Questions to Ask a Nonprofit Organization in an Interview
Strategic questions to assess mission alignment, funding stability, impact measurement, and whether the nonprofit role is the right fit for you.
1How do you measure impact, and what outcomes are you most proud of recently?
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How do you measure impact, and what outcomes are you most proud of recently?
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Why this works
Reveals whether the org is results-driven or activity-focused, and what success looks like.
2What are the organization's top priorities for the next 1–2 years?
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What are the organization's top priorities for the next 1–2 years?
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Why this works
Clarifies strategic direction and where resources and energy are being invested.
3How is the organization funded, and how stable is the funding model?
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How is the organization funded, and how stable is the funding model?
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Why this works
Assesses financial health and whether your role is secure or at risk during downturns.
4What does the budget look like for this role or department?
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What does the budget look like for this role or department?
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Why this works
Shows whether you'll have resources to do your job effectively or be constantly constrained.
5How does the organization approach diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and in the work?
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How does the organization approach diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and in the work?
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Why this works
Assesses whether DEI is lived practice or aspirational language.
6What are the biggest challenges the organization is facing right now?
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What are the biggest challenges the organization is facing right now?
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Why this works
Surfaces vulnerabilities and whether leadership is transparent about obstacles.
7How does the organization engage with the communities it serves?
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How does the organization engage with the communities it serves?
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Why this works
Shows whether beneficiaries are partners or recipients, and how power is shared.
8What does success look like in this role over the first 6–12 months?
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What does success look like in this role over the first 6–12 months?
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Why this works
Clarifies expectations and how performance will be evaluated.
9How does the organization support professional development and career growth?
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How does the organization support professional development and career growth?
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Why this works
Reveals whether advancement is possible or if nonprofits see staff as interchangeable.
10What is the leadership style of the executive director or my direct supervisor?
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What is the leadership style of the executive director or my direct supervisor?
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Why this works
Helps you assess fit and whether management is collaborative or top-down.
11How does the board engage with staff, and what role does governance play day-to-day?
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How does the board engage with staff, and what role does governance play day-to-day?
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Why this works
Clarifies board involvement and whether they're supportive or micromanaging.
12What does work-life balance look like here, especially during busy seasons?
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What does work-life balance look like here, especially during busy seasons?
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Why this works
Nonprofits can overwork staff in the name of mission—know what you're signing up for.
13How does the organization handle conflict or disagreement within the team?
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How does the organization handle conflict or disagreement within the team?
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Why this works
Reveals culture and whether dissent is welcomed or punished.
14What are the salary range and benefits for this role?
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What are the salary range and benefits for this role?
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Why this works
Ensures compensation is sustainable—mission doesn't pay rent.
15How does the organization evaluate programs and decide what to continue or sunset?
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How does the organization evaluate programs and decide what to continue or sunset?
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Why this works
Shows learning culture and whether the org adapts or clings to legacy initiatives.
16What partnerships or coalitions is the organization part of, and how do those work?
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What partnerships or coalitions is the organization part of, and how do those work?
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Why this works
Assesses collaboration and whether the org plays well with others.
17How does the organization communicate its impact to donors and stakeholders?
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How does the organization communicate its impact to donors and stakeholders?
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Why this works
Reveals storytelling approach and whether impact is transparently shared.
18What is the staff turnover rate, and what are the most common reasons people leave?
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What is the staff turnover rate, and what are the most common reasons people leave?
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Why this works
Surfaces retention issues and whether the role is sustainable long-term.
19How does the organization respond to criticism or feedback from the community?
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How does the organization respond to criticism or feedback from the community?
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Why this works
Shows accountability and whether the org is defensive or open to learning.
20What excites you most about the future of this organization?
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What excites you most about the future of this organization?
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Why this works
Invites optimism and reveals what leadership is energized by.
Evaluating Nonprofit Roles
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.