Hey Fundraiser!
Welcome to Hey Fundraiser, the podcast for nonprofit Executive Directors and major gift officers who are done guessing.
Each week, host Mary Petersen pulls back the curtain on what actually works in major gifts. Not theory. Not whiteboard frameworks. Real scripts, real strategy, and the exact moves you can use in your next donor meeting. Mary spent 25+ years as a working major gift officer and built a methodology that closes 5 and 6-figure gifts in months, not years, by going deep with a focused portfolio instead of chasing volume.
If you've ever frozen up before an ask, stared at a "wish list" of donors with no idea who to call first, or wondered why the industry keeps telling you a major gift takes 18 months to close, this is your show.
You'll leave every episode with one clear thing to do on Monday morning. Hit follow and start building real momentum.
Hey Fundraiser!
Permission-Based Fundraising: The Secret to Better Donor Relationships and Bigger Gifts
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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:
- Build deeper trust with your donors
- Create donor-led momentum through every stage of Moves Management
- Eliminate awkward asks and surprise solicitations
- Get more joyful, generous YESes (and fewer no-shows, ghostings, or "let me think about it"s)
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:
- What permission-based fundraising is—and why it’s more powerful than pitch-based approaches
- The difference between “making the ask” and inviting a gift
- My favorite permission-based phrases you can use in donor meetings right now
- Why asking permission actually speeds up your major gift results
- How to keep the ball in your court while honoring the donor's autonomy
- The #1 question to ask before you ever solicit a gift
🔗 Resources & Links:
- Learn more about the Major Gift Ask Formula – Know exactly when it’s time to make the ask
- Explore our coaching programs and resources at www.heyfundraiser.com
10 Permission-Based Ask Examples for Fundraisers:
- “Would it be okay if I shared an idea that I think really aligns with your passion for [X]?”
- “When the timing feels right for you, I’d love to explore ways you could make a meaningful impact.”
- “Can I show you what your support could unlock — just to get your thoughts?”
- “Would you be open to hearing a vision we’re excited about — no pressure, just a conversation?”
- “If you're curious, I could walk you through a few giving opportunities that match what you've told me matters to you.”
- “Would it feel good to ex
🪑 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: ...