Explore every episode of the podcast Hey Fundraiser!
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The #1 Trait That Sets Top MGOs Apart (And How You Can Develop It) | 23 Nov 2024 | 00:15:41 | |
What sets the most successful major gift officers (MGOs) apart from the rest? In this episode, we explore the single most important trait that top-performing MGOs share—a quality that helps them thrive in the face of challenges, build meaningful donor relationships, and achieve extraordinary results. We’ll unpack how this trait shows up in daily fundraising work, why it’s so crucial for long-term success, and, most importantly, how you can cultivate it in your own career. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you practical steps to strengthen your skills and unlock your potential as a fundraiser. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Don’t Miss This Episode If:
Listen now and discover the #1 trait that will take your fundraising career to the next level! Subscribe & Follow:
Connect with Mary:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Find New Major Gift Prospects | 03 Nov 2024 | 00:28:15 | |
In today’s episode, we tackle one of the most vital elements of major gift fundraising—finding new prospects! Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser looking to sharpen your strategy or a newcomer eager to build your prospect pipeline, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you cultivate meaningful relationships with future major donors. Join Mary as she shares proven tactics for identifying and qualifying high-potential prospects who will truly make a difference in your organization. We’ll dive into the importance of affinity and capacity, leveraging your board’s network, qualifying potential donors through discovery calls, and even mining your own database for hidden gems. This episode is all about finding, qualifying, and nurturing the best prospects so you can spend more time building relationships and less time chasing “maybes.” If you’re ready to create a lean, focused portfolio of prospects who are passionate about your mission, then this episode is for you! Key Takeaways:
Mentioned in this Episode:
Additional Resources:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Trends of Super Successful Major Gift Officers | 16 Jun 2023 | 00:18:37 | |
In today's podcast episode, we're gonna look at how super successful major gift officers spend their time. For the last seven years, I've been studying 32 development departments across the US and the results of this study might shock you! Study Download Episode 15—Six Ways for Fundraisers to Have the Best Major Gift Portfolio Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| 6 ways for Fundraisers to Have the BEST Major Gift Portfolio | 09 Jun 2023 | 00:18:38 | |
In this episode, we're unveiling six powerful strategies that will revolutionize the way you curate your major gift portfolio for maximum impact. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Maximizing Impact with One Ask and 364 Days of Gratitude | 28 Apr 2023 | 00:12:32 | |
Downloads In this episode, I am sharing my one-ask fundraising strategy that will allow you to solicit your donors once and thank them for 364 days. → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Beyond the Ask: Mastering Moves Management | 21 Apr 2023 | 00:14:58 | |
Downloads Moves Management Stages In this episode, we are going deep into mastering moves management. Moves management is the framework and process of identifying prospects, building relationships with them, soliciting them, and properly thanking them for their investment in your organization. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Breaking Tradition: Why It's Time to Ditch the Board Minimum | 14 Apr 2023 | 00:13:03 | |
In this episode, I will discuss the common practice among nonprofits requiring a minimum donation from board members. Depending on the organization, this requirement can range from $1,000 to $10,000. However, I'm here to challenge this tradition and urge you that it's time to ditch the board minimum. You might be surprised by this suggestion, or you have completely fallen out of your chair! Tune in for a fresh strategic perspective on board giving. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Unlock the Power of Happy Fundraisers | 07 Apr 2023 | 00:12:16 | |
A happy fundraiser is more likely to go the extra mile and be successful in their efforts, which is why it's crucial to empower them and make sure they feel supported. In this podcast episode, we'll discuss six tips to help you keep your fundraisers happy, motivated, and feeling supported throughout their fundraising journey—because happy fundraisers raise more money! Download the 6 Keys to a Sustainable, Thriving Fundraising Program Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Jerry Panas: 3 questions to ask a major donor is teetering on making their gift | 31 Mar 2023 | 00:14:10 | |
In this episode I want to talk to you about asking for major gifts and handling those pesky objections that come up. Every fundraiser gets nervous before asking for a major gift because it puts you in a very vulnerable place. Like, what if the prospect says no? In this episode, I will share 3 questions to ask a teetering prospect that will turn a “no” into a “maybe” and a “maybe” into a “yes!” A sneak peek of Asking: By Jerold Panas Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Engaging Leadership and Program Staff | 24 Mar 2023 | 00:07:35 | |
