When have you been rejected before? How did you handle it?

"I have been rejected from a variety of things throughout my life. As a kid, I was often left out of soccer and basketball games because I couldn't run fast enough. After high school, my admissions applications were rejected from several universities. When I graduated college, I was rejected from a number of jobs before I landed my first fundraising position. After each of these rejections, I felt sadness, but I was also reminded of my mother's advice to view these situations as guiding me closer to what I was supposed to do with my life. Having this perspective on rejection changed my entire outlook on life, and ever since then, I have been able to accept with grace and confidence that the best thing is right around the corner. Those rejections are exactly what led me to pursue a career in fundraising, and I wouldn't change anything."

We have all been rejected at some point, and that is okay! The key is sharing how we have learned and grown from our rejections. Think back to a time when you were rejected from something. Maybe you didn't receive the job you were hoping for. Perhaps you didn't make the college football team. Or, maybe you were vying for a promotion, and it was given to your peer. Share an overview of what you were rejected for focusing on what you learned from the situation. Tell the interviewer how you positively handled the situation even though you were very disappointed. Finally, be sure to mention how you made the most of the outcome and are successful today even after the rejection.

Remember to remain positive and model a growth mindset for the interviewer. Avoid being negative or bitter about rejection experiences.

"Throughout my career, I have had several potential donors reject an ask. Either the ask was too much money, the individual did not feel personally connected to the organization's mission, or the ask wasn't geared toward the right program. In any case, I never want to burn bridges, and I view rejections as opportunities to reevaluate my strategy and learn from the experience. I have learned to not take rejections personally, and I always thank potential donors for their time. In addition, I maintain light contact with potential donors who have rejected past offers; sometimes they change their minds after I re-work my pitch. Sometimes they become volunteers. Every connection you make on behalf of the organization has the potential to boost your mission, even if it is not financially."

Please share a time when you did not meet a fundraising quota. How did you react?

"In recent years, corporate giving has been decreasing in favor of in-kind donations and volunteer experiences. This means it has become increasingly difficult to meet fundraising quotas, and my team has had to get creative to do so. The first year we started to notice this trend, I fell short of my $150,000 goal by about $7,000. Since I am a person who strives to meet every goal I set, I will admit that I considered this a failure at the time. However, I was taught my whole life to learn from these situations and use them to propel me to a better version of myself. Therefore, I didn't allow my momentum to slow and proceeded to research unexplored avenues for giving. I redirected some of the time I would have spent on corporate giving into researching private foundations, and this strategy really paid off for us!"

While the interviewer wants to know that you can successfully meet a fundraising quota, it is also important to be honest about times you might have fallen short of the goal. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to accept responsibility, learn from mistakes, or move forward when things don't go as planned (even if they aren't your fault!). Fundraisers don't always meet their goals for a variety of reasons; the interviewer wants to know that you can handle this circumstance with professionalism.

Explain to the interviewer what your fundraising quota was for the fiscal year, and describe in detail the reasons why you failed to meet that quota. If you didn't reach the quota because of a mistake, be honest about that mistake and talk about what you learned as a result. Be careful not to blame others or avoid responsibility. Instead, illustrate how you rallied and developed a plan to account for the funding gap.

"About five years ago, the federal and state governments made cuts to a grant program that we have relied on for more than twenty years to help us provide companionship to seniors living in isolation. The cuts happened quite suddenly, so I had to quickly adjust my fundraising plan to account for the $50,000 deficit. I was able to raise about $35,000 by investigating new grant options. I felt a sting of disappointment, of course, but I always try to maintain a positive attitude and optimistic outlook. I met with my supervisor, and we agreed to increase my fundraising goal for the next fiscal year by $15,000. From there, I began a strategic partnership with our city's Aging Commission, which agreed to sponsor annual expenses for our volunteers serving clients in their homes. This sponsorship accounted for the previous deficit, and I learned to remain persistent and focused in the face of perceived failure."

How did you develop leads in your most recent fundraising position?

"Networking is a critical part of my role as an individual gifts manager. Our organization partners with community centers around the county to offer afterschool arts and STEM classes to middle school and high school students. I attended fundraising events for other nonprofit organizations as well as local universities and colleges. Going to these events allowed me to build strong relationships with other fundraisers who often introduced me to individuals they knew who were interested in funding arts and STEM programs. These potential donors introduced me to their friends who were also potential donors. I have learned that taking the time to establish sincere relationships pays dividends in terms of lead generation."

Highlight your relationship-building skills. Every person you have gotten to know has helped introduce you to other people. Every corporate, nonprofit, and civic contact leads to new possibilities for connection. Delineate for the interviewer specific strategies you employ that result in reliable leads.

You should also highlight other ways you develop leads. These could include attending networking events, public speaking and tabling engagements, direct mail and e-mail campaigns, prospect research, and more.

"I have been lucky in my current position to be able to represent our organization's community development work through regular public speaking engagements. This started out as a one-time discussion of improving affordable housing options, and the response was so positive that I turned it into a monthly series. I built in time at the end of the presentation to mingle with community leaders, investors, and individuals interested in bringing new life to the area while preserving its history. This became a reliable way to develop strong leads who already had community ties."

What are some creative fundraising ideas you have?

