How to Close Major Gifts Faster—Without Rushing the Donor

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In this firecracker episode, Mary calls BS on the outdated “18-month cultivation” rule and walks you through how to build authentic, strategic donor relationships that lead to major gifts faster — without feeling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:

• Why loooong cultivation timelines are sabotaging your impact.
• The three things donors must be clear on to say “YES.”
• Five powerful ways to accelerate donor momentum without pressure.
• What to say instead of “can you support our work?” 🙃
• Why smaller portfolios = deeper relationships and bigger gifts.

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

• Website: heyfundraiser.com
• YouTube: @heyfundraisers
• Instagram: @heyfundraiser
• LinkedIn: ...