Creating Your Board | Download Free Guide In today's episode we will discuss engaging other individuals from your organization in the fundraising process. Your program staff and leadership are all essential allies in the cultivation process. Tune in for strategic ways you can utilize your leadership to maximize your fundraising efforts. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Respectfully Engage Clients Served | 17 Mar 2023 | 00:06:23 | |
Creating Your Board | Download Free Guide In today's episode we will discuss engaging other individuals from your organization in the fundraising process. Your program staff and leadership are all essential allies in the cultivation process. Tune in for strategic ways you can utilize your leadership to maximize your fundraising efforts. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Use Events to Springboard Your Cultivation Efforts | 10 Mar 2023 | 00:06:25 | |
Events are an important part of engagement for donors and prospects, and you can strategically use them to springboard your cultivation efforts. Events can run the gamut – you’ve got huge fundraising galas to small, intimate house parties and everything in between. You might not love events, but why not make the best of them and utilize an event to kick off your cultivation efforts? Do you need a more strategic cultivation plan that will help you raise more money? Check out our newest masterclass, The Donor Cultivation Method. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Join our Private Facebook Group 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Overcome The Fear of Making a Major Gift Ask | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:16:32 | |
In this episode, Mary dives into the number one challenge faced by her major gift coaching clients—fear of making the ask. Whether it’s the fear of rejection or the fear of damaging a relationship, many fundraisers struggle with taking that final step. Mary shares practical strategies to help you confidently make major gift asks, even when fear kicks in. From mindset shifts to cultivation tactics, and knowing when it’s time to ask, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Mary also discusses how to handle objections and what to do if your prospect says no. Key Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe & Follow:
Connect with Mary:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Prepare for the First Meeting with a Prospect | 03 Mar 2023 | 00:08:55 | |
Download Our Best Questions for Your First Prospect Meeting http://cultivation.heyfundraiser.com/ The first meeting with a prospect is a big deal. It’s your chance to make a great first impression and begin a new journey with the prospect. During this meeting, you need to assess whether or not the prospect should continue in your portfolio and, if so, what should be the plan for this process? But how do you gauge affinity? By asking the right questions and then listening for clues about their feelings toward the organization. Let’s take a deeper look into cultivating relationships with prospects. Learn More → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Turning Things Around: How to Handle Upset Donors | 24 Feb 2023 | 00:07:40 | |
At some point in your fundraising career, you are going to have an upset donor who is angry with the organization, leadership, or the direction that the organization is going. It’s not a pleasant experience, but with some grace and skills, you will make it though it. You will experience upset donors. It’s part of having a relationship – there are ups and downs. If a prospect is really upset and threatening to pull their giving or something drastic, engage your manager. It might take more than just you to smooth things over. That’s okay, just remember, they are upset because they care. If they didn’t care about your organization, they wouldn’t get upset. It’s hard to remember that when you’re being yelled at or lectured, but try to center yourself in the comfort that they care.
→ Download KPI's For Annual Giving → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Donor Cultivation: 8 Mistakes You Don't Want to Make | 17 Feb 2023 | 00:08:44 | |
Mistakes made during donor cultivation can cost you the relationship and the major gift! We're going to break down the biggest missteps that fundraisers make during cultivation so you can work hard to avoid them. If you can avoid these mistakes, you will be well on your way to sophisticated donor cultivation and closing large major gifts. Donor cultivation is building deep, long-lasting relationships. Think about how you build relationships with new friends or romantic partners, and the faux pas you work hard to avoid in those new relationships. The eight mistakes we're going to cover today are very similar. Learn:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| 5 KPIs for Major Gift Officers | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:18:40 | |
KPIs are the measurements of success for your major gift officers. That's why choosing the right KPIs is critical. Peter Drucker wisely said, "what gets measured, matters." And he's right! Whatever metrics you put into place for your major gift officers will become their focus. If you are measuring the wrong things, your major gift officers will begin focusing on the wrong activities. Make sure your KPIs are donor-facing, include solicitations, and that most of the portfolio is being cultivated. They should be easy to measure and not tie your major gift officers to their desks. Major gift officers should spend minimal time on data entry but just enough to measure the KPIs. Learn:
Want to download our five KPIs and other helpful hints for measuring success?