"Because I have had great success utilizing local celebrities to enhance special fundraising events in the past, I recently started thinking about how to implement a lip sync battle involving well-known community leaders, athletes, musicians, reporters, and more. The event would be MCed by a local comedian, and the audience would participate in voting for the winners of each round. Funds would be raised through ticket sales with additional options available for giving at the event itself."

Think about the most unique and successful fundraisers you have implemented and share those with the interviewer. If you have never developed a fundraiser before, read this brief list of different types of fundraising ideas and imagine creative ways to customize them to the organization's needs.- A community Olympics or sporting event where teams raise money for the cause. - Trivia tournaments - Auctions -Social media campaigns - A "Dancing with the Stars"-style competition involving local celebrities - Gala - Casino nights - Talent shows - Fashion shows . . . and more!

Allow yourself to think outside of the box when answering this question in order to demonstrate how creativity informs your fundraising decisions. Remember, it is always important to balance innovation with practicality and financial viability, so come prepared with details about event budgets and net fundraising projections.

"In college, I volunteered with the city's only LGBTQ community center. I had a number of responsibilities, but I became interested in helping them plan and execute fundraising events to support their housing program for homeless youth. I realized that we had a number of talented individuals among our clients, and we could put a call out for those who might be interested in sharing their talents to help us raise those essential funds. We received an enthusiastic response, and I set about confirming performers for a variety show including performances by drag artists, solo musicians, local bands, magicians, and dancers. The venue was graciously donated by a nearby theater, and we raised funds by selling drinks, food, and VIP experiences. Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on local artwork in the silent auction. This event helped us fully fund our housing program, and I believe this model could potentially work well with your organization, too."

Would you host a dinner for potential donors?

"I love hosting dinner parties and similar events at my home for friends and family, so yes! There's nothing like envisioning an idea and implementing that idea for the enjoyment of others. I think this hobby translates well into a position that requires me to network and plan special events. When I plan a party, I try to make sure every detail reinforces the theme and contributes to a fun evening where people feel relaxed and happy. To me, this is the perfect environment for speaking, formally or informally, about a cause and encouraging giving in others. I would absolutely love to host a donor dinner!"

Absolutely! Hosting a dinner is a great fundraising option, and showing the interviewer that you are open to hosting an event is always well received. You might share what you would do at the dinner as well as have an informal presentation or some form of entertainment. You may theme the event, have sponsors host tables, or create games/silent auctions to go along with the evening to raise additional funds.

This is a question about a specific type of fundraising strategy that is common to nonprofit organizations. Your goal in answering this question is to highlight your abilities in the following areas: Networking, interpersonal connection, relationship management, event planning, public speaking, and more.

"I think hosting a dinner for donors is a really great idea because it creates a setting where people can truly connect with each other. As a fundraiser, I think it is important to create circumstances that foster interpersonal interactions such as these. I want to take every opportunity I can to deepen a donor's relationship with the organization, and I have found that people stay more engaged in conversations over dinner. So, yes, I would definitely host a dinner for potential donors!"

Are you comfortable asking people for money?

"To me, fundraising is the most essential part of nonprofit activities, since none of the programs would be possible without a financial foundation. As a fundraiser, the confidence and comfort I display when interacting with a potential donor come directly from the belief that these programs are essential; I can effectively communicate that by sharing data revealing community needs and program results. Coming to a donor meeting knowing that our organization is an excellent steward of donations boosts my comfort level when making an ask."

Highlighting your professional comfort with soliciting donations is absolutely essential since that is the core of any fundraising position. However, remember that you aren't just asking for money; you are inviting a person to contribute resources to causes they care about. Describe to the interviewer how this unique quality of fundraising bolsters your level of comfort in a scenario where you are making an ask.

This is a good opportunity to put your self-confidence on display, but remember to be humble as well. Striking a balance between self-confidence and humility is a good way to show the interviewer that you are comfortable with yourself and others and that you are also able and willing to grow. This is an important balance to maintain when interacting with potential donors since it demonstrates your sincerity and helps them feel more comfortable engaging in conversations about giving.

"I love making an ask for financial support on behalf of my current organization since 90% of funds raised go directly into programs supporting families facing financial crises as a result of medical emergencies. I have always enjoyed learning about the lives of others and sharing their stories. I believe when we understand more about our neighbors, we are better able to help them when they need it. Weaving client stories with program impact always enhances my comfort when asking for donations."

What grant-seeking experience do you have?

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

Have you had any experience utilizing volunteers for fundraising efforts?

"The organization I currently work for utilizes more than two thousand volunteers on a daily basis to deliver services to families in need. While the majority of volunteers are involved in direct service work, we have roughly fifty volunteers who assist the development team with special event planning and implementation. I have developed relationships with each of these individuals, and they have remained consistent volunteers during my tenure. They help us set up and staff our largest annual fundraiser, and because of their efforts we have been able to count on at least $50,000 a year from this event."

Volunteers fill a number of support positions for nonprofits, ensuring successful program delivery. A number of volunteers also have special skills and may be interested in assisting with fundraising efforts including prospect research, grant writing, special event planning, gift acknowledgment, and more.

Share with the interviewer any experience you have in training and supervising volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts. You can simultaneously emphasize your interpersonal relationship and management skills in your answer. Be specific about capital raised as a result of volunteer participation in fundraising.

