Appendix C: Sample Interview Questionnaire
By Tony Poderis
September 23, 2002
Back
to Campaign Feasibility Studies: How should a feasibility study be conducted?
(Questionnaire is in the hands of only the interviewer asking the questions and
writing responses)
Individual Interviewed: __________________________ Date: ______________
1. How long have you lived in (Community)?___________________________
2. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 as the most, how familiar are you with
(Organization)?_____
3. What do you know about the (Organization's)?
- Mission
- Leadership
- Role in the Community
- History
- Staff
- Other
4. What do you see as (Organization's) strengths?
5. What, if any, do you see as potential areas for improvement for the
(Organization)?
6. How do you respond to the (Organization's Proposed Project) in the
Statement of Intention?
___ Understand and accept the need for the project as stated.
___ Have questions about the need for the project as stated. Explain:
7. What priority in terms of community need would you place on
(Proposed Project)?
High___ Moderate___ Low___
8. What priority in terms of community need would you place on
(Organization's Mission)?
High___ Moderate___ Low___
9. What is your impression of the (Organization's) financial condition?
10. (If interviewee is a current or former donor to the organization)
What makes you feel good about your financial support of (Organization)?
11. How do you respond to the proposed capital campaign as the means of
generating the needed funds for (Proposed Project)?
12. What do you see as the most compelling reason for the community to
support the campaign?
13. Do you know of any previous major fund-raising campaigns for any purpose
addressing this area of need?
14. What is your impression of the philanthropic spirit and understanding of the
fund-raising process in (Community)?
(present Gift
Table to the interviewee at this point)
15. Do you believe the financial goal of the campaign to be attainable?
___Yes ___No If no, why not? ______________________________________
16. Do you believe gifts at these levels can be secured?_____ If not, at what
levels do you suggest?
17. What challenges to the success of the campaign do you think might exist?
_____________________________________________________________
18. How would you describe the traits needed for the ideal leader or leaders
for the campaign?
_____________________________________________________________
19. Can you name people (and their positions in the community) who fit that
description?
- ____________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________
Who would be the strongest? Why?__________________________________
Which of those people do you think has the capability of considering a gift in 7,
6, or 5 figures?
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
20. Who do you think would be the best individual to approach each person?
Leadership Candidate Best Person To Recruit The Candidate
- _____________________________ ________________________________
- _____________________________ ________________________________
- _____________________________ ________________________________
- _____________________________ ________________________________
- _____________________________ ________________________________
Would you be willing to help explore the level of willingness of any of these individuals
to become involved? If so which ones?________________________________________
21. Can you think of other individuals capable of considering a gift in 7,
6, or 5 figures?
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
- ________________________________ $_________________
22. Are you aware of any other presently active or planned fund-raising campaigns
that might compete with the (Organization's) campaign?
23. Are there persons, organizations, groups, foundations, government officials,
etc. whose endorsement you would see as important to the success of the
campaign?
Please comment on any points not covered that you feel are important
for the (Organization) to consider as it prepares for its campaign.
Thank you.
******************
Tony Poderis is a development consultant, speaker and author of It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise. You can reach him through his web site at www.raise-funds.com