→ Download KPI's For Annual Giving → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Fundraising Reports: The Do's and Don'ts | 03 Feb 2023 | 00:12:53 | |
This week we are exploring how to maximize your fundraising reports so that the right information is going to the right audience. Once you release a report, the cat is out of the bag, and the people who are reading your fundraising reports are going to make assumptions and act upon the data you've given them. Let's talk through all the do's and don'ts when it comes to presenting how your fundraising efforts are faring! ⋙ The three big mistakes when producing and presenting fundraising reports ⋙ The four audiences you have when presenting reports and how each audience needs different information ⋙ The content you need in your fundraising reports → Download KPI's For Annual Giving → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| My Story | 27 Jan 2023 | 00:11:32 | |
Welcome to the first episode of the Hey Fundraiser! podcast. Today I am sharing my fundraising story. Learn Downloads and Resources → Download KPI's For Annual Giving → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Hey Fundraiser Trailer | 12 Jan 2023 | 00:00:36 | |
Hey Fundraiser! Welcome to the Podcast, before we dive into today’s topic, and for those who are new here, let me first introduce myself, I am Mary Hackett the Founder and Host of the Hey Fundraiser! Podcast where I share valuable, honest and action-packed advice for the frontline fundraiser. With over 20 years of experience, I have curated the top fundraising secrets that will turn YOU into a Seven Figure Fundraiser. Learn more about our self-guided courses and coaching collections over on www.heyfundraiser.com 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Transform Your Board Into Storytelling Fundraisers | 02 Aug 2024 | 00:43:30 | |
In this episode, Mary dives into transforming board members into effective storytelling fundraisers. She highlights the significance of board members feeling comfortable and skilled in connecting with donors through the organization's stories. Mary categorizes board members into four types: connectors, storytellers, visionaries, and closers. She offers insights on how board members can craft three vital stories: their involvement story, impact story, and thank you story. Additionally, Mary outlines key storytelling rules and suggests conducting storytelling exercises during board retreats to enhance these skills. Book a FREE gameplan call with Mary Listen to the previous podcast episode Takeaways:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How Your Infrastructure Can Make or Break Your Fundraising Efforts | 09 Feb 2024 | 00:26:45 | |
In this episode, Mary discusses the importance of fundraising operations and how it can make or break a fundraising program. She outlines six pillars of strong fundraising operations, including strong technology and systems management, enhancing the donor experience, supporting fundraising efforts, data-driven reports and analytics, building collegial partnerships, and standard operating procedures. Mary emphasizes the need for fundraising operations professionals to prioritize supporting fundraisers and highlights the importance of proactive gift entry and communication between different departments. Chapters 07:32 Fundraising Operations Pillar 1: Strong Technology and Systems Management Resources Mentioned In This Episode → The Fundraising Operations Success Formula—Free Masterclass Connect With Mary Petersen (mary@heyfundraiser.com) → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| KPIs For Annual Giving | 02 Feb 2024 | 00:20:05 | |
In this podcast episode, Mary Hackett discusses the importance of metrics in annual giving. She emphasizes the need to measure what truly matters and avoid vanity metrics. Mary then dives into specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for annual giving, including retention rate, retention rate for first-time donors, upgrade rate, total raised, donor pool growth, and second gifts in the same fiscal year. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Metrics Downloads and Resources Mentioned In This Episode → Download KPI's For Annual Giving → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How To Set Your Board Members Up for Fundraising Success | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:25:03 | |
In this week's Hey Fundraiser! episode, Mary Hackett discusses the importance of creating an effective fundraising board and how to engage board members based on their unique profiles. She highlights common mistakes organizations make with board members and provides strategies for deploying them strategically. Mary introduces the four board member profiles: connectors, storytellers, visionaries, and closers. She explains how to engage each profile and offers an audit tool to assess the composition of your board. By understanding and leveraging the strengths of board members, organizations can maximize their fundraising efforts. Episode Takeaways
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary Episode Chapters 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Fundraising Failures: Don't Make These Three Mistakes | 19 Jan 2024 | 00:16:16 | |
Join our host, Mary Hackett, as she bravely shares three impactful stories of fundraising failures, revealing valuable lessons and pitfalls to avoid in this very personal Hey Fundraiser! episode. Link mentioned in today's episode >>> Questions To Ask Valuable Resources From Hey Fundraiser! ↓ → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Creative Cultivation Techniques: Stories from the Field | 07 Jul 2023 | 00:26:45 | |
