If your major gifts work is running on vibes—if you only do outreach when you feel confident, or you avoid the ask until you feel “100% ready”—this episode is your intervention (said with love).

In this conversation, Mary breaks down the Momentum Method, a simple system that helps you build steady progress in major gifts without relying on motivation, a perfect week, or a magical burst of confidence. You’ll learn the 4 core elements that create momentum—and a weekly rhythm to keep them moving.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “mood-based major gifts” looks like (and why it’s so common)
• The 4 elements of the Momentum Method:
  • Portfolio
  • Major Gift Materials (Outcomes + Offers)
  • Cultivation
  • Solicitation
• A simple weekly operating rhythm to build real major gift momentum
• The biggest reasons you feel stuck—and how to fix them with structure, not willpower
• How to stop “prepping” forever and start moving donors forward with confidence

Your simple challenge for this week:

Pick 5 donors you’re moving this week.
Write one clear next step for each.
Schedule two outreach blocks on your calendar.
That’s it. That’s the system.

Want the full Momentum system?

If you liked this episode, you’ll love Mary’s Momentum webinar—a 60-minute training that walks you through the full 4-part system and shows you how to apply it to your real-life donor portfolio (even if you’re busy, overwhelmed, or new-ish to major gifts). This is an on-demand webinar so you can watch it anytime :)

Watch the Momentum webinar here

🪑 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: ...