What if they get upset? What if I ask for too much? What if they think I only want their money?

Oh, for the love, fundraiser! We've got to stop having imaginary conversations with our donors and then making decisions on their behalf.

In this episode of Hey Fundraiser!, Mary tackles the fears, assumptions, and negative self-talk that keep fundraisers thinking small, acting small, and raising smaller gifts.

We're talking about showing up authentically, being unapologetic about being a fundraiser, asking for permission to ask, and trusting donors to make their own philanthropic decisions.

Because here's the thing: Your job isn't to decide what a donor will give. Your job is to give them the opportunity.

Stop letting fear do your fundraising. Your mission deserves better!

🎓 The Professional Development Budget Kit. Free Download! Everything you need to get your organization to say "yes" to funding your growth: templates, talking points, and an ROI calculator.

💸 Major Gift Intensives. We're headed to 6 cities in 2027. Are we headed to yours? Join us for a 3 day deep dive into major gifts! Only 30 seats per city.

🌻 The 2027 Growth Pass. Only 5 seats available. The Growth Pass bundles Mary's three flagship live experiences into one powerful year of learning. One Major Gift Intensive. One Ask Workshop. One Small Table Intensive.

🪑 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 scripts.

💻 Connect with Mary Petersen

• Website: heyfundraiser.com
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