"Recent economic challenges in our city have led to an overall decrease in individual and corporate giving. As a result, I have had to adjust my fundraising plan to expand our efforts to draw in new donors from younger generations. I believed we needed to include the perspective of individuals from those same generations, so I reached out to my university network and met two senior students interested in completing volunteer internships related to nonprofit development. I trained them in the fundamentals of prospect research and guided them through the steps of qualification and establishing first contact. These volunteers contributed to us meeting our annual goal of one million dollars and helped us secure thirty new donors."

Please describe your experience with donor acknowledgment.

"I began my fundraising career as a donor operations specialist. The primary functions of my job were to accurately input new donor information, update giving records, craft direct mailings, and acknowledge donor gifts, whether financial or in-kind. I customized queries within our donor database so that I could seamlessly and regularly mail special acknowledgment cards. Each of these cards thanked the donor by name, provided a receipt with donation information, and included a special note from our organization's CEO. When I transitioned into fundraising, I brought these skills with me."

Donor acknowledgment is an essential part of donor operations and retention. Timely and accurate donor acknowledgment positively impacts the donor's relationship with the organization and increases the likelihood that they will make another gift. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of thanking donors and can strategically implement an acknowledgment process that bolsters fundraising efforts.

Explain to the interviewer your perspective on the importance of donor acknowledgment as it relates to relationship building, accounting, and the overall fundraising cycle. Detail how you have acknowledged donors in the past and talk about the results your organization yielded from this process.

"In my current role as major gifts officer for individual donors, it is quite important for me to acknowledge every donation received in a timely manner. I try to hand-write as many acknowledgment letters as possible. In addition, I look for creative ways to honor donors who have donated certain larger amounts, donors who have been with the organization for milestone years, and new donors looking to contribute to our mission. At the end of every fiscal year, I partner with the communications team to print an accurate list of everyone who donated to be included in our annual report. I believe acknowledgment is a great way to solidify donor relationships and ensure proper accounting."

How would you go about seeking new opportunities for professional development in this role?

"Since I am a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, I receive a steady flow of information regarding new professional development opportunities in the field. In the past, I have attended several local and national fundraising conferences, where I attended sessions on new technology, relationship management, advancements in prospect research, and more. These conferences have also given me the opportunity to network with and learn from other fundraising professionals around the country. I am always eager to avail myself of new professional development avenues."

Nonprofit organizations love to hire employees who are committed to their cause. One of the best ways to illustrate that commitment is to express an interest in growing professionally in the fundraising field. The interviewer wants to know that you are eager to build upon your skills, experience, and knowledge in order to enhance your fundraising abilities.

There are countless ways to develop professionally in the field of fundraising. You can attend conferences, participate in workshops, take skills certification courses, and more! Tell the interviewer some of the different activities that interest you and how you anticipate they would support your growth. You can even talk about times in the past when you have availed yourself of professional development opportunities. If you do, then discuss what you learned from those experiences (i.e., what skills you enhanced, what concepts you learned, any networking connections you made, etc.).

"I really think it is important to regularly research new trends in fundraising. Every week, I try to devote time to reading articles, blogs, and newsletters related to this topic. Keeping abreast of new developments in the industry allows me to improve my fundraising abilities and anticipate any changes that might affect the way I seek funds. Most recently, I discovered a series of webinars with a trove of useful information that analyzed giving trends by generation over the course of the past twenty years. I brought this to the rest of the fundraising team, and we were able to use that information to guide some of our decisions for the next fiscal year. I would definitely bring this commitment to professional development in this role."

Have you done any volunteer fundraising?

"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!"

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.

"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."

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

"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."

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.

"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."

Do you feel passionate about our organization?

"When I was a child, my mother and I moved to a domestic violence shelter because of abuse we experienced from my biological father. This organization provided shelter, food, clothes, and resources for permanent housing and employment for my mother. If organizations like that didn't exist, my mother and I might never have been able to start a new life filled with hope instead of fear. As a result, I truly connected to your organization's mission to support the independence of women who feel stuck in a cycle of domestic violence. I want to dedicate my life to ensuring organizations such as yours continue to exist while simultaneously fighting to enhance laws that protect women. I would be honored to contribute my skills as a fundraiser to strengthen your organization's financial foundation."

Nonprofits want to hire employees who are dedicated to the cause, and fundraisers need to illustrate this dedication in their work every day. The interviewer wants to know that you are passionate about the organization's mission, vision, and values. You also need to learn information about the organization's programs. Most organizations make this information available on their website.

Absolutely! Explain why you are passionate about the organization's specific mission. Perhaps a major life event triggered your desire to make a difference in this area, or maybe you were motivated by the challenging circumstances of a family or friend. Perhaps you have personally benefitted from services similar to those offered by this organization, and you want to pay it forward. Whatever your motivation, now is the time to share it!

"I grew up in a neighborhood that was considered a food desert. The closest grocery store was a twenty-minute drive, and my family couldn't afford a vehicle. Because of this, my family relied on an inconsistent, poorly maintained public transportation system to get to school, work, and other essential places. This made it very difficult for us to get fresh, nutritious food. When I looked through your organization's website, I really connected with the vision to create 100% food security for all within this community that has given me so much. I am thrilled about the opportunity to potentially give back."

Why do you want a career in fundraising?

