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

🪑 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: ...