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:

• 💡 Why unsolicited gifts happen — from “testing the waters” to avoiding a pitch.
• 🧭 The 4-step framework for responding to unexpected major gifts.
• 🗣️ How to thank donors thoughtfully and signal a bigger vision.
• 🤝 What to say (and not say) when you follow up.
• 🧩 When to “bless and release” vs. when to double down on cultivation.

Key Takeaways:

1. You didn’t blow it — unsolicited gifts are often a door opener, not a door closer.
2. Respond fast — thank within 24–48 hours and make it personal.
3. Signal there’s more — let donors know you have a bigger vision to share.
4. Re-engage with curiosity — ask discovery questions to uncover motivation.
5. Don’t chase endlessly — use Mary’s “three tries in three ways” rule before blessing and releasing.

🪑 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: ...