"When I turned eighteen, I started volunteering at my local community center helping out in any way I could. I tutored kids in reading and writing, coached an afterschool soccer team, and even helped maintain the garden. I knew I had a passion for serving others, but I didn't know the best way to channel my resources. During college, I began interning in the development department at a nonprofit dedicated to sports leadership. I discovered my focus. I also discovered that I love finding ways to help people direct resources towards issues they are passionate about with maximum, measurable community impact. This is why I want to have a career in fundraising."

The interviewer wants to hear that you are passionate about the fundraising field, so share what led you to apply for this position. People are drawn to the field for a variety of reasons, but usually, they have a personal connection to the cause. Tell your personal story of what led you to consider a career in nonprofit fundraising.

Nonprofit employees come from all backgrounds and experiences, and many times individuals want to transition from their current industry to pursue work that truly gives them a sense of purpose. If you are leaving your current industry to become a nonprofit fundraiser, explain why.

"During my corporate career, I met with and pitched ideas to potential new investors in order to expand our business. In that capacity, I contributed to substantial growth for my company over a ten-year period. Although I enjoyed the work, I longed to take my skills and knowledge to procure funding to address veteran homelessness, which is part of your organization's mission statement. I understand the importance of developing a strong financial foundation for an organization, and I want to begin a fundraising career so that every dollar I raise improves the lives of homeless veterans in our city."

Why would you make a good fundraiser?

"My past managers have told me that I have a knack for organization and being positive. They have mentioned this in all of my performance reviews! My positivity will help maintain a great image for the organization and will allow me to stay motivated to draw people to our fundraising events. And, my organization will help me manage all of the details that come along with tracking funds, coordinating volunteers, and managing events."

There are plenty of opportunities to discuss your fundraising experiences during your interview. For this answer, focus on your personality traits, qualities as an employee, interest in the organization's mission, and general fundraising philosophy. This will allow the interviewer to see that you are self-reflective and deeply invested in the work.

As you prepare, look at past performance reviews and highlight positive keywords and phrases that previous managers have used to compliment you. If you have recently graduated from college, think about what your college professors have said about your academic work. Share with the interviewer what others have said about you. Make sure to connect what you share back to fundraising! Next, reflect on the self-identified characteristics that you believe relate to success in fundraising and share examples of you displaying those in your work. If you have experience, describe your general fundraising philosophy. Finally, tell the interviewer that you believe all of these qualities make you the best fit for the job!

"As an experienced, professional fundraiser, I have spent several years refining my fundraising philosophy. I want to identify donors who express sincere dedication to any cause for which I am fundraising and ensure their dollars are used as efficiently as possible. I believe in providing timely and accurate reporting to every donor so that they can see their resources in action. Most importantly, I want to have a personal connection to the cause because that inspires and motivates me to work as hard as I can to procure the largest possible gift for the organization."

Are you able to accommodate non-traditional work hours?

"Because of the nature of fundraising, I understand that special events and networking opportunities often occur in the evenings and on weekends. This is actually one of the qualities of a career in fundraising that I love since I am accustomed to working evenings and enjoy variations in my schedule. I am eager to embrace a position that allows me to step outside of the traditional working hours."

Fundraising often involves working evenings and weekends. Fundraisers might attend fundraising events, donor meetings, and networking events during these times, and they must be able to represent the organization professionally and effectively at any hour of the day.

Answer that you are able and willing to work outside the traditional 9-5 shift to support the organization's financial goals. The interviewer wants to hear that you are up for the challenge and excited to get started. Share that you understand fundraising requires flexibility and adaptability, and that also applies to one's work schedule.

"In the past, I have traveled to other states and countries to lead domestic and international fundraising efforts. These experiences taught me the importance of adapting to a new schedule in a different environment quickly. I have worked every shift from early morning to all the way through the night. In addition, I have had to interact with donors and clients living in different time zones and feel confident in my ability to represent your organization well at any hour, any day of the week."

Have you ever led a capital campaign?

"For the past five years, I was responsible for implementing a capital campaign designed to expand our organization's endowment. This campaign led up to our fiftieth anniversary, and it was created in order to ensure the organization's subsistence during economic recessions and other difficult times in fundraising. I advised each team member on their individual efforts regarding major gifts, small gifts, website donations, special events, and more. Then, I synthesized our multi-tiered approach into a singular goal that I could monitor and ensure we made the right progress. As a result, we raised over sixty million dollars to benefit the organization's endowment."

Capital campaigns involve targeted fundraising within a specific period of time in order to enhance program capacity or provide support for an organization's endowment. Like any fundraising activity, capital campaigns need to be carefully planned and executed in order to ensure maximum return on invested resources. The interviewer wants to know that you understand and are prepared to handle the complexities of implementing a capital campaign.

If you have led a capital campaign, wonderful! Tell the interviewer how many campaigns you have led or for how many years you have been leading them. Share what organizations these were with, and how much money was raised during your tenure.If you have never led a capital campaign, that is okay too! Simply tell the interviewer that you have not led a campaign, but you look forward to learning the ropes and putting your ideas into place to make the campaign successful.

"For many years, the schools in my city lacked any real investment in STEM programs, and they were falling behind in educational standards as a result. When community stakeholders approached our organization asking how to develop afterschool STEM programs for youth, we realized we had the staff knowledge and physical space to meet this request, but we lacked the financial resources to fund such a program. Consequently, I spearheaded a capital campaign to fully fund a new STEM program for five years. My team and I researched donors with particular interests in education, partnered with the science and math departments at colleges and universities, and coordinated a series of targeted fundraisers using special events, direct mail campaigns, and social media to meet our fundraising goal. In the end, we met and surpassed our goal, and the organization was able to make the program a permanent feature of its offerings for youth."