In this episode, we are diving into two inspiring and creative cultivation stories from my experience as a major gift officer. Join us as we explore the lessons learned and the power of personalized connections in cultivating lasting donor relationships for maximum impact. Do you have an inspiring creative cultivation story you want to share? We would love to hear from you! Click the link below to submit your story for a chance to be featured on the Hey Fundraiser! podcast. >>> Click here to send us your story! Valuable Resources From Hey Fundraiser! ↓ → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Master Your New Director of Development Role with These Reports | 30 Jun 2023 | 00:22:13 | |
Director of Development Reports | Free Download In this episode, I am sharing all my tips and tricks so you can quickly gain visibility, attain early wins, and assess your staffing and resources. Grab my free reports download to see exactly what I request when I start a new position as a director of development so that I can fully understand the lay of the land and easily set myself up for long-term success. Valuable Resources From Hey Fundraiser! ↓ → Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How I Closed a $100 Million Gift | 06 Dec 2024 | 00:22:58 | |
It should not take you more than a year to close a major gift. The days of cultivating for 18+ months is OVER. I hope this story inspires you to:
Send a voicemail to Mary: https://www.speakpipe.com/heyfundraiser Major Donor Meeting Mastery: Subscribe & Follow:
Connect with Mary:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Building Your Major Gift Plan for a New Fiscal Year | 01 Jan 2025 | 00:15:05 | |
Welcome to the first podcast of 2025! Starting a new year can feel like both a blank slate and a daunting challenge—especially when your fundraising total resets to zero. But don’t worry, fundraiser, we’ve got you covered. In this episode, we break down how to approach your annual fundraising goals with clarity, strategy, and confidence. You’ll learn:
Whether your fiscal year aligns with the calendar or not, this episode is packed with tips and tricks to help you tackle your goals head-on and stay flexible as life happens. Resources Mentioned: Got a big fundraising goal for 2025? Let’s tackle it together! Listen to the full episode, and don’t forget to share this podcast with a fellow fundraiser who could use a motivational boost. Major Donor Meeting Mastery: Subscribe & Follow:
Connect with Mary:
→ Join The Fundraising Collective → Connect with Mary Petersen on LinkedIn → Schedule Your Free Gameplan Call with Mary 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| 5 Biggest Mistakes Fundraisers Make During Solicitation | 14 Feb 2025 | 00:24:27 | |
Episode Summary: Whether you’re struggling with when to ask, what to say, or how to handle donor objections, this episode is packed with real-life strategies to help you make stronger asks and close bigger gifts. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Mistakes Covered in This Episode: Resources & Links: Your Next Steps: Thanks for listening, fundraiser! Go out there and make some magic happen. 🚀✨ 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Close Your First $100,000 Gift | 21 Feb 2025 | 00:32:36 | |
Fundraiser, this is a BIG one! 🎉 Closing your first six-figure gift is a milestone moment in your career—and today, I’m walking you through exactly how to make it happen. Whether you’re brand new to major gifts or just haven’t hit that $100K mark yet, this episode will give you the step-by-step framework to find the right donor, cultivate the relationship, make a powerful ask, and steward the gift for future giving. And hey—if you’ve already closed a six-figure gift, stick around! You’ll relive the glory of your first “YES” and pick up tips to help you land your next one even faster. 🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: ✅ How to find the right donor—no more chasing whales! Key Takeaways: 🛠 Step 1: Find the Right Prospect
⏳ Step 2: Make Time to Fundraise
📣 Step 3: Have a Strong Case for Support
💡 Step 4: Cultivate with Purpose
🤝 Step 5: Get Permission to Ask
💰 Step 6: Make the Ask
🎉 Step 7: Steward the Gift Like a Pro
Resources & Links: 📌 FREE 7-Figure Fundraising Success Method Webinar – Take the 30-minute audit & see if you’re ready for six-figure gifts Watch it HERE 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Permission-Based Fundraising: The Secret to Better Donor Relationships and Bigger Gifts | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:22:39 | |
Hey fundraiser! In this episode, I’m sharing a major mindset (and strategy) shift that changed everything for me in major gifts: Permission-Based Fundraising. Years ago, I blew a solicitation—not because I asked for the wrong amount, but because I asked without permission. That moment reshaped how I approach every donor conversation, and today, I’m walking you through exactly how you can use this strategy to:
This episode is packed with permission-based scripts, psychology-backed strategies, and real examples you can use right away. If you’ve ever felt unsure about when to ask or struggled to move relationships forward—this one’s for you. 💡 What You’ll Learn:
🔗 Resources & Links:
10 Permission-Based Ask Examples for Fundraisers:
