Hey Fundraiser!

Mary Petersen
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Join Mary Petersen as she shares inspiring and actionable advice for the busy nonprofit fundraiser | WWW.HEYFUNDRAISER.COM 

  1. 4 HRS AGO

    Silence After the Ask: How to Use It Without Being Weird (And What To Do Right After)

    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 Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    14 min

  2. JAN 30

    Why Donors Say No: The 5 Real Reasons (And the Fix for Each)

    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. #fundraising #nonprofit #fundraising strategies #fundraising success Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    20 min

  3. JAN 23

    The Permission-Based “Runway” to the Major Gift Ask (5 Questions That Make the Ask Easy)

    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. #fundraising #solicitation #nonprofit #majorgifts, #donorrelationships #fundraisingstrategy Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    17 min

  4. JAN 16

    How to Know When Someone Is Ready to Be Asked for a Major Gift

    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 Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    28 min

  5. JAN 10

    Your Major Gift Portfolio: How to Decide Who Gets Your Time This Week

    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 Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    29 min

  6. JAN 7

    The Momentum Method: How to Run Major Gifts Like a System (Not a Mood)

    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: What “mood-based major gifts” looks like (and why it’s so common)The 4 elements of the Momentum Method:PortfolioMajor Gift Materials (Outcomes + Offers)CultivationSolicitationA simple weekly operating rhythm to build real major gift momentumThe biggest reasons you feel stuck—and how to fix them with structure, not willpowerHow to stop “prepping” forever and start moving donors forward with confidenceYour simple challenge for this week: Pick 5 donors you’re moving this week. Write one clear next step for each. Schedule two outreach blocks on your calendar. That’s it. That’s the system. 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 Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    22 min

  7. 2025-12-19

    What to Say: 12 Gift Asks to Get a YES

    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! You’ll learn: -Why “asking” is a joyful, professional invitation—not “begging” -The 12 ask scripts and when to use each -The 5 elements of a strong ask -How to read head / heart / gut donors and tailor your language -A simple way to handle money, timing, fit, trust, and curveball objections -Confidence boosters to beat impostor syndrome (including my pre-ask pep-talk routine) -Common mistakes to avoid so you shorten time-to-gift 📘 What to Say: 12 Major Gift Asks to Get a Yes → BUY THE BOOK  🚀 Want coaching support? Major Gift Momentum cohorts → https://heyfundraiser.com/momentum Who this is for: New and seasoned MGOs, EDs at small–mid nonprofits, and anyone who wants practical, permission-based language to book meetings, design the ask, and handle objections with ease. #fundraising #majorgifts #nonprofit #donorrelations #whatToSay #askwithconfidence #permissionbasedfundraising Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    24 min

  8. 2025-11-03

    How Heather Closed $280,000 in 6 Weeks

    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.  Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com

    40 min
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About

Join Mary Petersen as she shares inspiring and actionable advice for the busy nonprofit fundraiser | WWW.HEYFUNDRAISER.COM 

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Petersen
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hey Fundraiser!
  • Show Website
    Hey Fundraiser!

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