Tell me about the largest amount of capital you've raised?

"As a corporate relations officer, my strategy has been to focus my efforts on securing multi-year commitments from companies whose corporate social responsibility models align with our organization's mission to provide affordable healthcare to rural communities. I maintain a portfolio of nearly fifty companies, each of whom has pledged ten million dollars to be fulfilled over the course of ten years. As a result, we have been able to refurbish our clinic and continue to sustain our programs."

Simply share the largest amount of capital you have raised keeping in mind that it didn't all have to come in at once! This can be a large, one-time gift, a multi-year fundraising campaign, or even a pledge whose commitment was spread throughout several fiscal calendars. You can tell the interviewer a specific dollar amount, or you can share what percent you exceeded your goal by.

You will impress the interviewer even more if you are able to provide details about how the money you raised benefited the people and communities served by your organization. This strategy will reinforce your commitment to stewardship.

"Although I have raised a cumulative one hundred million dollars over the past twelve years, my proudest moment occurred last year when I successfully made the ask for a one-time donation of eight million dollars from a local philanthropist. We put this money to good use by purchasing a fleet of new transportation vehicles that we use to assist over one thousand seniors struggling with mobility issues every day."

What motivates you in life?

"In terms of personal motivations, my devotion to making a comfortable and happy life for my kids drives me to be the best mother I can be. This also motivates me to work harder toward my professional goals. Ever since I began my fundraising career as a small gifts coordinator, I have had the ambition to direct fundraising efforts for refugee empowerment programs. Having personal goals fuel my professional ambitions is ultimately what drives me to achieve success in fundraising."

The interviewer wants to know that you are a dedicated and motivated worker. Explain to them what motivates you to achieve goals in your personal and/or professional life. If your motivation comes from a sincere connection to the organization's mission and values, it will greatly improve your answer to highlight that.

You can think in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors. Intrinsic motivation comes from within yourself and can manifest as personal ambition to arrive at a specific position in life. Extrinsic motivations come from family, friends, or societal expectations. Reflecting on your motivations and the reasons they exist can help you better prepare for answering this question.

"Watching my grandmother slowly succumb to Alzheimer's disease kickstarted my desire to work in this industry. I witnessed the devastating impact of the disease on her and our entire family, and I knew that I needed to channel those emotions into work that could find ways to stop it. I learned everything I could about Alzheimer's as a research assistant in graduate school, and I also learned that life-changing research only happens with the proper funding. From there, I decided I could have the greatest impact by applying my sales background to a career in fundraising for Alzheimer's research. My personal connection to this work motivates me every single day."

How persuasive are you?

"I consider myself to be quite persuasive, particularly when it comes to developing strategic partnerships that result in financial support. I connect the organization's mission to the potential donor's personal and philanthropic interests. Then, I demonstrate how the organization's programs tackle specific social issues and share stories of the ways in which these programs positively impacted the lives of clients. This method usually results in a sincere commitment from the donor."

Persuasiveness is a key trait of any successful fundraiser. The interviewer wants to know that you can channel this skill when attempting to solicit donations from new and potential supporters. They also want to see that you are able to build and maintain positive relationships and preserve the organization's reputation.

Relate your discussion of persuasiveness back to the specific fundraising position for which you are interviewing. Explain your strategy for respectfully encouraging potential donors to give.

"When I meet with prospective donors, I never try to make anyone feel pressured to give. Instead, I hope to foster an understanding of the organization, the people it serves, and its community value. It is important to me to balance client testimonials with data that explains how each donated dollar is used. This way, the client understands that we are not only passionate and dedicated to our cause, but that we are excellent stewards of every dollar we receive. Many donors view their donations as community investments, and I am thrilled to be able to guide them in the direction with the greatest impact."

What experience do you have that you believe relates to fundraising?

"Since I will be graduating from college in two months, I have yet to secure employment in the nonprofit field. However, I volunteered with my local animal shelter twice a week for the past four years. During that time, I helped the organization develop new fundraising initiatives that resulted in enough funds to start a new adoption program. Outside of my volunteer hours, I dedicated free time to learning as much as possible about the fundraising cycle and strategies for engaging new donors. I love using my skills to help build a solid foundation for a cause I truly believe in, and I would truly relish the chance to begin my nonprofit career with your organization."

This is a likely question for recent graduates or individuals seeking a change in career and/or industry. Since the nonprofit field is quite competitive, it is important to highlight exactly why you believe your skills and experience qualify you for a fundraising position.

Begin by telling the interviewer about any direct work, volunteer, or internship experience that you have such as sales, fundraising, or marketing. Be sure to include where you worked in these capacities, your specific role, and how long you worked there. Next, think outside of the box about your experience! Selling ideas, building relationships, and planning special events are all relevant skills and experiences that will show the interviewer that you are prepared for a fundraising role.

"I have been a successful salesperson for over twenty years. Throughout the course of my career, I have mastered the ability to identify and qualify solid leads. I cultivated relationships with new customers, and these interactions led to increased and consistent sales for my company. Although I do not have direct experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization, I believe my skills directly transfer to a high-volume fundraising position. Bringing my corporate experience and knowledge to bear in this role will allow me to greatly enhance your organization's financial situation."