💬 Leave a Review: If this episode sparked a lightbulb moment or helped you reframe your donor strategy, leave a review and share it with your fellow fundraisers. Let’s help more fundraisers ask with confidence and lead with trust. 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| 3 Mindsets Holding You Back in Your Major Gift Work (and What to Do About Them) | 28 May 2025 | 00:19:18 | |
Description: Ever feel like you're stuck in your major gift work — second-guessing your proposals, over-preparing for donor meetings, or trying to sound more “professional” than you feel? You’re not alone — and you’re not broken. You’re just operating with some mindsets that a lot of fundraisers are carrying around. In this episode, Mary unpacks the three most common mindset traps holding fundraisers back from raising transformational gifts — and gives you the tools to flip each one into confidence, connection, and action. 🎯 Mindset #1: “I Have to Be Perfect to Be Taken Seriously”
🚀 Mindset #2: “I’ll Send the Proposal Once It’s Perfect”
💥 Mindset #3: “I Need to Be Someone Else to Connect with Donors”
🎉 Wrap-Up: Links & Resources: Let’s Stay Connected:
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| A Week in the Life of a Major Gift Coach | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:28:43 | |
📅 Episode Summary: 💡 Whether you're a solo development officer, a board chair taking on fundraising, or a seasoned MGO needing structure and strategy—this episode is packed with real-life scenarios, coaching advice, and actionable takeaways. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear about:
✨ Links & Resources:
💬 Quotable Moment: 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Stop Wasting Time on the Wrong Major Gift Prospects | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:14:30 | |
Interested in Major Gift Momentum? Check it out here! Are you stuck chasing donors who never call back? Wasting your precious time on high-capacity but low-interest "prospects"? This episode is your rescue mission. Mary introduces the ABCDE Method—a powerhouse framework to help you quickly spot which donors deserve your energy (and which should be blessed and released). You'll learn how to focus on donors with true potential and stop burning out on low-likelihood long shots. With witty wisdom and a dose of real talk, Mary breaks down:
You'll also get tips on how to filter your portfolio using this framework and how to bless and release like a boss. 🧠 What You’ll Learn:
🎁 Free Resource: Download the Prospect Spotting Checklist to make donor strategy meetings faster, smarter, and more effective. 📣 Don’t forget:
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Close Major Gifts Faster—Without Rushing the Donor | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:22:41 | |
Ready to pour rocket fuel on your major gift efforts? Major Gift Momentum is the solution. Check it out here! Do you really need to spend 18 months cultivating a donor before making an ask? 😅 (Spoiler alert: Absolutely not.) In this firecracker episode, Mary calls BS on the outdated “18-month cultivation” rule and walks you through how to build authentic, strategic donor relationships that lead to major gifts faster — without feeling rushed, pushy, or awkward. What You'll Learn:
Resources & Links 🎯 Ready to crush your major gift goals faster? Grab Major Donor Meeting Mastery – it’s your fast track to YES for just $47! If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share it with a teammate who’s stuck in “not yet” land. Until next time, keep fundraising with clarity, purpose, and a little sass. 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Break Through Donor Silence (Without Feeling Desperate) | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:15:59 | |
Ready to pour rocket fuel on your major gift efforts? Major Gift Momentum is the solution. Check it out here! Welcome back, fundraiser! In this episode, we're tackling one of the most head-scratching (and heart-sinking) experiences in major gift fundraising: donor silence. Ever had a warm, engaged prospect suddenly vanish into the abyss of unread emails and unreturned voicemails? You're not alone—and you're definitely not doing anything wrong. In this episode, you'll learn:
Plus, I’m sharing my 3-touch outreach method and what to do when a donor ghosts you again after reconnecting. 🎯 Key Takeaway: Donor silence isn’t a door closing—it’s a pause. And you get to decide when (and how) to press play again. 🔁 If this episode helped, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share with a colleague who’s currently being ghosted! 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Stop Low-balling Your Donors: How to Confidently Ask for the Right Amount | 04 Oct 2025 | 00:18:59 | |
Ready to pour rocket fuel on your major gift efforts? Major Gift Momentum is the solution. Check it out here! Today we’re tackling one of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see major gift officers make: lowballing the ask. If you’ve ever walked out of a donor meeting wondering if you should’ve asked for more—or felt afraid to offend a donor by going too big—this episode is your wake-up call. Because here’s the truth: donors aren’t offended by bold asks… they’re confused by vague ones. We’ll unpack why fundraisers undershoot, how to calculate the right amount with confidence, and how to deliver your ask in a way that feels natural, strategic, and unapologetically bold. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| What to Do When a Major Donor Gives Before You Ask | 11 Oct 2025 | 00:16:24 | |
