Tell us about a time when you faced resistance or objections from donors or stakeholders and how you handled it.

Fundraising Director Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

During my previous role as a Fundraising Manager, I faced resistance from a major donor who had concerns about our organization's financial management. I handled it by scheduling a meeting with the donor to address their concerns and provide them with detailed financial reports and audits demonstrating our responsible handling of funds. I also offered to connect them with our board members and finance team for further transparency. By taking the time to listen to their concerns and provide them with the information they needed, I was able to alleviate their worries and maintain their support for our organization.

A more solid answer

In my previous role as a Fundraising Manager, I encountered resistance from a major donor who expressed concerns about our organization's financial management. To address this, I immediately scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the donor to gain a deeper understanding of their concerns and build rapport. During the meeting, I provided them with a comprehensive overview of our financial management practices, including detailed financial reports, audits, and testimonials from independent auditors. I also offered to connect the donor with our board members and finance team to answer any additional questions they may have had.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands upon the basic answer by providing more specific details and depth in explaining the situation and the candidate's actions. It mentions the actions taken by the candidate, such as scheduling a face-to-face meeting, providing a comprehensive overview of financial management practices, and offering to connect the donor with relevant team members. However, the answer could still be improved by including more specific examples of how the candidate handled objections and resistance.

An exceptional answer

In my previous role as a Fundraising Manager, I faced significant resistance from a major donor who had serious concerns about our organization's financial management. To overcome this obstacle, I proactively reached out to the donor to schedule a face-to-face meeting. Prior to the meeting, I thoroughly prepared by gathering extensive financial data, including detailed reports, audits, and benchmarks showcasing our responsible financial practices. During the meeting, I actively listened to the donor's concerns and addressed each with patience and empathy. I also brought in our board treasurer to provide additional insights and answer any complex financial questions. To further reassure the donor, I suggested setting up regular check-ins to provide updates on our financial performance and offered to arrange a meet-and-greet with our executive team. Thanks to my proactive approach, transparency, and dedication, the donor's trust was restored, and they continued their support to our organization.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the situation, including the candidate's proactive approach in scheduling a face-to-face meeting and thorough preparation. It highlights the candidate's active listening skills, empathy, and ability to address complex concerns by involving relevant team members. The answer also mentions the candidate's initiative in suggesting regular check-ins and a meet-and-greet with the executive team, showcasing their commitment to maintaining the donor's trust. Overall, the answer demonstrates a high level of donor and financial management skills and a proactive mindset.

How to prepare for this question

Research common objections and concerns that donors may have and prepare examples of how you have addressed them in the past.
Familiarize yourself with the organization's financial management practices and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
Practice active listening and empathy to effectively address donor concerns during a meeting.
Consider involving relevant team members, such as board members or finance professionals, to provide additional insights and answer complex questions.
Highlight your commitment to transparency and suggest proactive measures, such as regular check-ins and meet-and-greets with key stakeholders.

What interviewers are evaluating

Donor and sponsor relationship management
Financial management and reporting