Have you worked in sales or telemarketing before?

"I have worked as a medical sales representative for the past fifteen years. In that time, I have sold several thousand units of integral medical technology to support healthcare advancements in the United States. My sales contributed to record profits for my company five years in a row, and I have always surpassed my sales quota. I would be delighted to bring my skills and experience to bear in this position raising funds for your organization."

Experience in telemarketing or any other sales position can position you well for success in fundraising. The interviewer wants to know that you can deliver impressive sales conversions because this means you will likely be able to contribute meaningfully to the organization's overall fundraising goal.

Share if you have worked in telemarketing or sales before. If you have, then you should discuss what you sold, and how you sold it, and come prepared to tell the interviewer specific sales numbers. Backing up your experience with results will assure the interviewer that you are prepared to take on this fundraising position.If you do not have sales or telemarketing experience, then describe how you would go about securing commitments from potential donors.

"Although I have never had a sales or telemarketing position, I do have extensive experience in customer-facing support roles that have required me to anticipate customer needs. I feel very comfortable meeting new people and handling client issues on the phone and in person. My ability to help people feel at ease makes them more receptive to my suggestions, and I believe these are essential qualities in sales and fundraising. I know that I can learn about any product, speak about it enthusiastically, and demonstrate its usefulness to customers. In the same way, I would learn everything I could about the nonprofit organization's cause in order to passionately share it with a potential donor."

Tell me about your college education and how it has prepared you for a fundraising position?

"I graduated from the top university in my home state, and I received my BA in public relations. During my time there, I took courses in media relations, communications, social media management, and more. I applied the lessons I learned in each of these areas to my internship with a nonprofit close to my school. There, I was able to manage several small fundraising campaigns on a variety of social media applications. This in-depth experience has definitely readied me for a career in fundraising!"

Begin by telling the interviewer where you went to college and discuss your favorite parts of your college education. You can talk about specific courses, your major, special projects or research you contributed to, internships, and more. Make sure everything you talk about relates to fundraising in some way.

This question will be particularly relevant for recent college graduates or students preparing to graduate and enter the workforce. Successful fundraisers come from all backgrounds and experiences, so be true to yourself. No matter what you studied in college, be sure to emphasize your communication, relationship-building, business, and organizational skills.

"I will be graduating from college this spring, and I will be receiving my BA in business administration. Most of the courses I've taken have prepared me for customer-facing roles, and I am passionate about relationship-building and communication. My volunteer experiences involved assisting social workers with case management, so I also understand first-hand the issues clients face, and I can effectively communicate these issues with others invested in helping others. I know that these are important qualities in a person seeking a career in fundraising, and I can't wait to get started on this journey."

How would you rate your communication skills?

"I believe that communication is essential in a fundraising role. You have to explain your organization's mission, vision, and program details clearly to any potential donor. In addition, it is important to engage in actively listening to the donor's interests in order to establish a personal connection to the organization. Finally, maintaining consistent contact with the donor throughout the entire fundraising cycle is vital in establishing a durable relationship. I have over a decade of proven experience effectively communicating with donors and potential donors. As such, I would rate myself an 8 out of 10, acknowledging that I always have room to grow."

The interviewer needs to hear that you have great communication skills both verbally and written. Share what another person has told you about your abilities, discuss any public speaking experience you have, and talk about your ability to use communication to build relationships. Be confident in your abilities, but also make sure to demonstrate humility and a willingness to grow.

This is a good opportunity to show how you believe communication and fundraising relate to each other. Share with the interviewer strategies for effective communication in a fundraising setting.

"Having worked in strategic partnerships for several years, I believe I have developed advanced communication skills that allow me to build solid relationships that support the organization. I know how to interact with C-suite executives as well as community stakeholders. I am just as comfortable presenting our mission to an auditorium of college students as I am meeting with the board of directors and explaining complex challenges. The ability to seamlessly communicate is essential in a fundraising role, and I believe my communication skills rank quite high."

Please describe an experience you have had leading a team to success.

"I have directed my organization's development team for the past seven years. A few years ago, when our country was hit by the economic recession, we were struggling to meet our quarterly fundraising goals. As such, we began looking for ways to expand outreach efforts in order to attract new donors; the team met and I facilitated brainstorming sessions until we realized we had a number of religious partners, but they were all involved separately. I assigned the strategic partnership specialist to reach out to our contacts at each religious group and see if they would be interested in developing a coalition of faith leaders who would participate in regular service events that would include a call to give. I delegated tasks based on each team member's individual strengths and met with each of them on a weekly basis for progress reports. I also coordinated team meetings every week to ensure we stayed on track with our goals. This was a huge success and resulted in recruiting over two dozen new donors who ultimately helped us meet our annual goal."

Going into the fundraising field requires someone with a big heart, motivation to succeed, and fierce determination. As a team leader, you will also need to be communicative, patient, and perceptive when it comes to managing. These parts of your character will cause others to want to follow you as a leader. The interviewer wants you to express your leadership philosophy by providing a specific, illustrative example.

Begin by choosing an example of a time when your leadership abilities have resulted in especially impressive fundraising success. Then, tell the interviewer about the structure of the team you managed and what strategies you used to lead them to success. Finally, provide details about the success; it could be a fundraising goal, a high-capacity new donor, a unique special event, etc.