Ready to pour rocket fuel on your major gift efforts? Major Gift Momentum is the solution. Check it out here! In this episode of Hey Fundraiser!, Mary Petersen dives into a surprisingly common (and often confusing) fundraising moment — when a donor sends in an unsolicited major gift that’s much smaller than what you were preparing to ask for. Should you celebrate it, be worried, or assume your cultivation failed? Mary breaks down exactly what to do next, why it happens, and how to respond strategically so you don’t lose momentum or confidence. This episode will help you turn that “surprise gift” moment into an opportunity to requalify, re-engage, and deepen the relationship — instead of second-guessing your process. You’ll Learn:
Key Takeaways:
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| The 5 Habits and Mindsets of High-Performing Major Gift Officers | 18 Oct 2025 | 00:16:47 | |
In this episode, Mary Petersen pulls back the curtain on the habits, mindsets, and metrics that consistently drive 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts. Whether you’re new to major gifts or ready to elevate your game, this episode breaks down what the best MGOs do differently — and how you can model their success starting today. You’ll learn: By the end, you’ll know exactly what to focus on, how to measure the right work, and how to reframe your day-to-day to bring in bigger gifts — without burning out. 🧩 Key Takeaways:
💡 Bonus Metrics:
And remember — top MGOs think like partners, not petitioners. They don’t take “no” personally, and they know that rest and reflection fuel long-term success. 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Mastering the Major Gift Ask: 5 Solicitation Scripts To Set You Up for Success | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:29:41 | |
In this episode, Mary Petersen tackles one of the most-asked questions in fundraising: “What exact words do I use to close a major gift?” Mary breaks down the anatomy of an effective ask—clarity, confidence, and connection—and shares five solicitation styles with real-world language, when to use each, and why they work. You’ll learn how to time the ask using permission-based fundraising, avoid common pitfalls (like being vague or asking too soon), and tailor your approach to each donor’s style so you walk into every meeting poised, prepared, and confident. Key Takeaways
Chapters
The Five Solicitation Styles (with sample language)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How Heather Closed $280,000 in 6 Weeks | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:39:46 | |
In this episode of the Hey Fundraiser podcast, Mary Petersen interviews Heather Withrow, a member of the Major Gift Momentum program. Heather shares her transformative journey in fundraising, detailing her impressive successes, including securing a $245,000 gift. The conversation explores the mindset shifts and strategies that have empowered Heather to approach fundraising with confidence and clarity, emphasizing the importance of community support and permission-based fundraising. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about celebrating future successes in fundraising. If you'd like to learn more about Momentum, click here. 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| What to Say: 12 Gift Asks to Get a YES | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:24:09 | |
I wrote a short, punchy field guide with word-for-word major gift ask scripts so you can make confident, collaborative solicitations (without the anxiety). In this video I share why I wrote it, what’s inside, and how to use it to book more meetings, tailor your ask to head/heart/gut donors, and handle objections like a pro. This one is for you executive directors, major gift officers, and directors of development! 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| The Momentum Method: How to Run Major Gifts Like a System (Not a Mood) | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:21:48 | |
If your major gifts work is running on vibes—if you only do outreach when you feel confident, or you avoid the ask until you feel “100% ready”—this episode is your intervention (said with love). In this conversation, Mary breaks down the Momentum Method, a simple system that helps you build steady progress in major gifts without relying on motivation, a perfect week, or a magical burst of confidence. You’ll learn the 4 core elements that create momentum—and a weekly rhythm to keep them moving. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Your simple challenge for this week: Pick 5 donors you’re moving this week. Want the full Momentum system? If you liked this episode, you’ll love Mary’s Momentum webinar—a 60-minute training that walks you through the full 4-part system and shows you how to apply it to your real-life donor portfolio (even if you’re busy, overwhelmed, or new-ish to major gifts). This is an on-demand webinar so you can watch it anytime :) Watch the Momentum webinar here 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Your Major Gift Portfolio: How to Decide Who Gets Your Time This Week | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:28:51 | |
