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:

1. How to divide your big fundraising goal into actionable quarterly milestones.
2. The importance of maintaining a prospect list full of ready-to-close donors.
3. How to build work-back plans for each prospect to keep you on track.
4. How to account for life’s distractions, from gala season to vacation time.
5. Why quarterly reviews are critical to staying proactive and hitting your targets.

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:

• Download your FREE Major Gift Fundraising Planner here

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:

If you want to lean in to how to set yourself up for getting to the ask quicker and having deeper relationships, check out this $47 masterclass.

Subscribe & Follow:

• If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to the Hey Fundraiser! podcast so you never miss an episode.
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Connect with Mary:

• Website: www.heyfundraiser.com
• Email: [email protected]

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🪑 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: ...