"As director of the advancement team, I was tasked by our board of directors to develop a special event that would become a cornerstone of our annual fundraising efforts. After brainstorming with the team members and conducting a cost-benefit analysis, I decided to propose an annual telethon intended to spotlight the organization's work and raise money through online and phone pledges. I met with the volunteer coordinator, who detailed the volunteer support she could provide. Next, I assisted the outreach coordinator with identifying local comedians to host the event, procuring musicians to perform, and partnering with popular chefs to do cooking demonstrations. Finally, I put the special events coordinator in touch with local media outlets who might be willing to donate cameras, equipment, and operators in kind to lend the event a more professional feel. I always made myself available to listen to team members' concerns and adjusted details based on their recommendations. As a leader, I think it is essential to be completely tuned in to each team member as well as the group as a whole in order to achieve success. And this event was a major success for the organization."

Please describe your management experience.

"In my current role as donor relations director, I supervise and facilitate a team that includes three donor operations specialists, all of whom report to me. Our department provides vital support to fundraising efforts. I oversee donor acknowledgment methods, database management, and the departmental budget. As department head, I believe it is my responsibility to ensure procedures operate smoothly and team members feel listened to and supported. Since we participate in the overall strategic plan for fundraising, we also have to work together creatively to develop ideas that will lead us to our annual goal. As a manager, I seek to foster an environment where each team member feels comfortable contributing their ideas to that process."

If you are applying for an officer, manager, or director position, you will likely have a number of direct reports to manage. Good fundraising managers will guide the team's strategic planning, support fundraising efforts, and provide constructive feedback to individual team members. The interviewer wants to know that you have proper management experience and can quickly adapt to a new environment.

Describe your management experience to the interviewer. Detail where you worked, the number of direct reports you had, and your strategies for supporting the team in reaching its annual fundraising goal. If you do not have fundraising experience, then focus solely on your management experience.

"Although I have never worked in fundraising, I have worked as a successful sales manager for five years. During that time, I managed a team of ten outbound sales representatives. I spent most of my days reviewing leads, observing reps' interactions with customers, and working with team members to develop strategies that allowed us to meet and surpass quotas. As a manager, I am deeply invested in my team's professional development, so I always support these opportunities whenever they become available. I believe that many of these same principles apply to a management position in fundraising."

How do you build relationships with potential donors you have never met in person?

"During my work in international development, I was required to hold countless meetings utilizing video chat technology such as Skype and Zoom. I learned the importance of maintaining eye contact online by looking into the camera instead of at the screen. This helps strengthen human interactions when you cannot meet in person. In addition, I think it is important to make sure communication is constant and informative so that the donor or potential donor is thinking about you on a regular basis."

The advent of technology has streamlined communication, making it easier to connect with people living in other cities, states, countries, and time zones. In addition, more people are working from home than ever before. As a result, efforts to enhance strategic partnerships have expanded, and fundraisers should be prepared to develop remote relationships as a result. The interviewer wants to know that you are able to maintain relationships remotely.

If you have ever initiated and maintained relationships with donors living elsewhere, explain what strategies you employed to solidify those. Consistent and clear communication is key in this scenario. You can also emphasize how important it is to educate yourself about the donor's home country and culture if they live abroad, and how you adjust your schedule in order to account for time zone differences.

"I think cultural sensitivity is quite important, particularly when it comes to working with clients living overseas. In the past, I have worked with strategic partners living in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, South Korea, and elsewhere. I took the time to educate myself on customs, traditions, and even some basic elements of the language. Showing this level of care and attention to the donor's culture helps foster a trust dynamic and strengthens the bonds they share with an organization. This is how I begin any relationship, but I find it particularly effective when it comes to engaging donors abroad."

What do you know about the fundraising cycle?

"I have worked as a major gifts officer with the same organization for ten years. In that time, I have developed an advanced understanding of how to leverage the fundraising cycle for the greatest financial impact and have netted over $100 million in committed and fulfilled funds. In addition, I train new fundraising associates in how to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and potential donors."

Knowing the main steps of the fundraising cycle is essential in securing a fundraising position. While successful fundraisers will customize this process based on the needs of their organization, the central tenets of the fundraising cycle remain an excellent guide. Show the interviewer that you are familiar with this process.

Begin by providing the interviewer with an overview of what you have learned from your fundraising experience. Focus on the steps of the fundraising cycle: Identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.If you are a recent graduate, no problem! Simply share what you have learned during your college career as well as from any internships you have had. Be sure to mention that you look forward to learning the ropes of the fundraising field and becoming an expert in this unique industry!

"Although I have never worked in a full-time fundraising position, I did intern with the development department at a social services organization during my college years. Part of my responsibilities included identifying potential new donors in the 18- to 25-year-old age bracket and then using digital research strategies to qualify them. This experience was an excellent introduction to the basic steps of fundraising, and I am eager and excited to expand my skills in this position with your organization!"

What fundraising techniques would you want to use for our cause?

"Because your organization provides treatment for childhood cancer, I thought it would be exciting to create a truly special event that is fun for the entire family and brings media attention to such an important cause. When I went to summer camp as a child, I remember participating in something called 'a polar plunge.' This is an event where people gather to jump into a river, lake or some other body of water in a challenge usually designed to raise awareness and money for a dedicated cause. I have witnessed organizations raise tens of thousands of dollars from hosting one of these events. I believe sponsoring a polar plunge on behalf of your organization would be an attractive event to engage new and existing donors alike."