In this episode of the Hey Fundraiser podcast, Mary Petersen discusses the importance of portfolio triage in fundraising. She emphasizes that the scarce resource in major gifts is the fundraiser's time and attention, not the donors themselves. By categorizing donors into three priorities, fundraisers can focus their efforts on those most likely to give, ensuring that their time is spent effectively. Mary provides practical strategies for engaging with priority donors and highlights common mistakes to avoid in donor management. The episode concludes with a structured weekly triage plan to help fundraisers maintain focus and momentum in their efforts. Check out the Momentum Webinar here - it's pre-recorded so you can watch it immediately! #fundraising #donor management #major gifts #nonprofit strategy #donor engagement #fundraising tips 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| How to Know When Someone Is Ready to Be Asked for a Major Gift | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:27:46 | |
In this podcast episode, Mary Petersen discusses the critical signals that indicate when a donor is ready to be asked for a major gift. She emphasizes the importance of understanding engagement, values alignment, capacity, timing, and ownership signals. By recognizing these signals, fundraisers can approach potential donors with confidence and integrity, ensuring that the ask feels natural and appropriate. Petersen also introduces the concept of permission-based fundraising, which helps build a relationship that leads to successful major gift solicitations. Finally, she provides a scoring system to assess donor readiness and encourages fundraisers to focus on the right prospects to achieve their goals. #majorgifts #fundraising #permission-based fundraising #philanthropy #donorrelationships 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| The Permission-Based “Runway” to the Major Gift Ask (5 Questions That Make the Ask Easy) | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
In this episode, Mary Petersen discusses the concept of permission-based fundraising, emphasizing the importance of clarity and collaboration in donor relationships. She outlines five key questions that fundraisers can use to create a natural transition to asking for donations, ensuring that donors feel respected and engaged throughout the process. The episode also addresses how to handle vague responses from donors and provides practical homework for fundraisers to practice their skills. 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Why Donors Say No: The 5 Real Reasons (And the Fix for Each) | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:19:54 | |
In this episode, Mary Petersen discusses the common experience of receiving 'no' from donors in fundraising. She emphasizes that a 'no' often signifies a need for more information or clarity rather than a definitive rejection. Petersen outlines five key reasons why donors say no, including lack of clarity, misalignment of values, timing issues, decision-making dynamics, and the nature of the ask itself. She provides actionable strategies for fundraisers to address these concerns and turn potential rejections into opportunities for engagement and understanding. 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Silence After the Ask: How to Use It Without Being Weird (And What To Do Right After) | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:14:21 | |
In this episode of the Hey Fundraiser podcast, Mary Petersen discusses the critical importance of silence after making a major gift ask. She emphasizes that the moments following the ask are crucial for allowing donors to process their decision. Mary provides practical strategies for fundraisers to effectively use silence, avoid common pitfalls, and respond appropriately to donor reactions. The episode serves as a training session on how to enhance fundraising success through confident communication and understanding donor psychology. #fundraising #majorgifts #silence #donorengagement #fundraisingstrategies 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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| Valentine’s Day special: Fall Back in Love With Fundraising | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:09:58 | |
In this Valentine's Day special episode, Mary Petersen discusses the challenges of fundraising burnout and offers practical advice for rekindling passion for the work. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over task-oriented approaches and provides actionable steps to reconnect with donors and protect one's energy while maintaining high goals. The episode serves as a reminder that fundraisers are not alone in their struggles and can find meaning in their work through intentional actions. #fundraising, #relationshipbuilding, #donorengagement, #Valentine'sDay 🪑 The Small Table Intensive. Half a day. Build or rebuild your major gift program around fewer donors and deeper relationships, using the methodology from my book Small Table Big Philanthropy. 🎯 The Ask Workshop. Half a day. The exact words to use when it's time to ask for 5 and 6-figure gifts. Walk in nervous about the ask. Walk out with the script. More from Mary: 📘 Mary's books. What to Say and Small Table Big Philanthropy. The books behind the methodology. 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery. My step-by-step system for donor meetings that move the relationship forward. 👩🏻💻 Momentum Training. My complete packaging + ask system, all in one place. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
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