Interview Questions

Fundraising Manager Interview Questions


A fundraising manager manages the fundraising department and is responsible for raising money on behalf of organizations – often non-profit groups such as charities.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Fundraising Manager or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Fundraising Manager position, these Fundraising Manager interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Fundraising Manager Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Fundraising Manager interview questions.

  1. Can you discuss your experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies?
  2. How do you identify potential donors and funding opportunities for an organization?
  3. Can you describe your experience in building and maintaining relationships with donors and sponsors?
  4. How do you create compelling fundraising campaigns and initiatives to attract donations?
  5. Can you provide examples of successful fundraising campaigns you have led in the past?
  6. How do you measure and track the success of fundraising efforts?
  7. When would you need to stop asking a prospective donor for money?
  8. Can you discuss your experience in grant writing and securing funding from foundations and government agencies?
  9. How do you engage and motivate fundraising teams and volunteers?
  10. What are some of your preferred marketing channels for fundraising, and why do you like them?
  11. What role do you think cold-calling plays in a fundraising campaign?
  12. If a member of your team under-performs in a quarter, how might you handle the situation?
  13. Can you describe your process for determining how much to ask of a specific donor?
  14. If you and a colleague have different ideas about how to approach a fundraising campaign, how might you resolve the situation?
  15. What do you hope to accomplish for our organization in your first year in this position?
  16. How might you handle a board member's objections to your fundraising methods?
  17. How might you choose a speaker for a large event connected to one of our campaigns?
  18. What role do you think corporate partners play in fundraising campaigns?
  19. What kind of training do you prefer to give to your team members or volunteers?
  20. Can you describe your approach to donor stewardship and cultivating long-term relationships?
  21. How do you ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical guidelines?
  22. Can you describe your most difficult experience convincing a donor to contribute to a campaign? What did the experience teach you?
  23. How much experience do you have working with volunteers?
  24. Can you explain your experience in managing fundraising budgets and financial reporting?
  25. How do you assess and prioritize fundraising opportunities based on organizational needs and goals?
  26. Can you discuss your experience in leveraging digital platforms and technology for fundraising purposes?
  27. Can you describe a time when you met your fundraising goals before a tight deadline?
  28. How do you adapt fundraising strategies to different target audiences and donor segments?
  29. Can you provide examples of innovative fundraising ideas or initiatives you have implemented?
  30. How do you handle rejection or challenges in fundraising efforts?
  31. Can you describe a time when you missed your fundraising goal? What did the experience teach you?
  32. Can you discuss your experience in organizing fundraising events and managing event logistics?
  33. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between fundraising and other departments within an organization?
  34. Can you explain your approach to donor recognition and acknowledgment?
  35. How do you stay updated with trends and best practices in fundraising?

Fundraising Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Fundraising Manager interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  2. Why Should We Hire You?
  3. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  4. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  5. Tell Me About Yourself
  6. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  7. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  8. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  9. Why Do You Want This Job?
  10. What is Your Greatest Strength?