals for the past eight years. In that time, the awards I have procured for my organization have netted over ten million dollars, which have been used to fund essential community resources. In addition, I have extensive experience managing the pre-award, award, and post-award process in order to maintain strong relationships with grantors."
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"Although I have never held a full-time grant-seeking position, I have extensive knowledge of the grant cycle based on my internship with the development team of a local nonprofit. I assisted my supervisor in all steps of the cycle including identifying potential funding sources, preparing proposals, submitting applications, managing awards, and accurately reporting back to funders. I truly believe my exposure to this work has prepared me to succeed in this position with your organization."
Written by Isaiah Swanson on April 19th, 2022