We recommend that you review the organization's website prior to arriving at your interview to determine the techniques that will work best for the specific cause. Keep in mind the style of the organization, what they are raising funds for, and what mission they are promoting to ensure your fundraising techniques are in alignment with the organization. When asked this question, be sure to mention that as you grow in the role and gain a better understanding of the organization's mission, vision, values, and programs, you will be able to further generate appropriate fundraising options.

This question requires an in-depth understanding of the various kinds of fundraising strategies and methods available. These include, but are not limited to special events, corporate partnerships, sales, grant seeking, website donations, and more. Think over which of these seem most relevant to the organization's fundraising goals and share your ideas.

"I know that federal and state governments have allotted additional funding to support senior services as a result of the pandemic. Securing these funds means being able to effectively navigate the grant-seeking cycle to a successful award. Since your organization provides vital senior services to the community, I would leverage federal and state grant programs to boost your organization's program impact in addition to helping your fundraising team meet its annual quota."

Do you have any experience incorporating new technology into fundraising efforts?

"My organization decided to invest in a new content management system last year. The specific program they chose has a number of practical functions: It increases community engagement with our programs, enhances the user experience on our website, and adds a digital avenue for fundraising. Since I have been using the CMS for the past year, I have seen how it simplifies online fundraising and offers greater security for our donor's private information. This tool has definitely helped us meet fundraising goals this fiscal year, and I am always eager to seek out ways that new technologies can help us further."

There are a variety of technological resources designed to assist fundraisers so that they can spend less time managing records, prospect researching, and qualifying leads, and more time developing relationships. Share with the interviewer any experience you have leveraging technology in this way, and talk about what you were able to do with the time you saved.

Some examples of technology that may be used to streamline your fundraising efforts include video conference calls, Internet search engines, content management systems, social media, and more. If you have specific brands you have worked with, be sure to highlight those in your answer.

"Since I am my organization's first staff member focused solely on social media management, I have been working for the past three years to enhance its digital presence and discover ways to leverage that in fundraising activities. During my tenure, I have created social media profiles for the organization on TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, which immediately increased engagement. I worked with a graphic designer and web developer to make it easier for donors to make a quick donation using embedded links on each page. Not only has traffic increased to our website and social media pages, but the number of donations received through digital channels has increased by more than 1000% in a very short time. This success has led me to fully embrace technology as a fundraising tool."

Fundraising Interview Questions

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1. When have you been rejected before? How did you handle it?
2. Please share a time when you did not meet a fundraising quota. How did you react?
3. How did you develop leads in your most recent fundraising position?
4. What are some creative fundraising ideas you have?
5. Would you host a dinner for potential donors?
6. Are you comfortable asking people for money?
7. What grant-seeking experience do you have?
8. Have you had any experience utilizing volunteers for fundraising efforts?
9. Please describe your experience with donor acknowledgment.
10. How would you go about seeking new opportunities for professional development in this role?
11. Have you done any volunteer fundraising?
12. What do you know about our programs, and the reason why we are raising funds?
13. Do you feel passionate about our organization?
14. Why do you want a career in fundraising?
15. Why would you make a good fundraiser?
16. Are you able to accommodate non-traditional work hours?
17. Have you ever led a capital campaign?
18. Tell me about the largest amount of capital you've raised?
19. What motivates you in life?
20. How persuasive are you?
21. What experience do you have that you believe relates to fundraising?
22. Have you worked in sales or telemarketing before?
23. Tell me about your college education and how it has prepared you for a fundraising position?
24. How would you rate your communication skills?
25. Please describe an experience you have had leading a team to success.
26. Please describe your management experience.
27. How do you build relationships with potential donors you have never met in person?
28. What do you know about the fundraising cycle?
29. What fundraising techniques would you want to use for our cause?
30. Do you have any experience incorporating new technology into fundraising efforts?

Fundraising Interview Questions

1. When have you been rejected before? How did you handle it?

2. Please share a time when you did not meet a fundraising quota. How did you react?

3. How did you develop leads in your most recent fundraising position?

4. What are some creative fundraising ideas you have?

5. Would you host a dinner for potential donors?

6. Are you comfortable asking people for money?

7. What grant-seeking experience do you have?

8. Have you had any experience utilizing volunteers for fundraising efforts?

9. Please describe your experience with donor acknowledgment.

10. How would you go about seeking new opportunities for professional development in this role?

11. Have you done any volunteer fundraising?

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

13. Do you feel passionate about our organization?

14. Why do you want a career in fundraising?

15. Why would you make a good fundraiser?

16. Are you able to accommodate non-traditional work hours?

17. Have you ever led a capital campaign?

18. Tell me about the largest amount of capital you've raised?

19. What motivates you in life?

20. How persuasive are you?

21. What experience do you have that you believe relates to fundraising?

22. Have you worked in sales or telemarketing before?

23. Tell me about your college education and how it has prepared you for a fundraising position?

24. How would you rate your communication skills?

25. Please describe an experience you have had leading a team to success.

26. Please describe your management experience.

27. How do you build relationships with potential donors you have never met in person?

28. What do you know about the fundraising cycle?

29. What fundraising techniques would you want to use for our cause?

30. Do you have any experience incorporating new technology into fundraising efforts?